Chronic sinus problems are one of the most common reasons people see an ENT in Southwest Florida, where seasonal allergens and humidity keep sinuses busy year-round.
If medications and rinses stop working, an ENT may recommend a procedure to open blocked sinuses. Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive option often done in-office under local anesthesia, while functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a more involved operation for advanced disease or polyps. Many Sarasota-area ENTs, including the Silverstein Institute and Intercoastal Medical Group, offer both. Costs vary widely with setting (office vs. surgery center), anesthesia and how many sinuses are treated, and most procedures are insurance-covered when medically necessary.
Minimally invasive opening of blocked sinuses using a small balloon, typically under local anesthesia with quick recovery.
Same technique performed at an ambulatory surgery center, sometimes with sedation.
Endoscopic removal of diseased tissue or polyps and widening of sinus drainage pathways for more advanced disease.
Surgical correction of a deviated septum to improve nasal airflow, often combined with sinus work.
A Florida medical license lets a physician practice, but board certification is the signal that a doctor completed accredited residency training and passed rigorous exams in their specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board that matches the care you need — and verify it yourself.
Procedure facts on this page draw on authoritative medical sources. Confirm specifics in a consultation.
American Academy of Otolaryngology — ENThealth ↗AAO-HNS ↗Choose a board-certified doctor — and verify it yourself:
ABMS — Certification Matters ↗ Look up any U.S. physician’s board certification across all 24 ABMS member specialty boards. Florida DOH — License Verification ↗ Confirm an active Florida license and review any disciplinary history. NPI Registry (CMS) ↗ Verify a provider’s national identifier and registered specialty taxonomy. Medicare Care Compare ↗ Compare clinicians, hospitals and facilities on quality measures.