Sinus Surgery in Los Angeles

Some people have problems with their sinuses that require surgery. New techniques, such as endoscopic sinus surgery, often allow relief from sinus symptoms such as persistent infections that appear like colds or allergies, sinus pain, headaches, or difficulty breathing. At Rodeo Drive Rhinoplasty, we are pleased to offer the latest techniques in Los Angeles sinus surgery. Below is some general information about sinus surgery, including endoscopic sinus surgery. For more information, please contact our Los Angeles sinus center at 310-550-6300.

Facts about Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

• 80% to 90% of people report a considerable reduction in symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery.
  
  
• Endoscopic sinus surgery was introduced in the 1960s but did not become widely used in the U.S. until the 1980s.
  
  
• The endoscope, which utilizes modern fiberoptic technology, allows surgeons to see inside the sinuses without cutting the face, and makes it possible to see parts of the sinuses that were formerly difficult to reach.
  
  
• 37 million Americans - about 15% of the population - experience symptoms of sinusitis every year.
  
  
• It is estimated that 1% to 2% of adults in the U.S. have lost their sense of smell and taste to a significant degree.

Have you ever had a cold or allergy attack that wouldn't go away? If so, there is actually a good chance you actually had sinusitis. Experts estimate that 37 million people are afflicted with sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health conditions in the US. That number may be significantly higher, since the symptoms of bacterial sinusitis often mimic those of colds or allergies, and many sufferers never see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic.

What is Sinusitis?

Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It often is preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation by environmental pollutants. Unlike a cold, or allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires a physician's diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic to cure the infection and prevent complications.

Normally, mucus collecting in the sinuses drains into the nasal passages. When you have a cold or allergy attack, your sinuses become inflamed and are unable to drain. This can lead to congestion and infection. Diagnosis of sinusitis usually is based on a physical examination and a careful review of your symptoms. Your doctor also may use x-rays or CT scans of your sinuses to confirm the diagnosis.

When Acute Sinusitis Becomes Chronic

When you have frequent sinusitis, or the infection lasts three months or more, it could be chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be less severe than those of acute; however, untreated chronic sinusitis can cause damage to the sinuses and cheekbones that sometimes requires surgery to repair. Chronic sinusitis is thus a serious problem.

Treating Sinusitis

Bacterial sinusitis: Therapy for bacterial sinusitis should include an appropriate antibiotic. If you have symptoms of sinusitis, be sure to see your doctor for diagnosis. In addition to an antibiotic, an oral or nasal spray or drop decongestant may be recommended to relieve congestion, although you should avoid prolonged use of nonprescription nasal sprays or drops. Inhaling steam or using saline nasal sprays or drops can help relieve sinus discomfort.

Chronic Sinusitis

If your doctor thinks you have chronic sinusitis, intensive antibiotic therapy may be prescribed. Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove physical obstructions that may contribute to sinusitis.

Sinus Surgery in Los Angeles

Sinus surgery should be considered if medical treatment fails. Sometimes it is performed when there is a nasal obstruction that cannot be corrected with medications. The type of surgery is chosen to best suit the patient and the disease. Surgery can be performed under the upper lip, behind the eyebrow, next to the nose or scalp, or inside the nose itself. Often it is performed in a noninvasive manner, through endoscopic sinus surgery.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is recommended for certain types of sinus disease. With the endoscope, the surgeon can look directly into the nose. At the same time, your surgeon can remove diseased tissue and polyps and clean the narrow channels between the sinuses. The decision whether to use local or general anesthesia will be made between you and your doctor, depending on your individual circumstances.

Before surgery it is important to have realistic expectations for the results, recovery, and postoperative care. Good results require not only good surgical techniques, but also an ongoing cooperative effort between you and your surgeon throughout the healing process. It is equally important to closely follow pre- and postoperative instructions.

Los Angeles Sinus Surgery is a functional, non-cosmetic surgery. As such, it is sometimes covered by insurance. Please contact us for more information.

Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery
421 North Rodeo Drive
Terrace Level South (Second Floor)
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
T 310 550 6300
F 310 550 6363

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Rodeo Drive Rhinoplasty is located in Beverly Hills and serves the Los Angeles area and all of California. We specialize in Beverly Hills rhinoplasty and nasal surgery (including Los Angeles septoplasty) and "nose job" in California. We also provide revision rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills and ethnic rhinoplasty in Los Angeles for Hispanic, Asian, and African American nose surgery. We offer sinus surgery and breathing surgery as well as snoring surgery.