Who is a Good Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?

If you’ve struggled with chronic sinus pressure, congestion, or infections that never seem to go away, you may have wondered whether balloon sinuplasty could be the solution. This minimally invasive procedure has helped thousands of patients breathe easier and find long-term relief from chronic sinus issues without the need for traditional sinus surgery. But who is a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty, exactly?

At Kaplan Sinus Relief, Dr. Michael Kaplan has spent years helping patients identify the source of their sinus problems and guiding them toward the right treatment options. As one of Houston’s leading ENT specialists and a pioneer in balloon sinuplasty, Dr. Kaplan has performed thousands of successful procedures that have changed patients’ lives by restoring clear, comfortable breathing.

If chronic sinus problems are disrupting your daily routine — causing headaches, fatigue, or constant congestion — it may be time to find out if balloon sinuplasty is right for you. Schedule an appointment with Kaplan Sinus Relief to discover your path to lasting sinus health.

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How do I know if I need a balloon sinuplasty?

Many people who suffer from long-term sinus issues assume that congestion, pressure, or facial pain are simply part of life. However, these symptoms often signal an underlying problem that can be treated effectively with balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty is designed to address chronic sinusitis, a condition in which the sinus passages become inflamed and blocked, preventing proper drainage. Over time, this blockage can lead to recurring infections, persistent discomfort, and even sleep disturbances.

The procedure is fast and simple:

1. The otolaryngologist inserts a small, flexible balloon into the sinus cavity.
2. Once inflated, the balloon gently widens the blocked passageways, allowing for proper airflow and drainage.
3. The result is long-term symptom relief and improved breathing.

Here are some of the most common conditions that can indicate you may be a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty:

Chronic allergies

If you suffer from seasonal or year-round allergies that lead to nasal inflammation and congestion, balloon sinuplasty can help open blocked sinus pathways. While it doesn’t treat the allergies themselves, it can alleviate the secondary symptoms — like pressure and drainage issues — that often accompany allergic reactions.

Chronic cough

Postnasal drip from blocked sinuses can cause a lingering cough that doesn’t respond well to typical treatments. By restoring sinus drainage, balloon sinuplasty can help eliminate one of the root causes of chronic coughing, offering relief where cough suppressants or inhalers fall short.

Frequent infections

If you find yourself battling sinus infections several times a year, or if your infections seem to return soon after antibiotic treatment, you may have an anatomical blockage in your sinuses. Balloon sinuplasty helps correct that structural issue, allowing your sinuses to stay clear and reducing the risk of future infections.

Sinus headache

Chronic sinus pressure can lead to persistent headaches, especially around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. Because balloon sinuplasty improves sinus drainage and reduces inflammation, many patients experience significant reductions in headache frequency and severity after the procedure.

Sinus snoring

Blocked sinuses can contribute to nighttime congestion and snoring by forcing you to breathe through your mouth. By reopening nasal passages, balloon sinuplasty can improve airflow and reduce snoring, helping both you and your partner sleep better.

Who is not a candidate for balloon sinuplasty?

While balloon sinuplasty is an effective solution for many patients, it’s not the best option for everyone. In general, it’s intended for individuals with chronic sinusitis caused by anatomical blockage, not for those with severe structural deformities or active infections that require surgical correction.

You may not be a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty if you:

• Have nasal polyps or significant tissue growth that obstructs the sinuses
• Have a deviated septum or other structural issue that requires septoplasty
• Deal with acute sinus infections or fungal sinusitis
• Have tumors or cysts in the sinus cavity
• Have previously undergone multiple sinus surgeries with scarring that limits access

If balloon sinuplasty isn’t right for you, Kaplan Sinus Relief offers a full spectrum of ENT treatments designed to address the underlying cause of your sinus problems. Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Kaplan may recommend:

• Septoplasty to correct a deviated septum and improve nasal airflow
• Turbinate reduction to relieve chronic congestion caused by enlarged turbinates
• Endoscopic sinus surgery for patients requiring more extensive correction or removal of nasal polyps
• Allergy testing and treatment to manage chronic allergic reactions that contribute to sinus inflammation
• NEUROMARK to manage chronic rhinitis symptoms such as post-nasal drip, runny nose, and constant throat clearing

Dr. Kaplan takes a personalized approach to every case, helping patients understand their options and guiding them toward the most effective treatment plan — whether or not that includes balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty — FAQ

Considering balloon sinuplsty? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

How painful is a balloon sinuplasty?

One of the biggest advantages of balloon sinuplasty is its comfort and convenience compared to traditional sinus surgery. The procedure is typically performed in-office under local anesthesia, meaning patients remain awake but feel minimal discomfort. Most describe a sensation of mild pressure rather than pain as the balloon inflates to open the sinus passages.

Because the procedure does not involve cutting or removing bone or tissue, recovery is remarkably quick. Many patients return to work or normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Minor congestion or tenderness may occur for a day or two, but serious side effects are rare. For most patients, the procedure feels more like a dental cleaning than a surgery: quick, simple, and life-changing.

How much does balloon sinuplasty cost?

The cost of balloon sinuplasty can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your condition, whether both sides of the sinuses are treated, and your insurance coverage. On average, patients can expect the cost to range from $3,000 to $7,000 per procedure, though many insurance plans — including Medicare — cover balloon sinuplasty when it’s deemed medically necessary.

At Kaplan Sinus Relief, our team helps patients verify their insurance benefits before the procedure so there are no surprises. For those without coverage, flexible payment options are available to make treatment more accessible. The best way to determine your out-of-pocket cost is to schedule a consultation; Dr. Kaplan and his team can provide a personalized estimate and help you understand your coverage.

Is balloon sinuplasty worth it? 

Ask yourself: Are you tired of living with chronic sinus pain, congestion, or pressure? For many patients, balloon sinuplasty represents a turning point — a chance to breathe freely after years of sinus discomfort. The procedure is quick, safe, and provides long-lasting relief with minimal downtime. Most importantly, it directly addresses one of the most common causes of sinus problems: blocked sinus pathways.

Clinical studies show that balloon sinuplasty has a success rate exceeding 90%, with most patients reporting significant improvement in sinus-related symptoms and quality of life. Unlike medications or temporary treatments, it addresses the physical obstruction behind chronic sinusitis, often providing years of relief after a single treatment.

Are you a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty? Schedule a visit to find out.

So, who is a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty? If you have been struggling with chronic sinusitis and are ready to improve your quality of life, balloon sinuplasty may offer you long-term relief.

When searching for an ENT near me for this procedure, Dr. Michael Kaplan was among the first ENT specialists in Houston to perform in-office balloon sinuplasty. His extensive experience and advanced training have made him one of the region’s most trusted names in minimally invasive sinus care. Under his guidance, patients can expect compassionate care, accurate diagnosis, and effective, lasting results.

Ready to find out if balloon sinuplasty is right for you? Schedule your appointment with Kaplan Sinus Relief today and take the first step toward breathing easier, sleeping better, and feeling like yourself again.

More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:

• NEUROMARK vs ClariFix: Which Is Right for Me?
• 5 Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty Surgery
• What Is an ENT Specialist?
• Understanding the Link Between GERD and Sinusitis
• How to Relieve a Swollen Ear Canal