Sinus Surgery Specialist

Downtown ENT: B. Thuy Le, MD

Otolaryngologist located in New York, NY

You don’t have to put up with painful chronic or recurrent sinus infections that interfere with your breathing and daily routine. B. Thuy Le, MD, a skilled, board-certified otolaryngologist at Downtown ENT, located in SoHo, Manhattan, effectively treats sinusitis with surgery and medical management. If you need sinus surgery, arrange a consultation with Dr. Le by calling the office or requesting one online today.

212-518-1785

Sinus Surgery Q&A

When do I need sinus surgery?

Most cases of sinusitis resolve themselves after simple treatments, such as medications, saline and decongestants. However, if your sinuses are chronically blocked or inflamed, have sinus polyps, or if you have recurrent bouts of sinusitis, Dr. Le provides lasting relief with surgery.

Depending on what's causing your sinusitis, Dr. Le may:

Remove infected or damaged tissue
Enlarge blocked sinus openings with balloon sinuplasty
Remove polyps or other growths
Remove septal bone and cartilage (for deviated septum)

After Dr. Le performs surgery to correct your sinusitis, she recommends preventive care to minimize your risk of reinfection or inflammation. Preventive care may include medication and antibiotics.

What is a deviated septum?

The septum consists of the bone and cartilage that run down the center of your nose, dividing it into two. Sometimes the septum deviates, or curves away from the center, and blocks one of your nostrils, making it difficult to breathe.

Approximately 80% of people have a septum that is at least slightly deviated. Most deviated septums don't interfere with breathing. However, if your deviation is severe, it may be contributing to your sinusitis. Deviated septums may also cause sleep apnea and snoring.

What is deviated septum surgery?

When your septum is deviated enough to contribute to sinusitis or is causing other breathing or sleeping problems, Dr. Le recommends surgical correction. Under local anesthesia, she makes a small incision in your septum and then removes excess tissue to clear your breathing passages.

What is balloon sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is an innovative, nonsurgical procedure that widens your sinus cavities. It's an outpatient procedure, needs no incisions, and has a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.

Dr. Le inserts a guide-wire catheter that carries a small, deflated balloon through your nostri into the affected sinusl. Once the balloon has been positioned in your sinus, Dr. Le gently and gradually inflates the balloon, so that it opens and widens the blocked sinus passageway.

After the balloon has successfully cleared the blockage in your sinus, Dr. Le deflates the balloon and withdraws it. Your sinus is then wider and free from blockage. You should be able to breathe normally after your sinuplasty.

You don't have to suffer from chronic or recurrent sinusitis. Start your journey toward healing by calling Downtown ENT or booking a consultation online today.