How the PROPEL Sinus Implant Fosters Optimal Healing After Sinus Surgery

For many people with chronic sinus issues, treatment with medication is often not enough for long-term relief. Sinus surgery remains the most effective treatment in these cases, but the procedure can sometimes be complicated.

Some common side effects of sinus surgery, especially in the healing phase, include inflammation, scar tissue formation, and re-obstruction of your sinuses. Sometimes, these issues can be so severe we recommend revision sinus surgery.

Although we prescribe post-procedure oral steroids to manage inflammation, they don’t always work as they should. The PROPEL sinus implant solves this problem by delivering controlled-release corticosteroid therapy directly to your sinuses, reducing inflammation and minimizing the risk of scar tissue forming.

The PROPEL sinus implant is a cutting-edge device Dr. Mani Zadeh, our experienced board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist, uses to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients who need sinus surgery in Los Angeles, California.

Here, he explains how the device works and why you should consider it if you’re about to undergo sinus surgery or have already had it.

What happens during sinus surgery recovery

Sinus surgery is necessary if you have chronic sinus problems that have caused a blockage in your nasal passage. The procedure improves your airflow and drainage and significantly improves the lives of people struggling with sinus issues.

Recovering from sinus surgery, however, can be complicated. The main challenge is ensuring that your sinuses remain free of obstruction. After surgery, inflammation can occur, and scar tissue can form, blocking your passages again. 

We typically prescribe oral steroids to manage these issues, but they bring on their own set of side effects. The PROPEL sinus implant reduces the risk of your passages becoming obstructed post-surgery and prevents the side effects of using oral steroids.

What is the PROPEL sinus implant?

The PROPEL sinus implant is a small, flexible, spring-like device inserted into your sinus after sinus surgery. It’s made from a material your body can absorb and slowly delivers a corticosteroid called mometasone furoate directly to your sinus tissue over about 30 days. 

The corticosteroid helps ease inflammation and prevent scar tissue from forming, especially in the early stages of healing after surgery. Because the implant dissolves over time, we don’t need to go back in to remove it.

How the implant works

The PROPEL implant holds your sinuses open, preventing them from collapsing or closing due to inflammation or scar tissue. It also slowly releases corticosteroids directly into your sinuses to reduce inflammation without the side effects that can come from taking oral steroids.

The implant’s bioabsorbable material gradually dissolves over time, so you don’t have to worry about needing another procedure to remove it. It supports the early stages of your healing and then disintegrates.

It’s not uncommon for people who undergo sinus surgery to need revision surgery; however, the PROPEL sinus implant reduces this risk. A 2020 study showed that patients with the PROPEL implant were less likely to require additional procedures after sinus surgery.

If you’re dealing with chronic sinus issues, sinus surgery can significantly improve your quality of life. However, if the healing process keeps you from getting the procedure, the PROPEL sinus implant is a game-changer in reducing the complications of sinus surgery.

If you need sinus surgery and want the best outcome, book an appointment with Dr.Zadeh online or call 310-286-0123 today.