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Balloon SinuplastyMetairie, LA

Breathe freely.Finally.

A minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked sinuses with no cutting, no packing, and lasting relief.

No Cutting
Minimal Downtime
Lasting Relief
No referral needed - Most insurances accepted - Same-week consultations available
Dr. Michael Hickham
Doctor Spotlight
Sinus Specialist - Metairie, LA
Dr. MichaelHickham
ConsultationReady

Simple next step. No confusion.

MetairieCare

Serving patients through ENT Specialists of Metairie.

Why people come in
Chronic congestion
Recurring sinus infections
Pressure that will not let up
Dr. Michael Hickham
Sinus Specialist - Metairie, LA
Advanced Sinus Care
Latest balloon sinuplasty technology
Metairie, LA
ENT Specialists of Metairie
Personalized Planning
Custom treatment for every patient
Sound familiar?

When congestion becomes more than just a cold

Chronic sinus issues affect millions of Americans, and most spend years cycling through sprays, antibiotics, and temporary fixes that never address the root cause. If this is your story, you're not alone.

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Constant nasal congestion
Can't breathe through your nose, especially at night
Facial pressure & headaches
Pain around the eyes, forehead, or cheeks that won't quit
Recurring sinus infections
Multiple rounds of antibiotics each year with no lasting fix
Poor sleep & fatigue
Drainage and congestion disrupting your rest every night
Loss of smell & taste
Inflammation affecting your senses for weeks or months
The solution

A better way to open your sinuses

Balloon Sinuplasty is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive procedure that gently opens blocked sinus passages with no cutting, no tissue removal, and no recovery week. For most patients, relief is immediate and lasting.

Unlike traditional sinus surgery, this procedure is typically performed in the office under local anesthesia, and most patients return to normal activity the same day or the next.

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Procedure Flow
How It Works

A modern care path designed to make the next step clear.

1
A soft guide wire is gently inserted
We navigate a tiny, flexible catheter into the blocked sinus opening.
2
A small balloon is inflated
The balloon gently expands the sinus passage, restructuring the anatomy without cutting.
3
The balloon is removed
The sinus stays open. The passageway is clear. No tissue is removed.
4
You go home the same day
Most patients return to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours.
Why patients choose it

What changes when you can finally breathe

Breathe More Freely
Open nasal passages mean better airflow immediately and long-term. Most patients notice the difference within days.
Fewer Flare-Ups
By addressing the structural cause, most patients dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of sinus infections.
Minimal Downtime
No hospital stay. No packing. Most patients return to normal activities the next day, not the next month.
Move Beyond Temporary Fixes
Stop the cycle of sprays, antibiotics, and short-term solutions. This addresses the root cause structurally.
Is this right for you?

You may be a candidate if you've experienced...

Sinus congestion lasting more than 12 weeks
Two or more sinus infections per year
Recurring facial pressure or sinus headaches
Limited relief from medications or nasal sprays
Sleep disruption due to nasal obstruction
A desire to avoid traditional sinus surgery
Schedule your visit
Start with a consultation.

We will review your history, examine your sinuses, and tell you directly whether Balloon Sinuplasty is right for you. No commitment required.

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No referral needed
Dr. Michael Hickham
Dr. Michael Hickham
Balloon Sinuplasty specialist - Metairie, LA
Your specialist

Dr. Michael Hickham

Balloon Sinuplasty specialist - Metairie, LA - Metairie, LA

Dr. Michael J. Hickham is a triple board-certified otolaryngologist specializing in ENT disorders, head and neck surgery, allergy, asthma, and sleep medicine. He has provided comprehensive ENT care at ENT Specialists of Metairie since 1998 and has been recognized for his clinical excellence throughout the New Orleans area.

Earned his medical degree with honors from LSU School of Medicine and served as Chief Resident at Tulane University Hospital.
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Published in the Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society and recognized as a “Best Doctor” by New Orleans Magazine and East Jefferson Hospital.
"A clear care path starts with a specialist who explains the next step."
The practice

Care should feel as clear as the next step.

ENT Specialists of Metairie has been a leading Otolaryngology group serving the greater New Orleans area.

ENT physicians support sinus, allergy, ear, throat, sleep, and audiology-related concerns.
Services include evaluation of sinus disorders, ear problems, tonsil disorders, allergy symptoms, and sleep-related issues.
ENT Specialists of Metairie helps patients access specialty care across New Orleans area.
Location
Visit ENT Specialists of Metairie
ENT Specialists of Metairie
3019 N. Arnoult Rd.
Metairie LA 70002
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What to expect

How It Works

1
Consultation
We review your history, symptoms, and imaging to determine if you're a candidate.
2
Treatment Plan
A personalized plan is created and all questions are answered before you commit to anything.
3
The Procedure
Performed in-office under local anesthesia. Most procedures take under 60 minutes.
4
Recovery & Relief
Return home the same day. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within a week.
Patient Outcomes

What patients say after treatment

4.5
123+ Verified Reviews
Life After Treatment
Relief should look like real life getting easier.

Better sleep. Less pressure. More normal days. The goal is not just a better scan. It is getting you back to living without the same sinus problem dragging behind you.

"Dr. Hickman and staff were very helpful. I made an appointment when I was in pretty bad shape. After a couple visits and a procedure they had me all fixed up. If you are looking for an ENT in the Nola area I highly recommend making an appointment here."
George H.
Verified Patient
"Dr. Hickham always takes the time to be completely thorough and professional. He genuinely listens to his patients, and goes above and beyond to give them the very best care. His staff is equally consistently helpful and friendly each and every time we've been there."
Debbie R.
Verified Patient
"After many years of struggling with allergy and sinus issues, I was finally sent to Dr. Hickham and Dr. Spring who successfully treated me and now I can breathe better than ever! The staff is excellent, and the bed side manner top notch. I highly recommend this practice!"
Maria M.
Verified Patient
Common questions

Everything you need to know

Is Balloon Sinuplasty painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so most patients experience minimal discomfort. Some describe a feeling of pressure during the balloon inflation, but not pain. Post-procedure, most patients take only over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

How long does the procedure take?

Most in-office balloon sinuplasty procedures are completed in under an hour, though exact timing depends on your anatomy and treatment plan.

Will insurance cover it?

Coverage varies by plan and medical criteria. Most patients start with a consultation so the team can review candidacy, imaging, and likely insurance considerations.

How long do results last?

Results vary by patient, anatomy, and underlying disease, but the goal of balloon sinuplasty is to create a more durable improvement in sinus drainage than short-term medication cycles.

How is Balloon Sinuplasty performed?

Balloon sinuplasty is performed by inserting a small balloon catheter through the nostril into the blocked sinus opening. The balloon is inflated to widen the passage, then deflated and removed, allowing the sinus to drain more easily.

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Still have questions?

The best way to know if this is right for you is a direct conversation.

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Want a clearer read?
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Answer a few quick questions about your symptoms and history. Takes under two minutes. No obligation. Just clarity on whether your symptoms may be pointing to something more chronic.

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Ready to move forward?

You've tried everything else. Try this.

A consultation takes 30 minutes and gives you a clear picture of what's possible. No pressure. No commitment. Just answers.

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