Vivaer

What is Vivaer?

Vivaer is an in-office, minimally invasive procedure that uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to reduce enlarged inferior turbinates, septal swell bodies and repair nasal valve abnormalities. Treating these areas increases airflow through the nasal airway and relieves chronic nasal obstruction.

Who is a Good Candidate for Vivaer?

Patients with chronic nasal obstruction due to enlarged inferior turbinates, enlarged swell bodies, or nasal valve abnormalities are great candidates for Vivaer.

How is Vivaer Performed?

Vivaer is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation in our office.

A handheld disposable probe is used to deliver radiofrequency energy to heat the treated tissue. This causes collagen fibers to contract and tighten, shrinking the treated area.

Recovery

Some patients experience congestion for a few days. Most patients can return to work the next day.

Benefits of Vivaer include:

Our Team

James Atkins, MD

Dr. Atkins is a sinus expert with years of experience in providing compassionate and effective care to patients. He takes a personalized approach to treatment and is dedicated to helping you feel your best.

James M. Ferris, PA-C

Mike and Dr. Atkins have been practicing together for 18 years. He has a great personality and is a superb provider. Mike is personable and an invaluable asset to our practice. Just don’t start talking about fishing. You won’t be able to get him to stop.

What Patients Are Saying About Us

Excellent

4.9

★

Based on 526 reviews from

Dan Bielski

★★★★★

Dr. Atkins is an excellent ENT doctor and surgeon. He did thorough examination and diagnosis, performed surgery that finally addresses the chronic sinus infections and I'm looking forward to recovery, healing, and ability to breathe well (after he fixed deviated septum). Highly recommend!

Response from the ownerThanks Dan! Wishing you a speedy recovery and a great outcome.

JT Quitugua

★★★★★

Dr. Atkins and his team of professionals are the real deal. They listened and made every effort to ensure I was taken cared of. Hector and Hannah also did a phenomenal job throughout my appointment. I’m very happy and satisfied with the service/treatment I was given and glad to be a patient of Dr. Atkins. Thank You.Johnny

Amanda Morales

★★★★★

I love this place, I was in so much pain and they got me in the next day. The staff was friendly and Dr. Atkins was also great. The bonus you can go shopping after your appointment.

Response from the ownerAmanda, Thanks for the review. Glad we could help.

Vicky M

★★★★★

Not an ear specialist but the answering phone staff is nice and provided a couple of other doctors to try.

Response from the ownerVicki, thanks for the review. We only see patients with sinus problems and when we try and redirect non-sinus problems to other doctors some patients get annoyed, but thank you for understanding. Hopefully our recommendations were helpful.

John Silva

★★★★★

Wonderful experience meeting Dr James Atkins. Communication was awesome and enjoyable. I felt like I was in good hands.John Silva

Response from the ownerthanks John. Appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. If we ever deviate from giving you great care, please let me know.

Darrell Van Dover

★★★★★

Surgery is never something that you look forward to, however having to go through the experience I wouldn't want to do it anywhere else . Alexa and Mike were great in making me comfortable prior to my procedure and in the procedure room Mike and Hector made me as comfortable as possible as well as the entire staff. Mike and Hector were the staff that I recognized. Overall. under the circumstances, I couldn't have asked for better service.

Response from the ownerDarrell thanks for the shout out. I’ll pass it on to the staff.

Texas Girl

★★★★★

Excellent Doctor and they are always on time - that is a nice advantage! More importantly we quickly diagnosed a sinus problem that may have been affecting a chronic cough I’ve had for a YEAR! Through his direction, we counted out a few things and shortly made a decision on fixing the problem via sinus surgery. And, Wallah - problem fixed! So Thankful. So Relieved. ZERO cough in the past 13 days - having faith - problem solved ! Thank you, Dr. Adkins.

Response from the ownerThanks so much for taking the time to leaving a review. I’m really excited that you’re doing well!

