Sinus infection, headaches, sinusitis- if you are someone that suffers from one of these conditions on a chronic level then you know what a real pain they can be to deal with. Chronic sinusitis is defined by enthealth.org as experiencing sinus symptoms for more than 12 weeks. No one wants to deal with a constant symptoms explained by Mayo Clinic as including: nasal discharge, postnasal drip, trouble breathing, loss of your sense of smell, pain and tenderness in your sinuses and eyes, coughing, bad breath, throat pain, fatigue, earaches and of course irritability (who wouldn’t be irritable being bombarded by all those symptoms?).

Typically a traditional method to help remedy chronic sinusitis was to undergo rhinoplasty, also commonly called a “nose job.” However, having to go through this type of surgery often means lots of downtimes, possible complications, and recovery time. Many individuals do not want to have to deal with those aspects and choose to just deal with the pain by using antibiotics that only take the edge off.

Luckily, you have other options. This article will shed some light on rhinoplasty, sinuplasty, and which is more beneficial.

Rhinoplasty

The Procedure

When you think of rhinoplasty you likely think about it being a purely cosmetic procedure. While it is a way to reshape or reduce your nose for aesthetic purposes, it can also be used to remedy structural defects like a deviated septum.

During a rhinoplasty procedure, general or local anesthesia will be used depending on your specific needs. There are two types of rhinoplasty: open and closed. The only difference between the two is how the doctor accesses the inside nose structures. During open surgery, your doctor will make an incision to lift the skin of your nose upwards. In a closed surgery, the incisions are all made internally so there is no external scarring.

Once the doctor has gained access, he will then restructure the nose which may include the breaking and removal of cartilage, and sometimes rebuilding of cartilage in certain areas. Once complete, you will be stitched up and splinted for healing.

Risks

According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some of the potential risks associated with rhinoplasty are:

• Risks from the use of anesthesia
• Infection
• Healing or scarring issues
• Loss of feeling or pain in the area
• Perforation in the septum that may or may not be treatable with further surgery.
• Breathing difficulty
• Discoloration
• Swelling
• Need for revisional surgeries
• Dissatisfied with appearance

Recovery

Besides the risk involved, recovery may be rough. For the first week, you will need to wear a splint and possibly packing inside of your nose. You can expect bruising and swelling that can last for a few weeks. It can also take up to one year for your nose to completely change into its permanent shape.

Cost

Finally, this procedure can put a pretty good dent in some budgets. According to plasticsurgery.org, the average cost of a rhinoplasty procedure in 2018 was $5,350. However, the procedure cost can vary widely. The average cost for the statistic was only a base cost. It does not include other aspects you must pay for including anesthesia and hospital and operating room costs.

Sinuplasty

Sinuplasty, or balloon sinuplasty, is a fairly new procedure that was approved by the FDA as an effective procedure in 2005. It improves upon the traditional surgery options for people experiencing sinus issues that cannot be controlled through medication. It is safer and less invasive than a rhinoplasty procedure.

The Procedure

During your sinuplasty, your doctor will use a tiny camera called an endoscope to properly place a catheter into your blocked sinus cavity. The catheter is equipped with a very small balloon which is slowly inflated to open up the nasal passage and restructure the bones around your sinuses. Any excess fluid will also be drained. Once complete, the balloon is removed. Since the procedure is less invasive, many doctors choose to do the procedure at their office using local anesthesia.

Some benefits include:

• Minimal bleeding
• No incisions or scarring
• The procedure typically only takes about an hour
• Lower overall cost
• Shorter recovery time
• Less invasive
• Fewer risks
• Can be done in an office, in some cases
• Covered by many insurance companies
• No need for a hospital stay

Risks

Hudson Valley-based sinuplasty expert, Ran Y. Rubinstein has performed many sinus procedures helping people get their lives back. However, as with any procedure, there are potential risks. The list of possible risks associated with a sinuplasty procedure is much shorter than with traditional surgeries and include:

• Infection
• Trauma to tissues and mucous membranes
• In rare cases optic injury or intracranial complications
• Slight change to nose appearance

Recovery

After your sinuplasty is complete, you will likely be able to resume normal activities within a day or two. Many people are even able to drive themselves home after the procedure. For about a week, you may experience drainage, swelling, congestion, and fatigue. Once that week is over you should be symptom-free and well-recovered.

Since the recovery time is so much faster, the worst thing will be that you won’t be able to blow your nose for a day or two. You will also need to limit demanding activities to keep your heart rate and blood pressure low. Sometimes sinus drainage from any procedure involving them makes sleeping difficult. You can sleep with your head elevated to relieve any discomfort you are experiencing.

Cost

Most insurance companies recognize that a sinuplasty is strictly for symptom relief as opposed to something that is just being done for cosmetic purposes. Thus, most insurance companies will cover procedural costs. Also, since this type of procedure can be done in an office setting, the cost can be kept low. Expensive hospital and operating room costs, as well as other associated costs from going to the hospital, are eliminated.

Similar to rhinoplasty surgeries, sinuplasty costs will vary depending on your specific case. The type of anesthesia, location, and the doctor performing the procedure will all affect the total cost. However, regardless of your situation, sinuplasty will almost always be less expensive than rhinoplasty.