Sinus Surgery: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What to Expect

When sinus surgery, a procedure to clear blocked sinuses and improve breathing. Also known as functional endoscopic sinus surgery, it's not a last resort—it's often the most effective way to fix long-term problems that meds can't touch. If you’ve been dealing with constant congestion, facial pain, or recurring infections for months or years, your sinuses might be more than just irritated—they could be structurally blocked.

Most sinus surgeries today are done with tiny cameras and tools through the nose, no external cuts needed. This is called endoscopic sinus surgery, a minimally invasive technique using a thin scope to remove blockages. It’s used for people with nasal polyps, noncancerous growths that block airflow and drain sinuses poorly, severe chronic sinusitis, inflammation lasting 12 weeks or longer despite treatment, or a deviated septum that won’t improve with medication. These aren’t rare issues—over 300,000 sinus surgeries are done in the U.S. each year, mostly for people who’ve tried antibiotics, nasal sprays, and allergy meds without relief.

It’s not about removing tissue for the sake of it. The goal is to open up the natural drainage pathways so mucus can flow out, air can move in, and infections can’t take hold. Many patients notice better breathing within days, and fewer infections over time. But surgery doesn’t fix everything—some still need ongoing care for allergies or environmental triggers. That’s why it’s often paired with lifestyle changes, like avoiding smoke or using saline rinses daily.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just about the procedure itself. You’ll see how sinus issues connect to other conditions like asthma, how medications interact with recovery, and why some people still struggle even after surgery. There are real stories about what works, what doesn’t, and what to ask your doctor before saying yes. Whether you’re considering surgery or just trying to understand why your nose won’t clear up, this collection gives you the facts without the fluff.