- Sinus Surgery
- Why Would I Need Sinus Surgery?
- What Are the Different Types of Sinus Surgery?
- Sinus Surgery Reviews
- Sinus Surgery FAQs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Should I Prepare for Sinus Surgery?
- What Should I Expect While I Recover From Sinus Surgery?
- Get In Touch
- Related Services
If you live with chronic sinusitis, congestion, or troubled breathing, you may need sinus surgery to correct a structural problem in your sinuses. The board-certified team of ear, nose, and throat specialists at Beach Cities ENTS in Torrance and El Segundo, CA has years of experience performing sinus surgery to repair a variety of disruptive sinus problems. Call Beach Cities ENTS in the South Bay or schedule an appointment online today to learn how we can help you find relief from sinus issues.
Why Would I Need Sinus Surgery?
The team at Beach Cities ENTS offers a variety of sinus surgeries to address conditions ranging from deviated septums to chronic sinusitis. Other reasons you might need sinus surgery include:
- Sinus or nasal polyps
- Structural abnormalities of your sinus cavities
- A sinus infection that has spread to the bone
- Cancer
In most cases, the doctors at Beach Cities ENTS try noninvasive treatments to heal your infection or correct other obstructions before recommending surgery.
What Are the Different Types of Sinus Surgery?
Beach Cities ENTS provides several types of sinus surgeries to address the range of conditions that can affect your sinus and nasal passages.
Endoscopic sinus surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor will use an endoscope to see the inside of your sinuses and small, specially designed surgical tools.
Your doctor will insert the endoscope and other instruments through your nostrils to reach your sinuses to remove and reshape the bone and cartilage. They can also perform a polypectomy to remove polyps from your sinuses during endoscopic sinus surgery.
Balloon sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is another noninvasive procedure. Your doctor will insert a balloon catheter into your sinuses via your nose. Then, they'll inflate the balloon to open and reshape your sinuses with gentle pressure.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a procedure to correct a deviated septum — the thin wall of cartilage that separates your nasal cavities. Septoplasty is usually a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
The team at Beach Cities ENTS also offers traditional open sinus surgery when your condition is too severe for treatment with a minimally invasive option.
Sinus Surgery Reviews
Dr Eivaz is Excellent, he explains everything that he is about to do and what he wants you to do. He is very gentle when examining you I am so glad that he got to the Root of my problem. I had my Sinus surgery at TMMC and now I'm feeling much better. The Office Staff is very Professional, and the Back Office Staff are all On Point and very Friendly and Caring. Thank You Staff for your Smiles, Your Love & Professionalism, it means so very much.
Great office Staff is always so Nice. Blanca & Cassidy are always so helpful with any questions or Concerns. Blanca has been the best with keeping my info & concerns up to date. She always has a smile & makes my visits go smoothly. Cassidy has been great at helping me with all my appointments especially when I’m making adjustments at the last minute. Dr Levine is very Professional & knowledgeable in his work. He always explained everything so I could understand & answered all my questions. He did a great job on my Sinus Surgery that I had no complaints & have had no problems since my surgery. I will miss going back to this office. Wish they could have been my Primary Dr so I could always have their Help.
Dr. Levine performed the sinus surgery and he is the best. I was so amazed that I did not experience any bruising, swelling, or pain post operation!
Dr. Brett Levine is such a great doctor.After some different treatments, it was determined that I needed a septoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, as well as have a legion removed from the base of my tongue.I had them done all at once. I healed so quickly and feel better than I ever have in my life. I highly recommend you give him a try. I will be with him as long as he is practicing and close enough to drive to.The ONE thing I would say could be improved is the front office, but it's not even enough to dock him a star. They have been confused about co-pays, given me wrong information, and even wrong appointment times compared to what they had down. This isn't every visit, and we are talking about many over the course of a couple years. If you can be patient with them, Dr. Levine is absolutely worth it.He deserves your trust and why not give him a try?
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Sinus Surgery FAQs
How long after sinus surgery can I blow my nose?
Patients are usually advised to avoid blowing their nose for at least the first several days after sinus surgery because the pressure can interfere with healing or contribute to bleeding. Saline rinses may be recommended to gently keep the nasal passages clean during recovery. Our team will let you know when it is safe to resume normal nose blowing based on the procedure performed and how you are healing.
When can I exercise after sinus surgery?
Light activity such as walking can often resume relatively soon after sinus surgery, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over may need to be avoided for one to two weeks or longer. These activities can increase pressure and the risk of nasal bleeding. Our team can provide a personalized timeline for gradually returning to your usual activities.
Can I fly after sinus surgery?
Air travel is generally restricted for a period after sinus surgery because changes in cabin pressure can cause discomfort and potentially interfere with healing. How long you should wait depends on the type of surgery and your recovery. Patients with upcoming travel plans should discuss them with our team before surgery so appropriate timing can be recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sinus surgery covered by insurance, and what documentation is typically required?
Yes. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and balloon sinuplasty are both covered by most major insurance plans when chronic sinusitis is documented and conservative treatments have been tried without sufficient improvement. Required documentation typically includes a CT scan showing sinusitis, a record of failed medical treatment, and your physician's clinical notes. Our office manages the prior authorization process on your behalf.
Does Beach Cities ENT offer balloon sinuplasty as an alternative to traditional sinus surgery?
Yes. Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive option for appropriate candidates — it uses a small balloon catheter to gently expand blocked sinus openings without removing tissue. It's often performed in the office under local anesthesia with minimal downtime. Not everyone is a candidate; your CT scan and examination findings will help determine whether balloon sinuplasty or traditional FESS is the better option for your anatomy.
What is recovery from sinus surgery like?
Most patients return to desk work within 1 week and feel significantly better within 2–3 weeks. You'll have some congestion and mild post-operative drainage for the first week. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for about 2 weeks. The improvement in sinus symptoms that patients experience after recovery is typically substantial and long-lasting.
Am I a candidate for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)?
FESS is typically recommended for patients with chronic sinusitis that has not responded adequately to medical treatment, confirmed by CT scan showing sinus blockage or disease. You may also be a candidate if you have nasal polyps, a fungal sinus infection, or a structural problem contributing to recurrent sinus issues. The definitive answer requires an in-person evaluation — call our Torrance office to schedule a consultation.
How long does sinus surgery take, and where is it performed?
FESS is performed at an outpatient surgery center under general or twilight anesthesia and typically takes 1–2 hours. Patients go home the same day. Balloon sinuplasty performed in the office is shorter — typically 30–45 minutes. Your physician will confirm the surgical setting and expected procedure time at your preoperative consultation.
How Should I Prepare for Sinus Surgery?
Your doctor will provide a pre-surgical consultation and give you customized advice on how to prepare for your sinus surgery. In general, you should avoid eating for at least eight hours before your procedure.
If you take any medicines (like aspirin or blood pressure medication) that could increase your risk of bleeding, your doctor will give you instructions on whether to cut back or stop taking the medication before your procedure.
What Should I Expect While I Recover From Sinus Surgery?
You may have some discomfort following sinus surgery. Your doctor may prescribe a mild painkiller to help you manage the pain, but in most cases, patients find that over-the-counter pain relievers are sufficient.
You may also experience bloody noses, congestion, and drainage for up to seven days after surgery. These side effects are normal, but you should avoid the temptation to blow your nose for at least 24 hours after your operation.
Call Beach Cities ENTS or schedule a consultation online today if you need sinus surgery or live with chronic congestion and sinus pain. We offer specialized sinus care to patients in or near Torrance and El Segundo, CA and can walk you through the next steps.
