At NSIBR in Boca Raton, Balloon Septoplasty is performed as an in-office procedure to correct a deviated septum without traditional surgical instruments. During the procedure, a small balloon is placed in the nostril and positioned against the area of deviation. It’s inflated, deflated, and removed, then repeated on the opposite side and again as needed until the septum sits in a straighter, more central position. Because it’s minimally invasive, the procedure can be performed on its own or combined with other nasal procedures during the same visit, including Balloon Sinuplasty, turbinate reduction, polyp removal, or rhinoplasty.
The septum is the wall of thin bone and cartilage that divides the left and right sides of the nasal cavity. When it’s bent or deviated, it can block airflow and contribute to chronic sinus problems. A deviated septum is quite common; research reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, estimates that anywhere from roughly one in five to more than half of adults have some degree of septal deviation, though not all cases cause symptoms severe enough to require treatment.
Traditional septoplasty corrects this surgically, whereas Balloon Septoplasty takes a different approach entirely. Instead of removing tissue, a specially designed airway balloon gently reshapes and repositions the existing cartilage and bone, guiding the septum back toward the midline. No tissue is cut or taken out.
Peer-reviewed case literature has described balloon-based septal correction as less traumatic than conventional septoplasty, with a low reported rate of complications. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, though at the Nose and Sinus Institute of Boca Raton, all nose and sinus procedures are performed under a light anesthetic so patients feel no discomfort.
No nasal packing is required. Thin splints are typically placed to hold the septum in its corrected position while it heals and are usually removed within a week.
A deviated septum may cause one or more of the following symptoms:
Both procedures are designed to correct a deviated septum, but they’re suited to different situations. Here’s how the two compare:
Invasiveness: Balloon Septoplasty for a deviated septum, reshapes and repositions the septum without cutting or removing any tissue. Traditional septoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves an incision and the removal or trimming of deviated cartilage and strongone.
Setting: Balloon Septoplasty is performed in-office, often during the same visit as a consultation, and can be stronge paired with other in-office procedures such as Balloon Sinuplasty. Traditional septoplasty is typically performed in a surgical or hospital setting under anesthesia.
Recovery: Most Balloon Septoplasty patients return to work and normal activities the next day. Traditional septoplasty recovery generally takes about astrongout a week, with some swelling and restricted activity during that time.
Best fit: Balloon Septoplasty tends to work best strongest for mild to moderate septal deviations, particularly those located toward the front of the nose. More severe or complex deviations, or cases combined comstrongined with structural rhinoplasty, are usually better strongetter addressed with traditional septoplasty. During a consultation, Dr. Nachlas or Dr. Hancock will confirm which approach fits your anatomy.
The right candidate for Balloon Septoplasty depends on the severity and exact location of the deviation. Some deviations are best addressed with traditional septoplasty instead, which is why a thorough evaluation with Dr. Nachlas or Dr. Hancock is an essential first step.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
One of the biggest benefits of Balloon Septoplasty is its short recovery time. Whether performed alone or combined with a procedure such as Balloon Sinuplasty, patients typically go home the same day and return to work and daily activities the next day.
Some discomfort, fatigue, swelling, or mild pain in the days following treatment is normal. Your surgeon will provide detailed recovery guidelines to support healing, including avoiding strenuous activity and following any prescribed medication as directed.
Balloon Septoplasty can meaningfully improve quality of life for patients affected by a deviated septum. Benefits include:
Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon who specializes in nasal procedures significantly reduces the risks associated with Balloon Septoplasty. Potential risks include:
Dr. Nachlas and Dr. Hancock have helped countless Boca Raton patients find lasting relief from a deviated septum without the downtime of traditional surgery. Schedule your consultation today to find out if Balloon Septoplasty is right for you.
Conveniently located in Boca Raton, our ENT doctors serve Boca Raton and all surrounding communities in Palm Beach and Broward Counties
Balloon Sinuplasty and Balloon Septoplasty both use a balloon device, but they treat different problems. Balloon Sinuplasty opens blocked sinus passages to relieve chronic sinusitis, while Balloon Septoplasty corrects a deviated septum to improve airflow through the nostrils. Many patients have both conditions and can have both procedures performed together in the same office visit.
Septoplasty procedures are performed on the inside of the nose to restore breathing. The deformity rarely extends to the bridge of the nose, in which case a more extensive procedure might be necessary. Sometimes a rhinoplasty may be recommended to straighten the outside of the nose as well. As a rule, straightening the septum does not affect the appearance of the nose.
Four areas of the nose are thoroughly examined for nasal obstruction: the nasal valves, the septum, the turbinates, and the sinuses. Nasal obstruction is usually multifactorial with each problem effectively addressed during one appointment in a painless, minimally invasive fashion. Other nose and sinus procedures commonly performed during the same session as the Balloon Septoplasty to provide comprehensive relief include:
5 STAR RATINGS
I drove three hours to meet Dr Hancock and have her operate on my nose. Her expert care and staff helped my through a difficult experience I’m having. The entire staff and office staff are nice caring and really professional. I’m so blessed to be in their care.
Robert Edlow 
Very knowledgeable doctors that helped me with all my sinus and nasal issues. Dr. Nachlas and Hancock are really the best at what they do and happy I found this place. Also Sandy was so nice and walked through everything in detail each step of the way. Will certainly recommend to others!
Koral Duygulu
My experience was great from start to finish. The entire staff was very professional and helpful. Dr. Nachlas is best at what he does. I can actually breath better and feel more energetic through out the day. My sleeping has improved as well.
Dee
I drove three hours to meet Dr Hancock and have her operate on my nose. Her expert care and staff helped my through a difficult experience I’m having. The entire staff and office staff are nice caring and really professional. I’m so blessed to be in their care.
Robert Edlow
Very knowledgeable doctors that helped me with all my sinus and nasal issues. Dr. Nachlas and Hancock are really the best at what they do and happy I found this place. Also Sandy was so nice and walked through everything in detail each step of the way. Will certainly recommend to others!
Koral Duygulu
My experience was great from start to finish. The entire staff was very professional and helpful. Dr. Nachlas is best at what he does. I can actually breath better and feel more energetic through out the day. My sleeping has improved as well.
Dee
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(561) 939-0900
Dr. Melyssa Hancock is a board-certified otolaryngologist and fellowship-trained rhinologist at Northside Institute of Balloons and Rhinology. She specializes in advanced medical and surgical treatments for sinus, nasal, and skull base disorders.