After Nasal Polyp Surgery: How Finding and Treating the Source Helps Prevent Recurrence

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form inside the nose or sinuses. They’re the result of chronic inflammation, often linked to conditions like allergies, asthma, frequent sinus infections, or immune system dysfunction. On their own, they aren’t dangerous, but they can grow large enough or become numerous enough to block normal airflow and sinus drainage.

Symptoms such as constant congestion, difficulty breathing through your nose, a reduced sense of smell, recurring sinus infections, or facial pressure are often signs that your polyps are too large or numerous to allow you to function properly. 

In some cases, medication such as nasal sprays or oral steroids can shrink them. But when polyps don’t respond to medical treatment, or when they cause significant obstruction, surgery is usually the best option.

Mani Zadeh, MD, specializes in advanced endoscopic sinus surgery, a minimally invasive approach that removes the polyps and clears the nasal passages. Patients often feel immediate relief after the procedure. However, polyps tend to recur because surgery treats the consequences of inflammation (the polyps and blockage), not the cause of the inflammation itself.

Here we explain what surgery changes, why polyps recur, and how a targeted prevention plan can keep your nasal passage clear.

Why do nasal polyps recur?

The challenge with nasal polyps isn’t just removing them, it’s preventing them from returning. Polyps are symptoms of inflammation, and unless that inflammation is controlled, the tissue in the nose and sinuses may start producing new growths.

This is why recurrence rates can be high in patients who don’t receive ongoing care. If the underlying triggers — such as untreated allergies, uncontrolled asthma, or chronic sinus infections — aren’t identified and managed, the environment that allowed polyps to grow in the first place remains unchanged.

What to expect right after surgery

Recovery from nasal polyp surgery is generally smoother than many patients expect. Because endoscopic techniques don’t require external incisions, there are no visible scars, and discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. 

Most patients experience congestion, mild bleeding, or drainage for the first week or two, but these symptoms improve steadily as the nose heals.

Follow-up visits are a key part of the recovery process. During these appointments, Dr. Zadeh examines the nasal passages, gently clears out any crusting or buildup, and monitors how the tissue is healing. These visits not only ensure that recovery is on track but also reduce the risk of complications, such as infection or scarring, that could interfere with long-term results.

Patients often notice significant improvements in breathing, sleep quality, and sense of smell within the first few weeks. But to maintain those results, ongoing treatment is essential.

Treating the inflammation 

The best long-term outcomes happen when surgery is combined with a plan to address the inflammation behind polyp growth. Dr. Zadeh works with you to find the underlying source and manage it effectively.

For some patients, this may involve allergy testing and immunotherapy to reduce reactions that inflame the nasal lining. For others, it could involve adjusting asthma treatment or prescribing anti-inflammatory medications to keep the sinuses healthy. Regular use of saline rinses and topical steroid sprays can also help keep the nasal passages clear and reduce the chances of new growth.

This holistic approach, which combines surgery with ongoing care, dramatically reduces the risk of recurrence. Patients who take an active role in managing their condition, guided by a specialist like Dr.Zadeh, are much more likely to enjoy lasting relief.

Life after nasal polyp surgery

Most patients who combine surgery with comprehensive follow-up care find that their quality of life improves dramatically. They can breathe freely through their nose, taste and smell food again, sleep more soundly, and get through their days without constant congestion or sinus infections. 

Of course, it’s natural to worry about recurrence, but regular monitoring, personalized treatment, and quickly addressing new issues all help to keep symptoms under control.

If you’re dealing with nasal polyps or worried about recurrence after a past surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zadeh today.