Is Sinus Surgery Your Solution? Understanding the Path to Relief

Sinus surgery isn’t what most people envision. There’s no cutting through skin, no lengthy hospital stays, and in most cases, no extended recovery times. Most sinus surgeries today are performed endoscopically. There are no external scars, and the procedure is deemed minimally invasive.

Primarily, this procedure treats chronic sinusitis. For some people, the root cause might be structural issues like a deviated septum or growths like nasal polyps, which block normal drainage and airflow. In cases like these, endoscopic sinus surgery can open up the sinuses, remove obstructions, and allow for better breathing and fewer infections.

It’s a proven, standard procedure. In fact, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, over 250,000 sinus surgeries are performed in the United States each year. However, just because you’re experiencing sinus issues doesn’t mean surgery is the answer. Sometimes, nonsurgical treatments may be more effective for your needs. 

The only way to know for sure is to consult with Mani Zadeh, MD, our skilled ear, nose, and throat specialist, who can figure out the root cause of your symptoms and whether surgery will fix the problem. Let’s look more closely at who sinus surgery helps, the process, and how to decide if it’s right for you.

What conditions can sinus surgery help with?

Sinus surgery typically treats chronic sinusitis that hasn’t responded to medication. But surgery can also help with other issues, including:

• Nasal polyps: Noncancerous growths blocking nasal passages and causing chronic inflammation
• Deviated septum: When the wall between your nostrils is off-center, restricting airflow
• Sinus infections: Especially if antibiotics, nasal sprays, or allergy treatments haven’t worked

These conditions often overlap, and symptoms can be confusing. That’s why an expert evaluation is crucial. A CT scan, nasal endoscopy, or allergy testing might be needed to figure out what's going on.

What to expect from endoscopic sinus surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery uses a small camera (an endoscope) that allows Dr. Zadeh to see inside your nose and sinuses. He then uses specialized instruments to remove blockages and widen narrow sinus passages. There are no external incisions, which means no visible scars and typically less pain than traditional surgery. 

The result is better airflow, proper sinus drainage, and fewer infections or flare-ups. This type of surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means you go home the same day. Recovery usually involves a few days of rest, nasal rinses, and follow-up appointments so Dr. Zadeh can monitor your healing. Most people are back to normal activities within a week.

When is sinus surgery the right option?

Sinus surgery isn’t a quick fix for every sniffle or pressure headache. It’s usually considered when:

• You’ve had symptoms for 12 weeks or longer, despite using medication
• CT scans show blocked or inflamed sinuses that haven’t responded to treatment
• You’ve tried nasal sprays, antibiotics, steroids, or allergy meds without lasting relief
• Structural problems like polyps or a deviated septum are making things worse

It’s also an option when sinus issues start interfering with your daily life, such as causing you to miss work, have sleep issues, or experience constant discomfort. However, for many patients, sinus surgery isn’t always necessary. For some, lifestyle adjustments or medication alone can make a big difference. 

If you’re tired of living with sinus issues and want answers you can trust, make an appointment with Dr. Zadeh today. He can help you determine whether you need sinus surgery or a simpler fix.