Surgery…not exactly the most enjoyable topic.
As doctors, we know there are plenty of concerns that can plague you leading up to your operation. But our job is always to help put you at ease, and we can do that by helping you know what to expect from sinus surgery.
Want some good news? “Endoscopic” sinus surgery (a procedure commonly performed for extreme, ongoing cases of sinusitis) has a success rate of 85 to 90 percent. It’s not the first resort, but if other treatments have failed, then it’s a solid option for many patients.
What to Expect from Sinus Surgery:
- Congestion and discharge are normal. Some amount of blood coming from your nasal passage is normal for up to two weeks. You might have mild sinus headaches, too.
- Blowing your nose and sneezing with your mouth closed are off limits. Strange, right? But for the first week or so, you should be careful of tiny habits that could encourage bleeding.
- You might want some cold packs on hand. You’ll likely feel pressure and achiness while the post-surgery packing is in place. Your personal doctor can tell you specific instructions for how and when to use cold packs.
- Pillows will be your friends. Ideally, you should sleep at about a 30-degree elevation for up to a week. For most people, that means two or three pillows on the bed.
- The full results might take time. Although these types of procedures can be very helpful, don’t expect to wake up to perfect health the very next day. Some patients can take several months to reap the full benefits — but check with your doctor to see how you can recover best.
What does Dr. Robert Pincus have to say:
Patients often ask me, “how much time will I need off from work for sinus procedures?” With today’s minimally invasive computer guided techniques, unless your work involves heavy lifting or an extreme environment, you can expect to go back to work in three to four days–with little more than a feeling of sinus congestion at that time. With office balloon sinuplasties, people generally go back to work the next day.
Sinus surgery is a common and generally very safe procedure, but you should still watch out for a few warning signs after the operation. If you notice any of the following, then consult your doc right away.
- Pain that won’t go away with medication
- A fever of 100.5° or more
- Bleeding directly from the nose
- Vision issues or eye pain
- A stiff neck, accompanied by fatigue, a fever and a bad headache
Choosing to have surgery is a major decision. Seeing a qualified doctor (and knowing what’s involved before you decide) can make a world of difference. If you need a personal opinion about whether surgery might be an option for you, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Endoscopic sinus surgery has a success rate of 85 to 90 percent, making it a reliable option for patients with severe or ongoing sinusitis when other treatments have failed. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to improve sinus drainage and reduce symptoms effectively.
After sinus surgery, it's normal to experience congestion, discharge, some nasal bleeding for up to two weeks, mild sinus headaches, pressure, and achiness especially while the post-surgery packing is in place. These are typical signs of the healing process and generally improve over time.
Yes, after surgery, you should avoid blowing your nose and sneezing with your mouth closed for at least the first week, as these activities can increase the risk of bleeding. It's important to handle such habits carefully to promote healing.
Recovery times vary based on the procedure type. For minimally invasive computer-guided sinus surgeries, patients can typically return to work in three to four days unless their job involves heavy lifting or extreme environments. For office balloon sinuplasty, return to work is often the next day.
It's recommended to sleep with your head elevated at about a 30-degree angle for up to a week post-surgery to reduce swelling and promote drainage. Using two to three pillows can help achieve this elevation comfortably.
You should consult your doctor immediately if you experience pain that doesn’t improve with medication, a fever of 100.5°F or higher, active nose bleeding, vision problems or eye pain, or symptoms like a stiff neck with fatigue, fever, and severe headache. These could be signs of complications.
Full results from sinus surgery may take several months to become apparent. While some improvement is often noticed relatively soon, complete healing and symptom relief develop gradually, so patience and following your doctor's recovery advice are important.