Following sinus surgery performed in the operating room under general anesthesia, you will experience two recovery periods. During the first 24 to 48 hours, you will still be feeling tired and fatigued, as your body continues to metabolize the anesthetic that was absorbed by your body. You will also note that any significant increase in blood pressure from exertion will result in nasal congestion and facial fullness for the first 10 to 14 days after surgery. There is typically no packing placed in the nasal passages following the procedure, so that you will be able to breath easily through your nose, which makes sleeping and eating much easier and more comfortable. We actually encourage patients to blow their noses after surgery! There will be no bruising around the eyes or facial swelling, as was the case with sinus surgery which was done in the past. However, patients typically take 3 to 5 days off of work before they return for light duty.
Because of the minimal amount of topical and local anesthetic that is used during an In-Office balloon sinuplasty, some patients are able to return to work later that day. There is minimal discomfort, with the vast majority of patients not requiring any pain medication. Following the procedure, there is no bruising around the eyes or facial swelling. Patients do notice a significant increase in post-nasal drainage following the procedure, which usually tapers off after several weeks of medical therapy.