Recovery After Sinus Surgery

The sinus surgery procedure is an option for patients in Orange County who are suffering from chronic sinusitis, excessive nasal congestion and persistent sinus headaches. This procedure is designed to alleviate swelling and inflammation in the sinus cavity, and provide the patient with immediate relief.

However, interested Newport Beach patients should remember that this is still a surgical operation. While the symptoms associated with their sinus issues will decrease significantly after the operation, they must first endure a recovery process before they can enjoy the full extent of the benefits of this surgery.

What Do I Need to Know About Sinus Surgery Recovery?

The recovery for this surgery is pivotal to the overall success of the operation. An expert ENT surgeon will remind the patient that the procedure is only the first step, and the recovery ensures the true success of the operation. Patients who follow the post-operative instructions provided to them by their ENT surgeon will enjoy a success rate of about 85-90 percent.

The initial recovery lasts for about 7-14 days, and patients may still experience some symptoms of sinus problems during this time. Congestion and minor sinus headaches are common complaints among patients who are recovering from this surgery, but most people find it significantly more manageable than their initial symptoms which led them to have the surgery performed in the first place.

Also, patients may find that blood and mucus drains from their nose as it heals itself from the operation. While most people can return to work within two weeks, it can take up to several months for the sinuses to completely heal and all symptoms to subside. Patients should stay in contact with their surgeon in order to ensure that all symptoms are normal during the post-operative period.

Follow-up care and sinus irrigation is essential to the success of this operation. Most patients will return to the doctor several times during the first few weeks of the recovery. At these follow-up appointments, the surgeon will examine the nose using the endoscope and also will thoroughly clean and irrigate the sinuses.

When at home, it is recommended that patients use a sterilized saline nasal spray in order to clean out their nose. Patients should not blow their nose for at least ten days after the surgery, and contact sports as well as rigorous exercise should be avoided for about a month after the operation.

Patients who are sick of dealing with chronic sinus issues and the negative symptoms associated with these issues should set up an appointment with an ENT surgeon as soon as possible. There are a variety of treatment options available, but the endoscopic sinus surgery is one of the best ways to ensure long-term results for the patient.

While the initial recovery period may be uncomfortable and difficult for patients, most people find that it is worth the effort and the wait. Once they complete their recovery, they are able to breathe easy and sleep soundly once again.