Getting Ready for Sinus Surgery

How is the surgery done?

• The goal is to open the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses and to clean out blocked sinuses and any nasal polyps.
• Small telescopes are used to see inside the nose and sinuses, and small instruments open the sinuses by removing some of the nasal lining and thin bone. There are no incisions on the face.
• Sometimes the septum (the wall between your nostrils) also needs to be straightened to reach the sinuses. This is called septoplasty.
• The surgery is done under general anesthesia (completely asleep) and takes about 1 to 3 hours. Most people go home the same day.
• We do not pack the nose with gauze.

Our endoscopic sinus surgery page explains who the surgery helps.

What is a Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Our team explains what endoscopic sinus surgery is and who it helps.

Watch on YouTube

What are the risks?

Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will go over them with you before surgery, and you can ask about any of them.

• Anesthesia is safe, but it has some risks. The anesthesia team can go over them with you. Tell us if anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia.
• Pain, bleeding and infection are risks of any surgery.
• Leak of brain fluid. The sinuses are separated from the brain by thin bone. There is a small risk (under 1 in 100) of a leak of the fluid around the brain, which could need more surgery or lead to meningitis.
• Eye injury. The sinuses are also separated from the eyes by thin bone. There is a small risk (under 1 in 100) of injury to the eye or the muscles around it, which could cause loss of vision or double vision.
• Changes in smell and taste, including loss of smell.
• Watery eyes from extra tears.
• Numb upper front teeth.
• If septoplasty is also done: a hole in the septum, the septum shifting again, a blood clot in the septum, and rarely a change in how the nose looks.
• Symptoms may continue or come back, and more procedures may be needed. In many cases surgery does not cure chronic sinusitis, and you will still need medicine afterward.

How do I get ready?

• As soon as surgery is scheduled

  • Give us a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take. We will tell you which to stop and when.
  • If you smoke or vape, stop now. Stopping helps your body heal and makes anesthesia safer, and the earlier you stop, the better: aim for at least 4 weeks before surgery, though even 2 weeks helps. Stay off until your surgeon says you have healed.
  • Plan time off. Plan on up to a week off work or school; some people go back sooner.
  • Plan your travel. For at least 1 week after surgery, stay within about an hour of our office or an emergency room, and do not fly for 2 weeks.
  • Arrange for an adult to drive you home. After general anesthesia, we recommend having an adult stay with you the first night.

• 1 to 2 weeks before

  • Aspirin is usually stopped 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. If you take aspirin or a blood thinner for your heart, a stent or stroke prevention, do not stop it on your own: your surgeon will check with whoever prescribes it.
  • Ask us whether to pause ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).
  • Ask about herbal remedies and supplements, such as fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo or garlic pills, which can raise the chance of bleeding.
  • If you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, ask how to take them before surgery.
  • Get the supplies in the next section.

• The night before

  • Follow the eating and drinking instructions from our office or the surgery center exactly. If you eat or drink when you should not, surgery may need to be postponed for safety.
  • Many places ask for nothing to eat after midnight, and some allow clear liquids until a few hours before.
  • Take only the medicines we said to take that morning, with a small sip of water.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.

• The day of surgery

  • Wear comfortable clothes and a top that buttons or zips in the front, so you do not pull it over your nose afterward.
  • Wear glasses instead of contact lenses, and leave jewelry and valuables at home.
  • Bring your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.
  • Plan to be there several hours in all. The surgery itself takes about 1 to 3 hours.

What happens after surgery?

• Most people go home the same day.
• Some bleeding from the nose for the first few days is expected. If you are worried about how much you are bleeding, call us.
• Do not blow your nose for 1 week. No heavy lifting, straining or strenuous exercise for 1 week, then ease back into your usual activities.
• Your first visit is usually about a week after surgery. Your surgeon cleans out the sinuses then, which helps them heal open.
• If you use CPAP, keep using it, starting the night of surgery, unless your surgeon tells you otherwise.

The Sinus Surgery Recovery Guide has everything you need after the procedure, including when to call us.

When should I call before surgery?