Ryan Huang

★★★★★

I think Dr Atkins cured my chronic cough with the sinus ballon surgery. I always had post nasal drip and did a lot of research. Some doctors suggest that my cough might be related to the post nasal drip which causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This might have been the cause of my persistent cough especially after a respiration infection. After the surgery, I immediately feel I am not as nearly congested.My kids recently had respiratory infections which passed to me and I barely coughed. The symptoms were much milder than before the surgery.I also appreciate Dr. Atkins’ honesty and not over promise. I was told before the surgery that nothing is 100%. The surgery might alleviate my cough but he is a sinus doctor and there could be other contributing factors.

Response from the ownerRyan, so glad you are better and for having an appreciation for the whole process. Thanks for the review!

Cas M.

★★★★★

I will be the first to admit that I am a very anxious, nervous person by nature. The team at Atkins Sinus Care were some of the best medical professionals I've ever had the pleasure of being under the care of. Any questions I had were answered immediately, all calls were always returned, and staff was always so lovely and accommodating, as I am from out of the city and travel to my appointments here. It was my first time ever getting a procedure like this done, and I was quite frightened, but everyone there made the experience as pleasant as it possibly could have been. Nothing but praise! Thank you for all your help!Extra big thank you to PA Ferris, Alexa, Jamie, and everyone else on the surgery team that was there for me this past week. Very attentive and caring staff!

Response from the ownerCas, thanks so much for the review. I will let the team know you called them out their exceptional care. They try hard and I appreciate you recognizing them.

Dr. Carol Eyermann

★★★★★

Dr. James Atkins and his team are outstanding! Everyone from the time you enter the front office area to exiting through the front office area provides exemplary service. They communicate, are professional, and truly care.

Response from the ownerDr. Carol thanks so much for the review. I will make sure the staff sees it. They work hard and deserve a lot of credit!

Matt Prieto

★★★★★

I get my tubes removed tomorrow. I got septoplasy & turbinate reduction. So far healing is going smooth. Not much inflammation at all after post op. Pain was at a minimal a little discomfort but manageable Just listened to doctors & staff’s orders. I’m excited to be able to breathe onto a new chapter in life. I am a 5star barber in the San Antonio & Dr.Akins & his team go above & beyond just like I aspire for my family /Clients. Thank you very much. Day by day will continue to feel better & make progress. If you are looking for the best look no further. This is the place you want to be, you will be in great hands 🙏🏻 -Mattblends

Response from the ownerMatt, Thanks for the great review. Mike will get you fixed up tomorrow. Glad you are well. Thanks for following the instructions. Always helps.

Amelia Costilla

★★★★★

Very polite staff.Brooks the assistant was very attentive to my husband.Dr Atkins was very nice and listened to his concerns.Thank you 🙏

Response from the ownerThanks Amelia, I'll make sure Brooks sees this. He is just getting started in medicine and will go far!

Charlotte Putnam

★★★★★

I appreciated how quickly I was able to see Dr. Atkins. Dr. Atkins listened patiently while I explained what was wrong with me. He was very thorough in his diagnosis. He was not condescending, but kind and caring. I highly recommend him.

Response from the ownerCharlotte, thanks for the great review. I really appreciate it!

Virginia Hernandez

★★★★★

Had my surgery done on the 6th of June with Dr AtkinsI am so glad I chose this place. Everyone was so kind and professional. After my surgery was done I had absolutely no pain. No bruised or swelling...Dr Atkins contacted me the next morning to make sure that I was doing well and how I was feeling.. That meant a lot to me for him to take the time to check on me and make sure everything was going well after my surgery.. After hearing some horror stories I was a little scared to do this surgery.but I'm so glad that I chose Dr Atkins to do my surgery.. I have not take any pain medications since I got home from my procedure.. If you're in need of sinus surgery, I highly recommend this place.💯❤️❤️❤️❤️

Response from the ownerVirginia, so glad you are doing well and thanks for the kind message.

Ari Strickland

★★★★★

Very impressed the moment I walked in. Staff is incredibly friendly and were on top of everything. Dr. Atkins and Ferris are professional, knowledgeable, and caring. Best office I have ever been to.

