Restore healthy sinus drainage and lasting relief when chronic sinus infections, blockage, or inflammation won’t improve with medication alone. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our ENTs use advanced, minimally invasive sinus surgery to gently open your sinus passages, reduce infection, and help you breathe easier, sleep better, and feel more like yourself again.
Open Blocked Sinus Passages
Sinus surgery is a procedure used to treat persistent sinus problems that don’t respond to medication. It’s commonly recommended for chronic sinus infections, blocked sinus passages, nasal polyps, or structural issues that interfere with normal drainage. During surgery, your ENT gently opens the sinus pathways and removes inflamed tissue or blockages so mucus can drain properly. In some cases, a PROPEL® sinus stent is placed to help keep the sinuses open and deliver anti-inflammatory medication as you heal.
What Does Sinus Surgery Treat?
Your sinuses are a network of air-filled cavities located behind your cheeks, eyes, and forehead that help regulate airflow, produce mucus, and protect your airways. When these passages become chronically inflamed, narrowed, or blocked, mucus cannot drain properly, leading to infection, pressure, and ongoing symptoms. Sinus surgery corrects these structural issues by restoring normal drainage pathways.
Sinus surgery can help with symptoms that occur when drainage is blocked, including:
- Persistent facial pressure or pain
- Frequent or long-lasting sinus infections
- Ongoing nasal congestion or blockage
- Thick nasal drainage or post-nasal drip
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Headaches related to sinus pressure
Benefits of Sinus Surgery
When chronic sinus problems don’t respond to medication, sinus surgery can provide long-term relief by improving how your sinuses function.
By restoring proper drainage, the procedure helps reduce symptoms and improve your overall quality of life, including:
- Fewer and less severe sinus infections
- Improved sinus drainage and airflow
- Reduced facial pressure, pain, and congestion
- Better breathing through the nose
- Improved sense of smell and taste
- Decreased reliance on antibiotics and medications
Your Sinus Surgery Experience
Your sinus surgery journey begins with a thorough consultation and evaluation. Your ENT carefully reviews your symptoms, medical history, and prior treatments, then examines your nasal passages using imaging or nasal endoscopy to identify blocked sinus pathways. Together, you’ll discuss whether surgery is appropriate and which techniques may be used, including whether a PROPEL sinus stent could support healing after surgery.
Sinus surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Using a small endoscope placed through the nose, your surgeon precisely opens the blocked sinus passages and removes inflamed tissue, polyps, or bone that prevent proper drainage. Because the surgery is performed entirely through the nostrils, there are no external incisions. Afterward, your sinuses are gently cleaned and supported to promote healthy healing.
Keep Your Sinuses Open With Propel
PROPEL is a small, dissolvable sinus stent placed at the end of sinus surgery to support healing from the inside. Once positioned, it gently expands to hold the newly opened sinus passages in place while slowly releasing an anti-inflammatory medication to the sinus lining. This targeted medication helps reduce swelling, scarring, and tissue regrowth during recovery. Over several weeks, the stent gradually dissolves on its own, so it does not need to be removed.
Sinus Surgery FAQs
Is Sinus Surgery Painful?
Most patients describe sinus surgery as more uncomfortable than painful. You can expect pressure, congestion, and mild soreness during recovery, which is typically managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
Is Sinus Surgery Performed Through the Nose?
Yes. Modern sinus surgery is performed endoscopically through your nostrils using a small camera and specialized instruments. There are no external incisions or visible scars.
What Is the Recovery Time After Sinus Surgery?
Recovery varies, but most patients return to normal daily activities within one to three weeks. You may experience nasal congestion, drainage, and mild bleeding during the first several days.
Will I Need Nasal Packing After Surgery?
Some patients have temporary nasal packing or dissolvable materials placed to support healing. Your surgeon will let you know what to expect based on your specific procedure.
How Does the Propel Sinus Stent Help With Recovery?
If a PROPEL sinus stent is used, it helps keep the sinus openings open while delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the sinus tissue. This can reduce scarring, swelling, and the need for additional procedures or oral steroids.
Will Sinus Surgery Cure My Sinus Problems Permanently?
Sinus surgery improves drainage and airflow, which can significantly reduce symptoms. While it doesn’t prevent future sinus issues entirely, many patients experience long-term relief when surgery is combined with proper ongoing care.
Why Choose Surgical Associates Northwest?
Surgical Associates Northwest is a trusted ENT practice that has proudly served the Auburn and Federal Way communities for 40+ years. Our ENTs always deliver attentive, patient-centered care, taking the time to listen to your concerns and explain your options clearly. You’re never rushed, and your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Schedule your consultation to determine your candidacy for sinus surgery in Auburn or Federal Way, WA.
