FAQ

Smoking is never condoned, but if one has the habit, it is important to refrain during treatment for sinus problems. A special diet is not required, but drinking extra fluids helps to thin mucus.

Nasal endoscopy offers the physician specialist a reliable, visual view of all the accessible areas of the sinus drainage pathways. First, the patient’s nasal cavity is anesthetized; a rigid or flexible endoscope is then placed in a position to view the nasal cavity. The procedure is utilized to observe signs of obstruction as well as detect nasal polyps hidden from routine nasal examination. During the endoscopic examination, the physician specialist also looks for pus as well as polyp formation and structural abnormalities that may cause recurrent sinusitis.

If you suffer from severe sinus pain, you should seek treatment from an otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon, a specialist who can treat your condition with medical and/or surgical remedies.

Mucus is developed by the body to act as a lubricant. In the sinus cavities, the lubricant is moved across mucous membrane linings toward the opening of each sinus by millions of cilia (a mobile extension of a cell). Inflammation from allergy causes membrane swelling and the sinus opening to narrow, thereby blocking mucus movement. If antibiotics are not effective, sinus surgery can correct the problem.

During an examination, the doctor will use an instrument called an otoscope to assess the ear’s condition. With it, the doctor will perform an examination to check for redness in the ear and/or fluid behind the eardrum. With the gentle use of air pressure, the doctor can also see if the eardrum moves. If the eardrum doesn’t move and/or is red, an ear infection is probably present.

Two other tests may be performed for more information.

An audiogram test if hearing loss has occurred by presenting tones at various pitches. A tympanogram test measures the air pressure in the middle ear to see how well the eustachian tube is working and how well the eardrum can move.

At a specialist’ s office, the patient will receive a thorough ear, nose, and throat examination. During that physical examination, the physician will explore the facial features where swelling and erythema (redness of the skin) over the cheekbone exist. Facial swelling and redness are generally worse in the morning; as the patient remains upright, the symptoms gradually improve. The physician may feel and press the sinuses for tenderness. Additionally, the physician may tap the teeth to help identify an inflamed paranasal sinus.

Most of the time, otitis media clears up with proper medication and home treatment. In many cases, however, further treatment may be recommended by your physician. An operation, called a myringotomy may be recommended. This involves a small surgical incision (opening) into the eardrum to promote drainage of fluid and to relieve pain. The incision heals within a few days with practically no scarring or injury to the eardrum. In fact, the surgical opening can heal so fast that it often closes before the infection and the fluid are gone. A ventilation tube can be placed in the incision, preventing fluid accumulation and thus improving hearing.

The surgeon selects a ventilation tube for your child that will remain in place for as long as required for the middle ear infection to improve and for the eustachian tube to return to normal. This may require several weeks or months. During this time, you must keep water out of the ears because it could start an infection. Otherwise, the tube causes no trouble, and you will probably notice a remarkable improvement in hearing and a decrease in the frequency of ear infections.

Otitis media may recur as a result of chronically infected adenoids and tonsils. If this becomes a problem, Dr. Franklin may recommend removal of one or both. This can be done at the same time as ventilation tubes are inserted.

Allergies may also require treatment.

So, remember . . .

Otitis media is generally not serious if it is promptly and properly treated. With the help of your physician, you and/or your child can feel and hear better very soon.

Be sure to follow the treatment plan, and see your physician until he/she tells you that the condition is fully cured.

Warm moist air may alleviate sinus congestion. Experts recommend a vaporizer or steam from a pan of boiled water (removed from the heat). Humidifiers should be used only when a clean filter is in place to preclude spraying bacteria or fungal spores into the air. Warm compresses are useful in relieving pain in the nose and sinuses. Saline nose drops are also helpful in moisturizing nasal passages.

The basic endoscopic surgical procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. The patient returns to normal activities within four days; full recovery takes about four weeks.

Yes. Most short term hoarseness is due to inflammation caused by viral or bacterial illness or reflux of gastric acid into the upper aero-digestive tract. However, hoarseness that does not resolve after appropriate medical therapy within 2 to 4 weeks could possibly be a sign of a more serious condition such as laryngeal cancer.

The National Cancer Institute reports that approximately 54,000 new cases of head and neck cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2022. New cases of head and neck cancer have been rising on average by 1% a year from 2010–2019. An estimated 3,820 people died of laryngeal cancer in 2022, representing approximately 0.6% of all cancer deaths in this country.

Even for disease survivors, the consequences of laryngeal cancer are often severe.Laryngeal cancer is a preventable disease because the risk factors are associated with modifiable behaviors.

Use of nonprescription drops or sprays might help control symptoms. However, extended use of non-prescription decongestant nasal sprays could aggravate symptoms and should not be used beyond their label recommendation. Saline nasal sprays or drops are safe for continuous use.

We offer complimentary skin care evaluations and consultations with our licensed medical Esthetician. She will walk you through a step by step home regimen with our medical grade skin care products as well as recommend in office treatments customized for your exact skin type. Dr. Franklin always tries to meet every guest visiting for a consultation as well as answering any of your questions and concerns. Based on your skin type, comfort level, and personal preference we will discuss what skin care services and products will fit you and your lifestyle.

The official definition of Esthetician is: “A person devoted to and professionally trained in the health and beauty of the skin.” Our Esthetician is licensed by the state of Texas to perform all skin care treatments offered at Cosmedical Esthetics. She strives to make your visit as personalized and pleasant as possible.

A Cosmetologist is a hair care specialist, who has minimal training on skin care. An Esthetician is a skin care specialist, who has extensive knowledge and training in the study and care of the skin, including performing medical-grade treatments.

All new patients can benefit from an initial consultation, which includes a complete facial skin analysis and review of treatment options. During the consultation you will receive a comprehensive overview of skin care services, customized specifically for your skin needs. Our licensed Esthetician will also provide you with a customized skin care guide outlining your morning and evening product routine.

Yes, depending on your diagnosis and our schedule. We always try to accommodate your schedule, and do our best to get you treated the same day as your consultation if desired.

The professionals at Cosmedical Esthetics personally selected the skin care products SkinCeuticals™, Revision Skin Care™. These product lines are physician formulated and can ONLY be dispensed through physician offices. Each of these product lines are backed by scientific studies that prove their efficacy. Nothing you can find in department or drug stores comes close to the efficacy of these products. Each member of our staff chooses to use these products in their daily regimen. They will be glad to give you their testimonials.

You can absolutely get a facial! Our facials are not “spa” facials. We call them “medical” facials because we use medical strength skin care products and incorporate our microdermabrasion diamond tip machine or use mild chemical peels. During these facial treatments you do not have to change out of your clothes and your eye makeup can stay undamaged. We customize these facial treatments to fit your needs.

Yes! Because the laser selectively treats the problem, the surrounding skin is not affected. Thousands of studies and experiences have gone into each FDA approved laser system that we use, and have been improving the lives of its patients for years! Every patient will have a different setting on the laser based on their skin type, age, health history, area of treatment, and skin needs. We stand by our devices and services so much that our Physician and Esthetician have personally been treated with every service that we offer.

Yes. You have several payment options on our packaged services. We do offer free services with your package if you choose to pay in full for your package. We also offer Care Credit, which is a medical credit card with 0% interest! Go to www.carecredit.com for more information.

Dr. Franklin received his medical degree at UT Medicine – San Antonio in 1997 and completed his Otolaryngology residency there as well in 2002. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. With his extensive knowledge in neck and facial surgery he has the expertise to perform esthetic procedures and recommend treatment regimens.