17. How many times will I need to see my surgeon after sinus surgery?
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Berrylin J. Ferguson, M.D. Pittsburgh, PA
This will vary with the procedure performed but generally patients will need to see their sinus surgeon 2 to 4 visits postoperatively to make sure that there is no scar tissue blocking the sinuses. Patients with nasal polyps may need to see their sinus surgeon every six to twelve months in order to monitor the polyps.
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Todd Kingdom, M.D. Denver, CO
The exact schedule for follow-up care after sinus surgery varies among surgeons. My routine is as follows: the first follow-up visit is 7 days after surgery and typically includes gentle cleaning of the nose and sinus cavities (debridement); the second visit will be scheduled at 21 days after the surgery and may also include cleaning of the sinus cavities; the third visit will be scheduled for 6 weeks after the surgery. The schedule, however, must be tailored to the individual patient and their disease state. Some special procedures, such as frontal sinus surgery, may require weekly visits for several months. Once the patient has recovered, I will then see the patient every 3-4 months for the subsequent year or two.
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Peter Hwang, M.D.
Associate Professor and Director
Stanford Sinus Center Stanford, CA
The postoperative visit schedule varies by surgeon and by the severity of the sinus disease. I typically see my patients after one week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. Postoperative care is critical to successful results as it allows your surgeon to check the healing process and to prevent scar tissue formation.
sinus-faq17-drmcgrawBecky L McGraw-Wall, M.D. Houston, TX
Although this varies from patient to patient, most patients will be seen 3 or 4 times in the 8 week period after surgery. Any packing material placed at the time of surgery will be removed within the first week, as well as any splints or sutures which may have been placed if surgery was also performed on the nasal septum. This will be followed by visits every 2 to 4 weeks for debridement of crusts or clots, and checking on the progress of your healing.
Becky L McGraw-Wall, M.D.
