If you’ve ever had persistent sinus problems you know it can cause pain and discomfort. Additionally, if medication isn’t an effective solution, your physician may recommend sinus surgery. Surgery typically provides long-term relief, but problems after surgery may occur occasionally.
Sinus surgery is typically used to treat chronic sinusitis (inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses) but may also be required for other sinus problems. During surgery, the surgeon will enlarge the openings between the sinuses and the inside of the nose so air can get in and drainage can get out. Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed to remove blockages in the sinuses. Sinus blockages can cause pain, drainage, recurring infections, impaired breathing, and loss of smell. Sinus surgery is used to relieve symptoms associated with: Sinusitis and nasal polyps.
Like all procedures, sinus surgery does carry a slight risk of complications. Typically these side effects are just swelling and sometimes crusting after the procedure. However, more severe side effects are:
Bleeding – This typically happens in the first 24 hours after surgery, and usually pretty minor.
Impaired sense of taste or smell – Typically, once that nasal passages are cleared after operation, patients notice an improved sense of smell and taste. However, sometimes the opposite can occur.
Numbness –The tip of your nose and your upper lip and gums may be numb. Feeling will return in a few weeks to a few months.
Dryness – Occasionally, a patient may feel a sensation of dryness in their nose, although this is quite rare.
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the chance of complications after sinus surgery, many issues can be avoided by an experienced surgeon, like the ones here at Miracle Mile.
To book an appointment, call 323.433.7744, or visit our contact page!
