FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Q: Is the Sinu-clear procedure for me?
A: Hopefully this FAQ page will help you determine that! Actually, we will only know if you come in for a consultation and examination, during which time Dr. Paley will discuss with you whether or not he feels that you would benefit from this procedure. If you are suffering from sinus problems, and have difficulty breathing there is hope.

2. Q: What happens during a consultation?
A: We will take a medical history, and Dr. Paley will review any CT Scans or medical records you may have already had. A thorough physical examination and consultation by Dr. Paley takes approximately 30 minutes. During the exam, Dr. Paley will do a procedure called Nasal Endoscopy, where a small telescope is inserted into your nose to optimize views of the nasal cavities. It is this examination that determines whether you are a candidate for Sinu-Clear.

3. Q: Do I need to have a CT Scan of my sinuses done? Why?
A: Yes, you must have a CT Scan of your sinuses done. In addition to a thorough exam with Dr. Paley, a CT scan is also used to diagnose sinus disease, polyps, deviated septums, etc. and helps determine medical necessity. More importantly, a pre-operative CT Scan of your sinuses is utilized and referred to throughout the Sinu-Clear procedure. If you have not had one done prior to your visit with Dr. Paley, we will gladly refer you to a facility to have one done after your visit with us.

2. Q: How long is recovery time?
A: Although recovery time varies with the individual, most patients can and do return to their usual level of activity fairly quickly (within 3-4 days). Patients from out of town have flown back as soon as 4-5 days but one week is generally recommended.

3. Q: Is the recovery painful?
A: Again, this varies with the patient, but what is definite is that the recovery is far less painful than traditional sinus surgery which requires nasal packing. Some patients report no pain and minimal swelling, but most have very little pain and are able to return to their usual activities without any discomfort. We have not had any patients with visible bruising. Some do report having minor tolerable discomfort, and very few complain that they have significant pain. Most say it feels like a cold with pressure. However, we do prescribe pain medication which will alleviate any pain you may have.

4. Q: What are the advantages to doing the procedure over standard sinus surgery?
- no nasal packing!!
- uses state of the art laser technology
- performed on an outpatient basis
- less invasive, therefore, less tissue trauma
- shorter recovery time than traditional sinus surgeries, can return to work and usual activities faster
- procedure is covered by most private insurances

5. Q: Am I asleep?
A: Yes, light general anesthesia is employed throughout the procedure to allow for gentle emergence from anesthesia. This avoids any coughing or vomiting which can cause bleeding from the nose and sinus.

6. Q: Is the surgery performed in the office? Where is the surgery performed?
A: No, this procedure in not done in our office. Dr. Paley performs all his surgeries at Brotman Medical Center.

7. Q: Will it change my voice or appearance?
A: Your voice may be less nasal, and in some cases the appearance of the nose is improved.

8. Q: Does the procedure help snoring?
A: Yes, and it is often combined with another procedure done by Dr. Paley as well, called Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty, which also helps sleep apnea. A sleep study and exam must be done first to determine medical necessity as per most private insurance companies.

9. Q: How do I know if I am a candidate for the Sinu- Clear procedure?
A: If you experience any of the following symptoms, you owe it to yourself to consider Sinu- Clear:
• Sinus pain, pressure, and congestion
• Chronic sinus infections
• Loss of smell
• Headaches
• Severe nasal allergies
• Facial pressure
• Deviated Septum
• Post-nasal drip
• Old fractures of nasal septum from previous injuries
• Nasal Obstruction
• Snoring/Sleep Apnea/Mouth Breathing
• Nasal polyps
• Chronic sinus headaches

10. Q: I’ve been treated by other doctors with medication and even surgery with no success. Am I still a candidate?
A: Dr. Paley sees many patients that have been treated unsuccessfully for a number of sinus conditions. As a “doctor of last resort”, 40 percent of our surgery candidates have had prior failed surgeries and/or previous unsuccessful relief with medication therapy. Again, only a thorough consultation with Dr. Paley will determine if you will benefit from Sinu-Clear (tm).

11: Q: What are the complications/risks?
A: Dr. Paley had performed over 2,000 Sinu-Clear (tm) procedures in the past 10 years without any major complications. The only complications experienced by less than 1 percent of our patients have been significant bleeding (usually as a result of high blood pressure) or infection which required antibiotics. It is important to continue taking blood pressure medications even on the day of surgery to keep blood pressure and bleeding under control.

12. Q: Is the procedure covered by my insurance company?
A: Sinu-Clear Sinus Surgery is covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare.

13. Q: What is the next step for me?
A: Contact our office at (310) 278-9171 to schedule a Sinu-Clear consultation with Dr. Paley. We offer convenient office hours, and will do our best to accommodate your schedule.