Do you have frequent episodes of tonsillitis or strep throat? If so, your Lafayette, CA Ear Nose and Throat doctor (ENT), Sassan Falsafi, MD, MSChE, may recommend a tonsillectomy to solve the problem.

A tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed to help treat medical conditions such as loud or frequent snoring, sleep apnea, trouble swallowing, frequent tonsil infections and tonsil cancer. The procedure is fairly simple and routine. So what can you expect?

The Procedure

You will need to prepare in advance. Your Lafayette, CA ENT will likely recommend that you stop taking certain medications, particularly anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. You'll need to stop smoking, plan for your at-home recovery and stop eating and drinking right before the procedure as well.

When it is time for your surgery, you will be given anesthesia. This will help you relax and remain still so the doctor can perform the procedure, and you will not feel or remember the procedure at all.

The doctor will also give you a nasal breathing tube and prop your mouth open with a special instrument so he or she can work.

Once the procedure is done, it is normal to have minor pain, including a sore throat, and to snore.  Speed your recovery by getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, taking over-the-counter medications and by avoiding any hard, crunchy or spicy foods. See your doctor right away if you experience any bleeding, dehydration, fever or breathing problems, as these can be signs of an emergency.
Tonsillectomies are a common procedure that many ENTs in Lafayette, CA perform on a routine basis. When it comes time for Dr. Falsafi to perform yours, you have nothing to worry about. You're in good hands.

If you suffer from sinusitis, your doctor may recommend a procedure known as Balloon Sinuplasty. It is a state-of-the-art procedure performed by the Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist (ENT) in the office setting under local anesthesia.  It is considered to be very safe and minimally invasive.

Candidates for Balloon Sinuplasty

People suffering from blocked sinuses leading to repeat sinus infection which is unresponsive to medical therapy are candidates for Balloon Sinuplasty. Others are those with chronic Migraine type headache and those suffering from headache brought about by travelling to higher elevations. 

The Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure

During a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure, the doctor inserts a highly specialized balloon into the nostril while looking with an endoscope which projects the internal nasal / sinus view onto a large screen TV monitor. Once the blockage is identified, the doctor inserts and expands the balloon within the blocked sinus passage. The blockage will then open and will remain open once the balloon is removed.

Advantages of Balloon Sinuplasty

This procedure is considered very safe and effective. Patients need only local anesthesia and the entire procedure is usually performed in the doctor's office. It is less invasive than traditional sinus surgeries, so recovery time is much shorter. Most patients can return to work and other normal activities within 24 hours.

Symptom Relief

Studies published by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Foundation found that patients undergoing Balloon Sinuplasty experience relief of symptoms and an improved quality of life for two years or more.  Unlike traditional sinus procedures, Balloon Sinuplasty does not remove any bone or tissue. This means quicker recovery and return to work.

It's important to find a doctor who specializes in performing the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure. Dr. Sassan Falsafi, a Board Certified Otolaryngologist, offers in-office Balloon Sinuplasty in Lafayette, CA. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis or headache that has not responded to traditional treatments, schedule an appointment today to find out if Balloon Sinuplasty is right for you.

Find out what it’s like to get rhinoplasty in Lafayette.

One study conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) found a rise in plastic surgery in conjunction with an increase in “selfies”. Social media has certainly made us more aware of our looks and if you’ve been contemplating getting plastic surgery, particularly rhinoplasty in Lafayette, then you will want to weigh the pros and cons before opting for this cosmetic treatment.

What is rhinoplasty?

You may also have heard people refer to rhinoplasty as nose reshaping or simply “nose job”. This simple cosmetic procedure in Lafayette can correct and improve your nose’s shape and appearance, as well as any breathing issues you may have as a result of structural defects.

What does the procedure entail?

This is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia is administered, your surgeon will make small incisions in the nostrils. Then the inner bone and the cartilage of the nose are moved and reshaped to produce a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

What is the recovery process like after rhinoplasty in Lafayette?

Many patients will wear a splint on their nose for about a week. They may experience swelling, bruising and some minor discomfort after surgery, but the symptoms should ease up after a few days. Some swelling is expected for a few months after treatment. Patients can also return to more strenuous activities (e.g. running) about three to six weeks after rhinoplasty,

What does rhinoplasty treat?

Rhinoplasty can reshape and change the proportions of your nose to help fix structural problems or aesthetic flaws including large nostrils, asymmetrical noses, bridge humps, and bulbous or drooping noses. Rhinoplasty can also be used to treat a deviated septum to help open up the airways and allow better airflow.

Keep in mind that no one has a completely symmetrical face, so even the results of rhinoplasty will not produce perfect symmetrical noses; however, our goal for any cosmetic procedure is to produce results that give you ideal facial proportions.

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

If you aren’t happy with the shape or appearance of your nose, or you have problem breathing due to a deviated septum, then rhinoplasty might be a good option for you. However, the best way to tell whether this treatment is ideal for you is to come in to see our Lafayette plastic surgeon for a consultation. Call us today to schedule an appointment with us!

When to Visit Our ENT in Lafayette, CA

• Severe and prolonged sore throat
• Sinus congestion
• Nasal congestion or blockage
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Joint pain
• Earache
• Rash
• Fever that is over 101 degrees
• Frequently recurring sore throat
• Lump in neck
• Hoarseness lasting over two weeks

Strep Throat

Inflamed Tonsils and Adenoids

• Pain when swallowing
• Chills and fever
• Inflamed, enlarged and engorged tonsils and adenoids
• Tender and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and jaw area
• Respiratory problems
• Headaches
• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Sinus congestion
• Severe sore throat

Have you ever thought about reshaping your nose?  Whether you are unhappy with the nose you were born with, or you suffered from an injury that distorted your nose, rhinoplasty might be a solution for you. As a Lafayette area ENT, Dr. Sassan Falsafi offers rhinoplasty to reshape your nose.

So, How do You Know if Rhinoplasty is right for you?

Recovering in Lafayette from Rhinoplasty

• The extent of your nose surgery
• Your personal resilience factors
• Your surgeon’s skill set
• How closely you follow Dr. Falsafi’s pre and postoperative instructions