When is sinus surgery considered as a treatment option?

Sinus surgery is an option if infections persist beyond three months despite treatment or if structural issues or complications exist.

Why should allergies not be immediately assumed as the cause of sinus problems?

Allergies can mimic sinusitis symptoms and may lead to wrong treatments if misdiagnosed.

What should a good sinus surgeon do before recommending surgery?

A good surgeon takes a detailed medical history and understands the patient before advising surgery.

What are some signs that sinus surgery might not be the right choice?

Feeling rushed, pressured, or having misdiagnosed symptoms suggests reconsidering surgery and seeking a second opinion.

What post-operative care is necessary after sinus surgery?

Careful post-surgery management is required to prevent recurrence of sinus problems.

Can sinus surgery treat sinus infections that have spread to bones?

Sinus surgery can be necessary if infections have spread to the bones.

How common is sinus surgery in the United States?

Approximately 300,000 sinus surgeries are performed annually in the U.S.

Reasons To Have Sinus Surgery | Sinusitis Treatment NYC

Sinus surgery is one of the most common procedures in the U.S. Each year, in fact, about 300,000 people across the country have the operation. Today’s technology makes sinus surgery less complicated for patients than ever, but the question remains…what are your reasons to have sinus surgery?

At our practice, sinus surgery is typically a “last resort” for patients who haven’t responded to other medical treatment. It’s never a quick fix, and people who have surgery still need to take good care of their sinuses post-operation to make sure problems don’t come back.

Here are some reasons not to turn to sinus surgery:

Your allergies are bugging you. It’s incredibly common for allergies to be misdiagnosed as sinusitis, which can lead to wrong medicine, wrong treatments, wrong surgery. Ask your doctor if your symptoms could be allergy-related before assuming it’s those sinuses causing trouble.
Your headaches go out of control. Like allergies, migraines can masquerade as sinus infections. Other headache disorders can also be to blame.
Your surgeon hasn’t asked questions. Before recommending an operation to a patient, our sinus surgeons take a thorough medical history, ask about current medications, lifestyle factors and more. We like to know a patient before giving advice.
You just don’t feel right about it. If you’re at a sinus surgery consultation and your specialist rushes in and out — or if you feel pushed into a decision — it can help to get a second opinion. It’s a big decision to be pressured into.

On the other hand, watch out for these factors, which might mean sinus surgery is a viable option:

Treatment over time. Your sinus infections have lasted more than three months, and won’t respond to your doctor’s recommended treatments.
Growths or obstructions. Nasal polyps, structural abnormalities and other physical factors can mean that regular prescriptions won’t cure the pain.
Infections in the bones. In some cases, sinus infections spread to bones, at which point doctors might need to operate.
Complications of disease. Sinus cancer, or chronic sinus infections related to HIV, can mean doctors might recommend surgery.

If you’re not sure whether a sinus operation is right for you, give us a call. Our expert team of NY sinus surgeons is here to help answer your questions…and help find the treatment that’s truly best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sinus surgery is typically considered when sinus infections last more than three months and do not respond to medical treatments, or when growths, structural abnormalities, infections in the bones, or complications from diseases like sinus cancer or HIV-related infections are present. It is generally a last resort after other treatments have failed.

Allergies are often misdiagnosed as sinusitis, which can lead to inappropriate treatments such as wrong medications or unnecessary surgery. It’s important to consult your doctor to determine if your symptoms are allergy-related before assuming they are caused by your sinuses.

A responsible sinus surgeon should take a thorough medical history, ask about current medications, lifestyle factors, and symptoms before recommending surgery. Understanding the patient fully helps in making the most appropriate treatment recommendation.

If your surgeon rushes through the consultation, does not ask questions, or pressures you into a decision, it might be a sign to seek a second opinion. Also, if symptoms like headaches or allergies are present, these should be evaluated carefully as they might not require surgery.

After sinus surgery, patients need to take good care of their sinuses to prevent recurring problems. This includes following medical advice, managing symptoms properly, and monitoring for any signs of infection or complications to ensure long-term success.

Yes, in cases where sinus infections spread to the bones, surgery may be necessary to remove the infection and prevent further complications. This is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Sinus surgery is quite common in the U.S., with about 300,000 people undergoing the procedure each year. Advances in technology have made the surgery less complicated for patients.

Is Sinus Surgery Right for Me?

Frequently Asked Questions