Response from the ownerWe're so glad to hear that you had a positive experience with us! Thank you for your kind words, we appreciate your feedback.

Grey Sky

★★★★★

The first real doctor I've seen. By that i mean he actually listened to me and took my concerns seriously. He did everything at his disposal to get to the bottom of my problem and offer a thorough diagnosis. I would've had my surgery done by him but he was out of network for my Surgery Plus insurance. He was so good, I strongly considered going through with it out of network.

Response from the ownerGreat thanks so much for the kind words. Hope you’re doing well.

Terri Boehner

★★★★★

Dr. Ferris is amazing. He throughly diagnosed my problem and provided me with the information I needed for a solution to my issues. I recommend this facility and Dr. Ferris for all sinus related problems.

Response from the ownerThank you, Terri! We appreciate your recommendation!

jansen rome

★★★★★

Personable and genuine staff with your best interest in mind!!

Response from the ownerThank you Mr. Rome. It was a pleasure taking care of you.

C B

★★★★★

PA Ferris and the staff are outstanding. I received valuable information as to my health and plan to follow up with allergy testing. If you are military and have post-overseas burn pit exposure symptoms also recommend AESC.

Response from the ownerThank you, Chris! We appreciate your kind words and are grateful for the opportunity to provide you with valuable information regarding your health. We're glad to hear that you found our staff outstanding. If you have any further questions or need assistance prior to your follow-up , please don't hesitate to reach out.

Bonny Herndon

★★★★★

I always get the very best care at Atkins Sinus Center. I’ve been a patient here for several years and they are always responsive to my needs. Additionally, they are thorough, compassionate, and friendly. PA Mike Ferris is just the best!

Response from the ownerThank you so much for your kind words, Bonny! We truly appreciate your loyalty and trust in our care. It's wonderful to hear that our team has been responsive, thorough, and compassionate during your visits. We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to PA Mike Ferris. Take care and hope you start feeling better soon.

Marlene Valenzuela

★★★★★

The best ENT office in San Antonio! Dr. Atkins, PA-Ferris, and the entire staff from receptionists to nurses were all exceptional. I was so anxious about surgery and everyone was so comforting, even for my pre and post-op visits. If you’re dealing with any sinus/allergy issues, this is the place to be seen and treated at.

Adriana Perez

★★★★★

Dr. Atkins and his team made me feel comfortable during my procedure. Love how friendly and helpful they are. The next day after surgery Dr.Atkins checked on me to see how I was feeling. That made me feel good because it shows me how they care about there patients.

ChrisAndAmanda Passmore

★★★★★

Dr Atkins and PA Ferris both take the time to explain and answer questions. Dr Atkins even texted me personally the day after my surgery to check on me.

Jimmy Mayfield

★★★★★

Thank you for taking me in as a new patient, and providing me with excellent care !I came in with a broken septum, and allergies. I was prescribed nasal sprays and a referral for my septum. Thank you again !

Kareem Salama

★★★★★

I was referred to Dr. Atkins office by a former patient who had a great experience, and I must say, I was not disappointed. From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcoming and efficient, and the office was modern and clean.Dr. Atkins was knowledgeable and professional, listening to my concerns and explaining everything in detail and providing a comprehensive treatment plan. The staff were exceptional, and I left feeling grateful for the care I received.

Ronald Davis

★★★★★

Everyone I met at Dr Atkins was professional and courteous. Felt confident they knew what they were doing. I’m already feeling better after a few days of meds. Hoping this regimen will solve a problem that I’ve had for a long time. Should have went sooner.

Shasta Billingsley

★★★★★

Dr Adkins shows professionalism and courtesy. He and his team (Hector, has been with him for 13 years), are by far better at diagnosing and meeting patient’s needs than most. He took time to correctly diagnose my issues and I knew I was in great hands. Thank you for being a true leader in your field.

James Lane

★★★★★

Very knowledgeable and professional.

Michael Bustamante

★★★★★

I’m very pleased with your serviceDr. Atkins has the best team, working for him. I’m very pleased with everything y’all have done for me.Thank You, Thank You, Thank You !!!Michael Bustamante