Minimally Invasive Sinus and Nasal Surgical Procedures
By a Leading Sinus Surgeon in Jacksonville.
When chronic nasal and sinus problems don’t improve with medications, surgery can be an important option. As one of the most experienced and skilled sinus surgeons in Jacksonville, Dr. Robert Todd Snowden provides advanced care for conditions such as chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and other structural or inflammatory issues. The goal of sinus surgery is to restore healthy drainage, improve airflow, and enhance overall nasal function.
With modern endoscopic techniques, today’s sinus surgery is safer, less invasive, and typically requires little to no external incisions or nasal packing. Whether relieving chronic congestion, reducing recurrent infections, or correcting blockages, Dr. Snowden offers patient-centered solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.
Explore below to learn more about how Dr. Snowden treats a wide range of sinus and nasal conditions with minimally invasive surgical procedures at Snowden ENT.
Minimally Invasive Sinus and Nasal Surgical Procedures
By A Leading Sinus Surgeon in Jacksonville.
When chronic nasal and sinus problems don’t improve with medications, surgery can be an important option. As one of the most experienced and skilled sinus surgeons in Jacksonville, Dr. Robert Todd Snowden provides advanced care for conditions such as chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and other structural or inflammatory issues. The goal of sinus surgery is to restore healthy drainage, improve airflow, and enhance overall nasal function.
With modern endoscopic techniques, today’s sinus surgery is safer, less invasive, and typically requires little to no external incisions or nasal packing. Whether relieving chronic congestion, reducing recurrent infections, or correcting blockages, Dr. Snowden offers patient-centered solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.
Explore below to learn more about how Dr. Snowden treats a wide range of sinus and nasal conditions with minimally invasive surgical procedures at Snowden ENT.
Is Sinus Surgery Right For Me?
Patients best suited for nasal and sinus surgery in Jacksonville are those who continue to experience significant symptoms despite adequate medical treatment. Ideal candidates often include:
- Individuals with chronic sinusitis, confirmed by CT scan, despite appropriate medical treatment.
- Patients with recurrent acute sinus infections multiple times per year and confirmed by nasal endoscopy.
- Those with nasal polyps causing nasal congestion or loss of smell.
- Individuals with a deviated septum and/or nasal turbinate hypertrophy blocking nasal airflow.
- Patients with persistent nasal drainage affecting quality of life.
- Patients with growths or masses in the nose or sinuses that require removal.
Before recommending surgery, specialists at Snowden ENT will performs a thorough evaluation, which may include reviewing your medical history, performing a nasal endoscopy, and ordering high-resolution CT imaging. If conservative treatments such as oral medications, sprays, or sinus rinses are effective, surgery can often be avoided. When symptoms persist, however, advanced procedures such as Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Septoplasty, and others may provide safe and lasting relief.
Patients best suited for nasal and sinus surgery in Jacksonville are those who continue to experience significant symptoms despite adequate medical treatment. Ideal candidates often include:
- Individuals with chronic sinusitis, confirmed by CT scan, despite appropriate medical treatment.
- Patients with recurrent acute sinus infections multiple times per year and confirmed by nasal endoscopy.
- Those with nasal polyps causing nasal congestion or loss of smell.
- Individuals with a deviated septum and/or nasal turbinate hypertrophy blocking nasal airflow.
- Patients with persistent nasal drainage affecting quality of life.
- Patients with growths or masses in the nose or sinuses that require removal.
Before recommending surgery, specialists at Snowden ENT will performs a thorough evaluation, which may include reviewing your medical history, performing a nasal endoscopy, and ordering high-resolution CT imaging. If conservative treatments such as oral medications, sprays, or sinus rinses are effective, surgery can often be avoided. When symptoms persist, however, advanced procedures such as Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Septoplasty, and others may provide safe and lasting relief.
What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS)?
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinus problems that have not improved with medicines such as sprays, rinses, or antibiotics. The surgery is performed entirely through the nostrils using a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope, so there are no external cuts or scars.
