The 6 Most Simple Balloon Sinuplasty Recovery Tips

The team at Kaplan Sinus Relief has compiled a list of simple and effective balloon sinuplasty recovery tips. Unlike many recovery-tip-lists for after an operation, the tips on this list are geared more towards your comfort and safety and less towards avoiding complications. Why? Well, frankly, complications after balloon sinuplasty are extremely rare, and the ones that may occur, such as temporary congestion, are not particularly serious. 

So, without further ado, here are Kaplan Sinus Relief’s top balloon sinuplasty recovery tips!

1. Arrange a ride home with a friend of family member

It’s natural to have questions about what your life will be like directly after balloon sinuplasty. Some of the most common balloon sinuplasty recovery tip FAQs we receive include: Can you eat after balloon sinuplasty? Can you blow your nose after balloon sinuplasty? Can you sleep normally after balloon sinuplasty?

We will answer all of these questions momentarily, but before we do, we want to address a question that we are often not asked and that we believe should be at the top of your list, namely: Can you drive yourself home after balloon sinuplasty?

On the surface, you may think, “Why not?” Balloon sinuplasty is an outpatient procedure, and a minimally invasive one at that. In reality, however, most people typically feel a little sluggish after the surgery, especially if they received IV sedation. And as we all know, it’s not safe to drive unless you’re feeling fully cognizant. 
Because of this, the first of our balloon sinuplasty recovery tips is to arrange a ride home before you enter surgery.

2. Allow your body to rest 

Balloon sinuplasty is a simple and quick procedure — it typically takes less than 20 minutes.  Even so, that doesn’t mean you should go run a marathon right after you leave the office. Within the first 24 hours after your operation, try to relax and get as much rest as you can. If you live alone, consider pre-preparing meals or ordering in so that you don’t have to worry about cooking. And if you have kids, plan quiet activities for the evening of your recovery. 

When you give your body the opportunity to recover, you are more likely to experience the full benefits of balloon sinuplasty ASAP.

3. Elevate your head to reduce swelling and congestion

After balloon sinuplasty surgery, it’s common to experience some swelling. So next up on our balloon sinuplasty recovery tips is keeping your head elevated — especially when you’re sleeping — to help reduce that swelling. 

Additionally, many patients experience temporary nasal congestion after balloon sinuplasty. While not typically serious, congestion, however temporary, can be annoying. Elevation can also help reduce your congestion. Some patients find it simplest to snooze in an easy chair as a means of keeping their head elevated; others simply use more pillows than they might normally. Regardless, keeping your head elevated should only be necessary for the first night or two after your procedure. 
Deal with congestion regularly? Learn more about how to treat sinus congestion on our blog!

4. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medication 

Your doctor will likely prescribe medication post-balloon sinuplasty surgery. Make sure you not only take these, but you take them as prescribed. This is especially true if you’re prescribed any nasal sprays. These medications can help promote the recovery process and keep unnecessary complications and pain out of the way.

5. Avoid taking additional sinus medications without first asking your doctor

Along those same lines, avoid taking additional sinus medications outside what your doctor prescribes. (If you take other medications regularly), make sure you communicate this with your doctor before you go into surgery. 

In some cases, your doctor might suggest that you halt all medications and supplements at least two weeks before your surgery. If you are taking anything that’s not approved before and after surgery, it could delay your recovery and have adverse reactions on your body’s healing process.

Medications and other items you may need to stop taking temporarily can include:

• Allergy medication
• Pain medication
• Vitamins
• Supplements

6. Don’t blow your nose

Next up on our list of balloon sinuplasty recovery tips is one of the simplest but most difficult to follow post-op “best practices:” Avoid blowing your nose for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. Yes, balloon sinuplasty is minimally invasive, but it is still a surgical procedure. Your nose is likely going to feel tender and swollen after the fact. 

So even if you’re feeling congested, avoid blowing, scratching, or picking your nose. Doing so will likely only cause more pain, more swelling, and more time spent in recovery.

Normal balloon sinuplasty side effects 

As you’re going through your balloon sinuplasty recovery process, there are certain side effects that may occur. These side effects are typically minimal, are perfectly normal, and should not sound off any alarms.

• Swelling
• Congestion
• Tenderness
• Grogginess
• Bloody discharge

These side effects can last up to a week. If you experience any side effects outside this list or if the aforementioned side effects are extreme, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

How long does it take to heal from balloon sinuplasty? 

The balloon sinuplasty recovery process is rather quick. You should be able to get back to most, if not all, of your normal activities within the first 48 hours. In many cases, you can even get back to all of your regular activities the day after surgery. Almost all patients are experiencing the full benefits of balloon sinuplasty surgery within 1 week post-op. 

Schedule your balloon sinuplasty consultation today

If you suffer from ongoing sinus complications, balloon sinuplasty can help. As leaders in balloon sinuplasty, Kaplan Sinus Relief can walk you through treatment options, balloon sinuplasty recovery tips, and more, all to help you find long-lasting relief from sinusitis. 

Check out our balloon sinuplasty FAQ and then give us a call at 713-766-1818 or fill out our online form to  request an appointment today.

More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:

• Sinus Pressure Causes
• What Does it Mean When You Have Sinus Pressure but No Congestion
• Coughing After Sinus Infection
• How Long Does the Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure Take? 
• Summer Sinus Infections