After sinus surgery
After endoscopic sinus surgery, most of the healing happens inside the nose, on a surface you cannot see. That is why regular rinsing and follow-up visits matter as much as the operation itself.
The first 24–48 hours
- Nasal blockage and watery, blood-tinged discharge are expected.
- Sleep with your head raised; do not blow your nose.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending forward and hot showers during this period.
Nasal rinsing
Saline rinsing is the single most important part of healing after sinus surgery. Start on the day your surgeon specifies and rinse as often as advised. Rinsing softens crusts, clears clots and helps stop the sinus openings closing again.
When rinsing, lean slightly forward and breathe through your mouth; do not blow your nose hard afterwards.
Weeks 1–4
- Shedding crusts and clots is normal; your sense of smell can be temporarily reduced during this time.
- Endoscopic cleaning visits happen at the intervals your surgeon sets — these visits are part of the operation and should not be skipped.
- Flying, diving and heavy exercise are planned with your surgeon's permission.
Month 3 onward
Improvement in smell and breathing becomes clearer over the following weeks. If you have allergies, keeping them controlled directly affects how lasting the result is; maintenance treatment continues according to your surgeon's plan.
Call immediately
The following do not wait. If any of these happen, call the clinic; if you cannot reach us, go to the nearest emergency department:
- Nosebleed that does not stop
- A change in vision, double vision, or swelling around the eye
- Severe headache, neck stiffness and high fever
- One-sided, clear, watery discharge
This page is a general guide. **Your surgeon's own instructions take precedence**; your medication, the day your splint or stitches come out, how long before you return to work, and your follow-up dates are planned for you individually and may differ from this page.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to keep rinsing?
In most patients it continues for weeks; the duration is set by your surgeon according to how healing is progressing.
Will my sense of smell come back?
Smell loss due to blockage usually improves. If it is related to long-standing inflammation or nerve-level involvement, recovery can be limited; this distinction is made at your examination.
Book a consultation
To book, call us directly or write on WhatsApp. In an emergency please go to the nearest emergency department.
Book a consultation
Let us establish the source of your complaint together, through examination and endoscopic assessment.