Nasal Polypectomy in Austin, TX
Complete nasal blockage, lost sense of smell, and constant sinus pressure? Nasal polyps — benign growths from the nasal lining — can fill the nasal cavity and block the sinuses entirely. Capital ENT's board-certified ENT surgeons perform endoscopic nasal polypectomy to restore breathing and sinus health at our Austin office.
What Are Nasal Polyps — and Why Do They Form?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop from the inflamed lining of the nasal cavity or sinuses. They look like small teardrop-shaped grapes and develop in the setting of chronic inflammation — most commonly from chronic rhinosinusitis, allergies, asthma, or aspirin sensitivity (Samter's triad).
Small polyps may cause no symptoms, but large or numerous polyps can completely obstruct nasal breathing, block the sinuses, and eliminate the sense of smell. Medical treatment (nasal steroid sprays, oral steroids) can temporarily shrink polyps, but surgical removal — polypectomy — is often needed for significant or recurrent polyp disease.
- Endoscopic procedure — no external incisions
- In-office option available under local or IV sedation
- Outpatient when surgical — same-day discharge
- Dramatically improves nasal airflow and sinus drainage
- Post-op medical management helps prevent recurrence
Signs You May Have Nasal Polyps
Complete Nasal Obstruction
Unlike the alternating congestion of a deviated septum or the swelling of allergies, large nasal polyps can cause near-total or total nasal obstruction — making it impossible to breathe through the nose at all. Patients describe breathing as if their nose is packed solid. This constant obstruction causes mouth breathing, chronic sinus pressure, and significant impact on quality of life that does not respond to decongestants or antihistamines.
Request EvaluationLoss of Smell (Anosmia)
Nasal polyps are one of the most common causes of anosmia (complete loss of smell) and hyposmia (reduced sense of smell) in adults. The polyps physically block the flow of odor molecules to the olfactory epithelium at the top of the nasal cavity. Loss of smell significantly affects taste and quality of life, and many patients report inability to enjoy food or detect hazards like smoke or gas. Polypectomy restores olfactory access in most patients.
Request EvaluationChronic Sinusitis With Polyps
Nasal polyps frequently coexist with chronic rhinosinusitis — the combination is called chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). These patients suffer from constant facial pressure, headache, thick post-nasal drainage, and recurrent sinus infections on top of their nasal obstruction and smell loss. Surgery to remove the polyps and open the sinuses (functional endoscopic sinus surgery combined with polypectomy) provides the most complete relief.
Request EvaluationModern Polypectomy — No External Incisions
Nasal polypectomy is performed using rigid nasal endoscopes and a microdebrider — a precision powered instrument that removes polyp tissue while preserving the normal surrounding mucosa. All work is done through the nostrils; no external cuts are made.
Smaller or more accessible polyp disease can often be removed right in our Austin office under local or IV sedation — no surgery center required. More extensive polyposis, or cases combined with full sinus surgery (FESS), is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Schedule a ConsultationIn-Office Polypectomy
Austin Office
- Local or IV sedation — no general anesthesia
- No surgery center required
- Same-day return to normal activity
- For limited or accessible polyp disease
Surgical Polypectomy
Operating Room
- General anesthesia — outpatient, same-day discharge
- 1–2 hours; often combined with FESS
- Complete access to all sinus cavities
- For extensive or recurrent polyp disease
Preventing Nasal Polyps From Coming Back
Nasal polyps tend to recur because the underlying inflammatory process that caused them — chronic rhinosinusitis, allergies, or aspirin sensitivity — typically persists after surgery. Post-operative medical management is critical to maintaining surgical results and delaying or preventing recurrence.
Our team creates a personalized post-operative plan that may include nasal steroid sprays, saline irrigations, biologic medications (for severe or recurrent polyp disease), and allergy management. Regular follow-up with nasal endoscopy allows early detection and treatment of any regrowth before symptoms return.
- Nasal steroid sprays — daily maintenance to reduce inflammation
- Saline rinses — keep sinus passages clean post-operatively
- Biologic medications — for patients with recurrent or severe disease
- Allergy evaluation and treatment when relevant
- Regular endoscopic follow-up to monitor for recurrence
Your Polypectomy Experience at Capital ENT
In-Office or Surgical
Limited polypectomy can be done in the office under local or IV sedation. Larger polyp burden or combined FESS is done in the OR under general anesthesia — always same-day discharge.
Flexible OptionsRestored Smell & Breathing
Most patients experience meaningful improvement in nasal breathing and sense of smell within weeks of polypectomy — often reporting dramatic changes that they had forgotten were possible.
Significant ImprovementFESS Combined
Polypectomy is frequently combined with functional endoscopic sinus surgery to open blocked sinus passages — providing more complete relief and better access for post-op topical treatments.
Complete Sinus TreatmentAustin Office
Consultations and surgery are performed at our Austin location. Surgery is scheduled at our Austin office or a local operating room based on your needs.
Austin LocationNasal Polypectomy FAQ
Most patients with anosmia from nasal polyps experience meaningful improvement in sense of smell after polypectomy. The degree of improvement depends on how long smell was lost and whether the olfactory nerve itself has been affected by prolonged polyp obstruction. Early surgery — before years of anosmia — tends to yield better olfactory recovery. Ongoing post-operative medical management helps maintain smell by preventing polyp recurrence.
Polyps can recur because the underlying inflammatory condition that caused them persists. The recurrence rate is significantly reduced by combining surgery with consistent post-operative medical management — daily nasal steroid sprays, saline irrigations, and allergy control. Patients with severe or recurrent polyp disease may be candidates for biologic medications (such as dupilumab) that target the underlying type-2 inflammation driving polyp formation.
Nasal polypectomy for symptomatic nasal polyposis is a medically necessary procedure covered by most major insurance plans. Prior authorization is typically required, and our team will obtain this before scheduling surgery. We will provide a full estimate of your expected out-of-pocket costs before proceeding.
Recovery involves nasal congestion and bloody drainage for the first week. Saline rinses are started 24–48 hours after surgery to keep the nasal passages clean and promote healing. Most patients return to desk work within 1 week. Strenuous activity is restricted for 2 weeks. Nasal packing is not routinely used with modern endoscopic polypectomy techniques, making recovery considerably more comfortable than in the past.
Breathe Freely & Smell Again
Our ENT surgeons can evaluate your nasal polyps and recommend the right surgical and medical treatment plan. Same-day and next-day consultations often available.