Sinus Surgery (FESS) Recovery
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is one of the most common ENT procedures, performed to treat chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or structural sinus problems. The surgery is done through the nostrils — no external cuts. Recovery is uncomfortable but manageable, and most people notice significant improvement in breathing within 2–4 weeks.
Expect significant nasal congestion, blood-stained drainage, and facial pressure. You will not be able to breathe through your nose initially; this is normal and temporary.
Nasal packing or splints: If placed, these are removed at your first post-op visit (usually 3–7 days). Packing removal is brief but uncomfortable: take pain relief beforehand as your surgeon advises.
Bleeding: Light oozing and blood-tinged discharge is normal for 1–2 weeks. A gauze drip pad taped under the nose catches this. Do not blow your nose for at least 7–10 days.
Pain: Usually moderate: facial pressure and headache are more common than sharp pain. Paracetamol and anti-inflammatories as directed. Most surgeons avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for the first week due to bleeding risk (follow your surgeon's specific advice).
As per published guidelines (last checked Jul 2026): nasal obstruction in the first 1–2 weeks is expected and does not indicate surgical failure.
Saline nasal irrigation is the single most important part of your recovery. Your surgeon will tell you when to start: typically 24–48 hours post-op, or after packing removal.
How to do it: Use a squeeze bottle or neti pot with isotonic saline (pre-mixed sachets or homemade: ¼ teaspoon non-iodised salt + ¼ teaspoon baking soda in 240ml boiled-then-cooled water). Lean over the sink, tilt your head slightly, and gently squeeze solution into each nostril.
Frequency: Most surgeons recommend 3–6 times daily for the first 2–4 weeks, then twice daily long-term.
What comes out: Crusts, old blood, mucus, and sometimes small pieces of dissolving packing. This is normal and expected. The rinses help prevent scarring and adhesion formation.
As per published guidelines (last checked Jul 2026): saline irrigation after FESS is strongly recommended and associated with improved outcomes.
Week 1: Worst congestion and discomfort. Fatigue is common. Sleep with head elevated. Avoid bending, straining, and heavy lifting. No nose blowing.
Week 2: Congestion begins to ease. Packing/splints removed if not already. Gentle nose blowing may be permitted (ask your surgeon). Most people can return to desk work.
Weeks 3–4: Significant improvement in nasal breathing. Sense of smell may start returning (or may take longer). Continue saline irrigation. Light exercise usually permitted.
Months 2–3: Healing continues internally: the sinus lining takes 8–12 weeks to fully regenerate. Follow-up debridements (clinic-based cleaning of crusts) may be scheduled. Full exercise and swimming usually cleared.
3–6 months: Final results. Most patients report significantly improved breathing and reduced infection frequency. Smell recovery can take up to 6 months.
As per ENT-UK and AAO-HNS guidelines (last checked Jul 2026): sinus mucosal healing takes 8–12 weeks. Early post-operative debridement is recommended.
- Clear watery fluid dripping from the nose (possible CSF leak. Seek urgent review)
- Fever above 38.5°C / 101.3°F with worsening facial pain
- Visual changes: double vision, loss of vision, or eye swelling
- Heavy bright red bleeding that does not stop with head elevation and gentle pressure
- Severe headache with neck stiffness
Your recovery toolkit
Free interactive tools to track your recovery day by day. Everything stays on your device — nothing is uploaded or shared.
These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.