Conditions Treated with ESS
Endoscopic sinus surgery is most often recommended for people with chronic sinus inflammation—with or without nasal polyps—who continue to have symptoms despite good medical treatment. It may also be advised for patients with frequent infections, growths, or blockages inside the sinuses. Before recommending surgery, your doctor will confirm ongoing symptoms, review CT scan results, and ensure medical therapy has been thoroughly tried.
How the Procedure Is Performed
During sinus surgery, the endoscope and specialized instruments are used to open blocked passages, remove polyps or diseased tissue, and restore normal sinus drainage. At Snowden ENT, procedures are performed with advanced stereotactic, CT-guided navigation, which provides real-time 3D mapping to maximize precision and safety when operating around sensitive structures. Most surgeries are done under general anesthesia, though in select cases they can be performed in the office with local anesthesia.
Recovery and Expectations
Patients typically notice significant and lasting improvement in symptoms and quality of life after surgery. Recovery is usually smooth, with most people back to daily activities within about a week, though strenuous exercise and travel should be avoided for 2 weeks. After surgery, saline rinses and sometimes other medications are essential to support healing and reduce inflammation. Follow-up visits are also important, as the surgeon may need to gently clean the healing sinuses to keep them open.
What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS)?
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinus problems that have not improved with medicines such as sprays, rinses, or antibiotics. The surgery is performed entirely through the nostrils using a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope, so there are no external cuts or scars.
Conditions Treated with ESS
Endoscopic sinus surgery is most often recommended for people with chronic sinus inflammation—with or without nasal polyps—who continue to have symptoms despite good medical treatment. It may also be advised for patients with frequent infections, growths, or blockages inside the sinuses. Before recommending surgery, your doctor will confirm ongoing symptoms, review CT scan results, and ensure medical therapy has been thoroughly tried.
How the Procedure is Performed
During sinus surgery, the endoscope and specialized instruments are used to open blocked passages, remove polyps or diseased tissue, and restore normal sinus drainage. At Snowden ENT, procedures are performed with advanced stereotactic, CT-guided navigation, which provides real-time 3D mapping to maximize precision and safety when operating around sensitive structures. Most surgeries are done under general anesthesia, though in select cases they can be performed in the office with local anesthesia.
Recovery and Expectations
Patients typically notice significant and lasting improvement in symptoms and quality of life after surgery. Recovery is usually smooth, with most people back to daily activities within about a week, though strenuous exercise and travel should be avoided for 2 weeks. After surgery, saline rinses and sometimes other medications are essential to support healing and reduce inflammation. Follow-up visits are also important, as the surgeon may need to gently clean the healing sinuses to keep them open.
About Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus procedure for people with chronic or recurring sinusitis that has not improved with medicines, sprays, or rinses. A small balloon is placed in the blocked sinus, gently inflated, and removed—allowing better drainage and relief from pressure, congestion, and headaches.
Conditions Treated with Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is most effective for patients with limited sinus disease in areas that drain through a single pathway. It is not recommended on its own for severe or widespread disease, large nasal polyps, fungal infections, or major structural problems, but it can be combined with other sinus or nasal procedures when needed.
Recovery and Expectations
Depending on the patient and their circumstances, the procedure may be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in the operating room. Balloon sinuplasty offers the advantage of faster recovery, with most people back to light activity within a few days. Studies show lasting symptom relief for many patients, and the risk of complications is low. An ENT specialist can help determine if balloon sinuplasty is the right option based on your symptoms, anatomy, and imaging results.
About Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus procedure for people with chronic or recurring sinusitis that has not improved with medicines, sprays, or rinses. A small balloon is placed in the blocked sinus, gently inflated, and removed—allowing better drainage and relief from pressure, congestion, and headaches.
Conditions Treated with Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is most effective for patients with limited sinus disease in areas that drain through a single pathway. It is not recommended on its own for severe or widespread disease, large nasal polyps, fungal infections, or major structural problems, but it can be combined with other sinus or nasal procedures when needed.
Recovery and Expectations
Depending on the patient and their circumstances, the procedure may be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in the operating room. Balloon sinuplasty offers the advantage of faster recovery, with most people back to light activity within a few days. Studies show lasting symptom relief for many patients, and the risk of complications is low. An ENT specialist can help determine if balloon sinuplasty is the right option based on your symptoms, anatomy, and imaging results.
