In-office balloon sinuplasty · San Diego
Say goodbye to sinus pressure. Breathe like yourself again.
When sprays, antibiotics, and allergy meds keep failing, the problem is often blocked sinus openings — not willpower. Balloon sinuplasty opens those passages in the office, without hospital surgery.
No cutting or bone removal
Resume activity as soon as the next day
Most PPO & Medicare plans
96% report meaningful symptom relief
No cutting or bone removal
Resume activity as soon as the next day
Most PPO & Medicare plans
96% report meaningful symptom relief
Prefer to talk to someone?
4033 Third Ave #104, San Diego CA 92103
Free sinus consult
Find out if you are a candidate
Takes about two minutes. We verify coverage before you come in.
In-office balloon sinuplasty · San Diego
Say goodbye to sinus pressure. Breathe like yourself again.
When sprays, antibiotics, and allergy meds keep failing, the problem is often blocked sinus openings — not willpower. Balloon sinuplasty opens those passages in the office, without hospital surgery.
No cutting or bone removal
Resume activity as soon as the next day
Most PPO & Medicare plans
96% report meaningful symptom relief
No cutting or bone removal
Resume activity as soon as the next day
Most PPO & Medicare plans
96% report meaningful symptom relief
Free sinus consult
Find out if you are a candidate
Takes about two minutes. We verify coverage before you come in.
Prefer to talk to someone?
4033 Third Ave #104, San Diego CA 92103
Board-certified ENT
Dr. Chadwick Donaldson is a Diplomat of the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Done in the office
No hospital stay, no cutting, and no bone removal. Local anesthesia.
About one to two hours
Most visits, including prep, take 1.5–2 hours.
Most insurance accepted
Covered by most PPO plans and Medicare when medically necessary.
If this sounds like you
Chronic sinusitis is not “just allergies.”
Balloon sinuplasty may help patients with recurring infections, facial pressure, congestion, or symptoms that keep coming back after medication.
Recurring sinus infections that keep coming back
Facial pressure, pain, or a heavy forehead
Congestion that sprays and antibiotics never quite fix
Lost sense of smell or taste during flare-ups
Allergy seasons that turn into weeks of infection
How balloon sinuplasty works
Simple. Gentle. Done while you are in the chair.
A small balloon is placed in the sinus opening, inflated to remodel the passage, then removed. The lining stays. The drainage path stays open.
01
Dilation
A small balloon catheter is guided into the blocked sinus passageway.
02
Expansion
The balloon is gently inflated to open the natural drainage pathways.
03
Recovery
The balloon is deflated and removed. The passages stay open so mucus can drain.
Your vist
Medical support, on a clear timeline.
01
Tell us what you have already tried
A small balloon catheter is guided into the blocked sinus passageway.
02
Consult with Dr. Chadwick Donaldson
The balloon is gently inflated to open the natural drainage pathways.
03
In-office balloon, then home
Local anesthesia, same-day visit, then consistent rinsing after.
Your physician
Board-certified otolaryngologist, Tulane-trained physician, Navy veteran, and former Chief of Otolaryngology at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.
Diplomat, American Board of Otolaryngology
M.D., Tulane University School of Medicine
Residency, Naval Medical Center San Diego
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Patient stories
Real relief, from this office.
“I felt super comfortable going into this sinus procedure and can breathe better than ever.”
“I can breathe with no obstructions. I can smell food. I can taste food.”
“I was impressed with Dr. Donaldson’s professionalism and how carefully he listened.”
Coverage
We check insurance before you drive in.
Balloon sinuplasty is covered by most PPO plans and original Medicare when medically necessary. PPO and Medicare patients can usually self-refer. Medicare Advantage and many HMOs require prior authorization.
What helps approval
At least two medications tried over six weeks
A sinus CT of the head or face if you have one
How many infections you get per year
A ride home on procedure day
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is balloon sinuplasty successful?
Yes. About 96% of patients report significant improvement in sinusitis symptoms after balloon sinuplasty.
Does insurance cover balloon sinuplasty?
Most PPO plans and Medicare cover it when medically necessary. Our team verifies benefits before your visit.
How long does the procedure take?
Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours in the office, including preparation and a short recovery check.
Are you awake during the procedure?
Yes. Balloon sinuplasty at Hillcrest ENT is an in-office procedure with local anesthesia.
What should I bring?
Bring prior CT scans, a list of medications tried, and your insurance card.