Sinus Surgery Recovery: What Houston Patients Need to Know

Madeleine Herman
Oct 6
2 min read

If you’ve been struggling with chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, or sinus headaches, sinus surgery may be the solution that finally brings lasting relief. At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston, we guide our patients through every step of the process—from diagnosis to recovery. Understanding what to expect after surgery is key to healing smoothly and getting the best results.

This guide covers everything Houston patients need to know about sinus surgery recovery—including timelines, tips, and signs you should watch for.

What Is Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery is a minimally invasive procedure designed to open blocked sinus pathways, improve airflow, and reduce chronic inflammation. Common procedures include:

Endoscopic sinus surgery – using tiny cameras and instruments to clear obstructions
Balloon sinuplasty – a less invasive option that uses a balloon to gently expand sinus openings
Septoplasty or turbinate reduction – often performed alongside sinus surgery to improve nasal breathing

The First Week: What to Expect

Congestion and drainage are normal as your sinuses heal.
Mild discomfort or pressure can occur but usually improves within a few days.
You may experience bloody or discolored nasal discharge—this is expected.
Most Houston patients return to light activities within 3–5 days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided.

Weeks 2–4: Steady Improvement

Breathing gradually improves as swelling decreases.
Regular saline rinses help keep your sinuses clear.
Follow-up visits with your ENT are critical to monitor healing and remove any crusting inside the nose.
Many patients start noticing better airflow, fewer headaches, and improved sleep around this time.

Long-Term Recovery: Full Healing

Complete healing usually takes 6–8 weeks.
Your sinuses will continue to remodel and adjust.
For Houston patients with allergies, continuing allergy management can help maximize results.
Once fully healed, patients typically report fewer infections, better breathing, and an improved quality of life.

Recovery Tips for Houston Patients

Use saline rinses daily to speed up healing and prevent scarring.
Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least two weeks.
Stay away from smoky or dusty environments, especially during Houston’s high-allergy seasons.
Follow all post-op instructions from your ENT carefully.
Attend every follow-up visit—they are essential for long-term success.

When to Call Your ENT

While recovery usually goes smoothly, you should contact SCENT Houston if you experience:

Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop
Severe headache or vision changes
High fever or worsening swelling
Persistent pain not relieved by medication

Sinus surgery can be life-changing for patients suffering from chronic sinus problems. With the right care and guidance, recovery is typically straightforward—and the results can mean finally breathing freely again.

At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston, Dr. Madeleine Herman and her team specialize in advanced sinus surgery and personalized post-operative care.

👉 Ready to learn if sinus surgery is right for you? Schedule a consultation with our Houston ENT experts today at www.SCENTHouston.com.