Sinus Surgery in Houston, TX

Patients in Houston suffering from chronic or recurrent sinus infections, sinus obstruction, or nasal polyps may be advised by their doctor to undergo sinus surgery in Houston. Typically, these individuals have undergone treatment with various antibiotics, medications, and allergy evaluations but continue to experience persistent symptoms.

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What Is Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery is a specialized procedure designed to open blocked sinus passages, restore proper airflow, and reduce the frequency of infections. Patients who continue to suffer from chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, or polyps despite medication may benefit from surgery. Modern Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is the most common technique, performed through the nostrils using advanced scopes and instruments. This approach avoids external incisions, allows the surgeon to remove diseased tissue precisely, and minimizes recovery time. By restoring natural drainage pathways, sinus surgery helps reduce inflammation, improve breathing, and enhance overall quality of life.

What to Expect From Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery aims to eliminate physical blockages in the sinus cavities and nasal passages and to enlarge the natural sinus openings. The surgeon removes diseased bone or mucosa, polyps or cysts, and rinses the open sinuses during the procedure. They may also take cultures.

A pathologist then examines the diseased tissue while the surgeon takes steps to minimize scarring and promote healing. By restoring natural ventilation patterns and drainage within the nose, surgery can reduce the frequency of sinus infections.

Modern sinus surgery, also known as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), is typically performed through the nostrils using the following:

Narrow cylindrical scopes
Fiberoptic illumination
Magnification
Video displays
Specialized instruments for removing diseased tissue

This procedure is usually carried out under general anesthesia as an outpatient surgery.

Benefits of Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery helps restore clear breathing and long-term sinus health when other treatments haven’t worked. Benefits include:

Lasting relief from chronic congestion and infections
Easier breathing and better sleep quality
Less reliance on medications
Improved sense of smell and taste
Minimally invasive procedure with quick recovery
Better control of allergies and nasal polyps
Comprehensive, coordinated ENT care

Who Is a Candidate for Sinus Surgery?

If you’ve tried antibiotics, nasal sprays, allergy treatments, or other therapies without lasting relief, you may be a good candidate for sinus surgery.

You may benefit from sinus surgery if you have:

Chronic or recurrent sinus infections that don’t respond to medication
Persistent nasal congestion, pressure, or facial pain
Nasal polyps or growths that block airflow
Structural issues like a deviated septum contributing to sinus blockage
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Reduced sense of smell or taste due to sinus obstruction

Prior Sinus Surgery

Patients should discontinue using all topical decongestant sprays four to six weeks before sinus surgery in Houston. Additionally, before the surgery, patients must refrain from taking blood thinners for two weeks. This includes aspirin or aspirin-containing products such as the following:

Aggrenox
Ecotrin
Excedrin
Plavix
Coumadin
Warfarin

The following non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped at least one week before surgery:

Ibuprofen
Advil
Alleve
Naprosyn
Mobic
Celebrex

In the event of a respiratory illness, asthma flare-up, or consumption of food or drink on the morning of the procedure, surgery may need to be postponed or rescheduled.

Post Sinus Surgery Treatment

Surgery risks may include the following:

Bleeding
Formation of scar tissue
Recurring sinusitis in the operated sinuses
Progression of sinusitis to other sinuses
Return of polyps

Rare risks involve the following:

Reactions to anesthesia
Spinal fluid leakage
Reduced sense of smell
Injury to the eye socket resulting in pain or decreased vision

After sinus surgery in Houston, recovery typically involves the removal of nasal packing within a day or more. Expect a few days of bloody nasal drainage and post-nasal drip. Saltwater sprays and irrigations are used for at least two weeks. Regular follow-up appointments with our Houston ENT surgeons for endoscopic cleaning are essential for proper healing.

Why Choose Texas ENT Specialists for Sinus Surgery?

Texas ENT Specialists brings together a team of more than 30 board-certified ENT physicians and surgeons with decades of combined experience treating complex sinus conditions. With 15 convenient locations across the greater Houston area, patients gain access to one of the largest ENT networks in the region, supported by advanced diagnostic tools, surgical technology, and modern facilities. This combination ensures safe, precise, and effective care no matter which office you visit.

We are committed to providing personalized treatment by listening to your concerns and tailoring care plans to your unique needs and lifestyle. From diagnosis and nonsurgical therapies to advanced sinus surgery, our patients benefit from the full continuum of ENT services, supported by seamless referrals within our network. Recognized nationally for excellence in both adult and pediatric ENT care, Texas ENT Specialists delivers trusted, high-quality treatment that meets the highest safety standards.

Sinus Surgery FAQ

Who is a candidate for sinus surgery?

Candidates are typically patients with chronic or recurrent sinus infections, nasal obstruction, or polyps who have not improved with medication, allergy treatment, or other nonsurgical therapies.

What is recovery like after sinus surgery?

Most patients experience mild congestion, drainage, and swelling for several days. Saline rinses and follow-up visits are important for healing. Most return to work within a week, although healing may take several weeks.

Is sinus surgery painful?

Patients are under anesthesia during surgery. Afterward, there may be some pressure or discomfort, but pain is usually mild and well-controlled with medication.

Are there risks with sinus surgery?

As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, scar tissue, or recurrence of sinus problems. Rare complications may involve anesthesia reactions, spinal fluid leakage, or eye-related issues. Your surgeon will review risks in detail before the procedure.

How long do results last?

Many patients experience long-term relief, though outcomes vary. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions and managing allergies or inflammation can help maintain results.

Can sinus surgery be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Sinus surgery is often performed with procedures such as septoplasty (to correct a deviated septum) or turbinate reduction to improve breathing and airflow.