Are you one of more than 37 million Americans suffering from sinusitis? This common condition restricts the sinuses from draining properly resulting in minor to severe discomfort ranging from headaches to sore throats to constant nasal congestion and facial pain-all because of the pressure. FDA-approved balloon sinuplasty can alleviate the problems, explains Jeffrey Raval, MD FACS, American-Board certified in ear, nose and throat, facial plastic surgery and head and neck surgery.

Dr. Raval regularly performs this procedure, considered to be one of the most revolutionary advances in the practice of ear, nose and throat medicine in the last 15 years. The half-hour surgery performed under general anesthesia is performed through the nostrils and is the least invasive of any type of nose surgery. Known as The Nose Guy among fellow surgeons in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Raval explains that balloon sinuplasty is based on the same principal as balloon angioplasty for the heart. A deflated balloon is guided on a wire catheter up through the nostrils to the source of the blockage and then is inflated just enough to clear the passage, allowing appropriate drainage to occur. Once accomplished, the balloon is deflated and removed.

In the process, the cartilage in the nose is actually spread apart with minimal pain because the bones in the sinus drain are small, soft and malleable. This procedure is an alternative to Function Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) in which passageways are enlarged through removal of bone and tissue. Instead, says Dr. Raval, balloon sinuplasty eliminates the need to pack the nose with gauze post-op which would be required to stop bleeding following a FESS. Another benefit of balloon sinuplasty is that other treatments can still be given so options are not limited if the patient has a more severe or progressive disease requiring further therapy.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the surgery as a viable solution to sinusitis and because the procedure requires no incisions, no bruising or swelling results. Patients can return to normal activity the next day. Now that’s a breath of fresh air. Consult Dr. Raval to find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Balloon sinuplasty may be covered by Medicare or other insurance providers.

Raval Facial Aesthetics is located at 250 Steele St. in Denver, CO. The phone number is 303.381-FACE (3223).

My nose is slightly disproportionate, but not so bad that I need surgery. In fact I don’t think most people can tell my nose is off-kilter unless I’m looking at them straight on and not moving, not even talking. Now that I’m staring into the eyes of my fiancé, I’d like to think he thinks I’m perfect. Is there anything that can be done besides a full-blown nose job?

Clarice—28 years old, Englewood, CO resident engaged to be married in the fall of 2008.

Dr. Raval: Clarice, everyone’s nose is slightly asymmetrical. In cases like yours when a nose isn’t necessarily oversized but is just a little uneven, the newest advancement is simply injecting filler into the smaller side of the nose to plump it up slightly to the same shape as the other side. This works too for small bumps on the bridge of the nose. You just want your nose to look even and not detract from the rest of your face.

The 15 minute nose job uses injectables like Perlane to fill in where needed. Any dents or creases can be eliminated and both sides can be made equal. We numb you up a little prior to treatment with a topical anesthetic ointment and in only 15 minutes, your nose will be ideally balanced. The nice thing about Perlane is that it lasts up to a year and because it’s hyaluronic-based there’s no risk of an allergic reaction.

Call our office for an appointment to see if this isn’t the first option you should consider before weighing a full-blown nose job or rhinoplasty as it’s called in medical terms. Our office number is 303.381.FACE (3223).

Q: I have considered plastic surgery on my nose before, but now at age 27 I broke my nose in a charity powder puff football game. Yes, it was brutal. And not only is it crooked, but I can’t breathe the same. What do I need and what do I tell the Doctor when I go in for a consultation? I want it functional and aesthetically pleasing and I’d like to convey that without saying, “Hey Doc, how ’bout a nose job?”

A: Good question.  Any type of plastic surgery on the nose is generally called rhinoplasty. Granted, this can be discomforting considering the mental image conjured by the word “rhino.” But fret not, rhino means nose and plastic surgery on the nose ranges from full cosmetic reconstruction to noninvasive out-patient procedures to help sinuses.

The new nose guide.

Do you have a humped nose, crooked nose, tension nose, traumatic nose or saddle nose?

Rhinoplasty is for you if…

Form:

You don’t like how your nose looks.  It could be too big, too pointy or have an unwanted bump.  A rhinoplasty can correct it and improve the look of the whole face.

An injury changed your nose and your appearance.  Simply realigning nasal bones that may have been fractured and removing crushed cartilage can correct the nose.  Even if the nose appears twisted or flattened, it can be corrected in approximately two hours.

Function:

You have trouble breathing. A deviated septum can be corrected and nasal passages can be enlarged to ensure breathing with ease.

You suffer from sinusitis. A special type of rhinoplasty called balloon sinuplasty can clear your nasal passages in order to allow sinus drainage.  Headaches, facial pain and congestion are among the symptoms that can be alleviated.

Slightly reshape the nose:

Closed rhinoplasty is the way to go. Incisions are made within the nose and it is slightly rearranged to achieve desired shape. This is done by removing bone and cartilage and then reshaping skin and tissue around the structure. This can typically be performed in 1 to 2 hours

Completely reshape the nose:

An open rhinoplasty is required. The incisions are made on the strip of skin separating the nostrils. Then the bone and tissue is rearranged to the desired shape and the incisions are closed immediately. Following the procedure, an external splint will need to be worn for 6-8 days to ensure proper healing. This procedure takes less than two hours.

Clear sinusitis:

This cutting-edge procedure does not require incisions. A balloon is inserted into the nostrils by using a wire catheter and the balloon is only inflated up to a quarter inch when inside the nasal passages in order to clear them. This is only a 30 minute procedure that typical needs less than 24 hours for full recovery.