About Septoplasty
Conditions Treated with Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. The septum is the partition between the nostrils. If the septum is not centered between the nostrils airflow through the nostrils can be impeded. This contributes to breathing difficulties, recurrent rhinitis, sinusitis, or even nosebleeds.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Septoplasty is a relatively minor but precise surgery, usually performed under general or local anesthesia. Through the nostrils, the surgeon lifts the septal lining, trims and or realigns the deviated cartilage or bone, and preserves structural support. Splints or stents may be used inside the nose to stabilize the septum, and packing may be minimal or avoided.
Recovery and Expectations
Nasal packing or splints are usually not required. Recovery is generally quick, with only a few days of downtime. Most patients resume light activity within several days and return to regular exercise in about two weeks. Temporary side effects such as mild bleeding, discomfort, or sensitivity of the nose or upper teeth are common but typically resolve within weeks to months. Facial swelling or bruising is rare. Studies show septoplasty provides significant improvement in breathing and quality of life compared with medical treatment alone.
About Septoplasty
Conditions Treated with Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. The septum is the partition between the nostrils. If the septum is not centered between the nostrils airflow through the nostrils can be impeded. This contributes to breathing difficulties, recurrent rhinitis, sinusitis, or even nosebleeds.
How the Procedure is Performed
Septoplasty is a relatively minor but precise surgery, usually performed under general or local anesthesia. Through the nostrils, the surgeon lifts the septal lining, trims and or realigns the deviated cartilage or bone, and preserves structural support. Splints or stents may be used inside the nose to stabilize the septum, and packing may be minimal or avoided.
Recovery and Expectations
Nasal packing or splints are usually not required. Recovery is generally quick, with only a few days of downtime. Most patients resume light activity within several days and return to regular exercise in about two weeks. Temporary side effects such as mild bleeding, discomfort, or sensitivity of the nose or upper teeth are common but typically resolve within weeks to months. Facial swelling or bruising is rare. Studies show septoplasty provides significant improvement in breathing and quality of life compared with medical treatment alone.
About Turbinate Reduction
Conditions Treated with Turbinate Reduction
Turbinate reduction is a surgical procedure for people who have difficulty breathing through their nose due to swollen tissues called turbinates. These paired structures line each side of the nasal passages and help warm and humidify the air we inhale. When allergies, infections, or chronic inflammation cause the turbinates to enlarge, they can block airflow and lead to persistent congestion.
How the Procedure Is Performed
There are several ways to reduce the size of the turbinates. The most common and preferred method is called submucosal reduction. For this technique, Dr. Snowden removes or shrinks tissue inside the turbinate while leaving the nasal lining (mucosa) mostly intact. This helps keep the nose’s natural functions, like humidifying and filtering air. This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, and patients go home the same day. Nasal packing is rarely necessary.
Recovery and Expectations
Recovery is usually quick, though it may take longer if combined with other surgeries. Mild discomfort and light bleeding for a few days is common. Most patients notice easier breathing within 1–2 weeks, with further improvement over the next month. For those with severe allergies, symptoms may return over time, and continued medical therapy may still be necessary.
About Turbinate Reduction
Conditions Treated with Turbinate Reduction
Turbinate reduction is a surgical procedure for people who have difficulty breathing through their nose due to swollen tissues called turbinates. These paired structures line each side of the nasal passages and help warm and humidify the air we inhale. When allergies, infections, or chronic inflammation cause the turbinates to enlarge, they can block airflow and lead to persistent congestion.
How the Procedure Is Performed
There are several ways to reduce the size of the turbinates. The most common and preferred method is called submucosal reduction. For this technique, Dr. Snowden removes or shrinks tissue inside the turbinate while leaving the nasal lining (mucosa) mostly intact. This helps keep the nose’s natural functions, like humidifying and filtering air. This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, and patients go home the same day. Nasal packing is rarely necessary.
