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Vol. LXIV, No. 32
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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Vol. LXIV, No. 32
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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 BETTER BREATHING: “From the treatment of nasal blockage to the medical or surgical treatment of sinusitis to the most delicate re-sculpting of the nasal tip, we cover the entire spectrum of functional and aesthetic treatment of the nose and sinuses.” Dr. Daniel Becker (left) and Dr. Samuel Becker are pleased to open their new Nose & Sinus Center on Bunn Drive./font> |
Nasty post-nasal drip, sinus pressure and headaches, nasal congestion and blockage, sinus infection — few of us escape an encounter with one of these conditions, and for some people, it can be chronic, ongoing misery.
Whether brought on by allergies, bad colds, or individual anatomy, these situations afflict people of all ages and in large numbers. It is said that 40 million individuals in the U.S. struggle with sinus problems, and in some cases, the suffering can be debilitating.
“Some studies have shown that the impact of sinusitis on your life can be worse than chronic conditions such as lung and heart disease,” notes Dr. Samuel Becker, co-director of the new Becker Nose & Sinus Center at 800 Bunn Drive. “We will focus exclusively on these problems, and we are excited to bring our focused approach to patients in central New Jersey.”
He and his brother and co-director, Dr. Daniel Becker also have offices in Sewell and Voorhees, and they are known nationally and internationally for their work in nose and sinus disease. Together, they have published more than 100 articles, three text books, and hold several patents for new surgical instruments.
Top Institutions
Dr. Daniel Becker’s book Revision Rhinoplasty has just been published in Spanish, and Dr. Samuel Becker’s latest book The Maxillary Sinus: Medical and Surgical Management will be published this summer.
In addition, they hold appointments at top research institutions for nose and sinus disease, including the University of Pennsylvania and Vanderbilt University. They have been invited to lecture in specialty forums around the world — from New York, San Francisco and Chicago to Sweden and Japan, among other locations.
They are experienced with the most current medical and surgical treatments of the nose and sinuses. Both physicians are board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and Dr. Daniel Becker is also certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery. He has performed more than 5,000 nasal procedures, ranging from complex sinus surgery to cosmetic re-sculpting of the nose.
As Director of Rhinology at the Nose & Sinus Center, Dr. Samuel Becker is actively involved in cutting-edge research. He is one of the few otolaryngologists in New Jersey who is fellowship-trained in the diagnosis and treatment of allergy and sinonasal disorders.
Minimally-Invasive
He is one the first physicians in the northeast trained to use FinESS Sinus Device, the newest minimally-invasive balloon device for treatment of sinusitis.
“90 percent of the problems I see get better without surgery,” he notes. “It’s very important for me to listen carefully to the patient. These problems are not something that are seen on an X-ray or in a blood test. But there is a quick 30-second exam that is minimally-invasive, doesn’t hurt, and enables me to see where the sinuses drain. Sinuses drain through a very small hole. If there is swelling, they won’t drain properly, and there is discomfort.”
Another thing, he adds, “Antibiotics do not always work, and resistant bacteria is an increasingly large problem. It’s important to help people quickly before there is an infection, and simple targeted intervention is often effective. There is a lot that can be done that is simple, such as sprays, drops, and other non-antibiotic medication.”
If surgery is indicated, then the Becker brothers are highly skilled in the operating room. They have helped develop new, less-invasive techniques that are used today in sinus surgery. They are fully-experienced in all the latest methods, including fiber-optic endoscopic techniques, lasers, powered instrumentation, computer navigation surgery, radiofrequency reduction, and balloon procedures.
Awards and Honors
Both physicians have been the recipients of many awards and honors, and are members of numerous professional organizations.
Some nose problems can be unrelated to sinus conditions, and the doctors also treat patients who have trouble sleeping because of congestion and others who may have sleep apnea. Nasal polyps and allergies can be additional problems.
Whatever the situation and its cause, Drs. Daniel and Samuel Becker are determined to bring relief to their patients. “We promise to make every effort to personalize your case and give you the special treatment you deserve,” they state. “The old ‘take a number and have a seat’ attitude has no place in your health care.”
“I enjoy everything about this work,” adds Dr. Samuel Becker. “It’s a privilege to meet all the people, and it can be detective work to find the cause of the problem. The greatest joy is helping people get better. Nothing is more important.”
Most insurance plans are accepted at the Center. For an appointment, call (609) 430-9200. Website: www.noseandsinuscenter.com.