Recovery and Expectations
Recovery is usually quick, though it may take longer if combined with other surgeries. Mild discomfort and light bleeding for a few days is common. Most patients notice easier breathing within 1–2 weeks, with further improvement over the next month. For those with severe allergies, symptoms may return over time, and continued medical therapy may still be necessary.
About Posterior Nasal Nerve Ablation
Conditions Treated with Posterior Nasal Nerve Ablation
Posterior nasal nerve (PNN) ablation is a Medicare-approved, minimally invasive treatment for chronic rhinitis that doesn’t improve with medication. It can reduce persistent runny nose, congestion, postnasal drip, and throat clearing by targeting the overactive nasal nerves that cause these symptoms.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is done under local or general anesthesia. Using a small endoscope, the surgeon applies radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy (freezing temperature) to the posterior nasal nerves through the nostrils. No external incisions are needed.
Recovery and Expectations
Most patients return to normal activities within a day. Temporary congestion, drainage, or numbness may occur but usually resolve within weeks. In carefully selected patients, studies show PNN ablation can provide lasting relief of chronic rhinitis symptoms in up to 80% of cases.
About Posterior Nasal Nerve Ablation
Conditions Treated with Posterior Nasal Nerve Ablation
Posterior nasal nerve (PNN) ablation is a Medicare-approved, minimally invasive treatment for chronic rhinitis that doesn’t improve with medication. It can reduce persistent runny nose, congestion, postnasal drip, and throat clearing by targeting the overactive nasal nerves that cause these symptoms.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is done under local or general anesthesia. Using a small endoscope, the surgeon applies radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy (freezing temperature) to the posterior nasal nerves through the nostrils. No external incisions are needed.
Recovery and Expectations
Most patients return to normal activities within a day. Temporary congestion, drainage, or numbness may occur but usually resolve within weeks. In carefully selected patients, studies show PNN ablation can provide lasting relief of chronic rhinitis symptoms in up to 80% of cases.
Experience and Professionalism You Can Trust
When considering sinus surgery, choosing the right surgeon can ensure care that is tailored to your needs. Dr. Robert “Todd” Snowden has performed more than 5,000 sinus procedures, making him one of the most experienced sinus surgeons in Jacksonville. Dr. Snowden and his team will evaluate your anatomy, symptom patterns, medical history, and goals before recommending the best procedure for lasting relief.
For patients struggling with persistent sinus or nasal issues, consultation with Snowden ENT can be the first step toward relief. Today’s minimally invasive sinus and nasal procedures are low-risk, effective, and designed to improve breathing, drainage, and overall quality of life.
Experience and Professionalism You Can Trust
When considering sinus surgery, choosing the right surgeon can ensure care that is tailored to your needs. Dr. Robert “Todd” Snowden has performed more than 5,000 sinus procedures, making him one of the most experienced sinus surgeons in Jacksonville. Dr. Snowden and his team will evaluate your anatomy, symptom patterns, medical history, and goals before recommending the best procedure for lasting relief.
For patients struggling with persistent sinus or nasal issues, consultation with Snowden ENT can be the first step toward relief. Today’s minimally invasive sinus and nasal procedures are low-risk, effective, and designed to improve breathing, drainage, and overall quality of life.
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(904) 268-5366
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Contact Us!
(904) 268-5366
Or, if it is more convenient, use our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Snowden ENT is proud to be a select ENT Provider of the Baptist Physician Partners network. The mission of Baptist Physician Partners is to shape the future of health care in our community through an integrated partnership of providers and Baptist Health hospitals working collaboratively toward common goals for improving quality, safety, efficiency and outcomes for our patients.
12574 Flagler Center Boulevard
Suite 201
Jacksonville, FL 32258
(904) 268-5366
Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM
Snowden ENT is proud to be a select ENT Provider of the Baptist Physician Partners network. The mission of Baptist Physician Partners is to shape the future of health care in our community through an integrated partnership of providers and Baptist Health hospitals working collaboratively toward common goals for improving quality, safety, efficiency and outcomes for our patients.
12574 Flagler Center Blvd
Suite 201
Jacksonville, FL 32258
(904) 268-5366
Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM
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