Sinus Surgery: Understand Your Options Before Choosing an Operation
Sinus surgery is a treatment option for selected people whose sinus symptoms continue despite appropriate care. Before deciding, you need to know what is causing the problem, which treatments remain worth trying and what an operation can realistically change.
ENT Specialists Melbourne provides information about assessment and treatment decisions for ear, nose and throat concerns. This page explains the questions to bring to a consultation about persistent sinus symptoms. An assessment is a chance to consider your options; it does not commit you to surgery.
Consider the next step.
When can sinus surgery be considered?
Sinus surgery may be considered when ongoing symptoms and examination findings support a diagnosis that an operation could help. A blocked nose or facial pressure alone does not establish that you need a procedure.
Chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps and difficulty clearing mucus can be part of the discussion. The relevant question is how the diagnosis fits your symptoms and what happened with previous treatment. If you are unsure which medicines you have used, bring the packaging or a list.
Describe the effect on your day. Do you wake because you cannot breathe comfortably through your nose? Has your sense of smell changed? Are symptoms persistent, or do they come in separate episodes? These details help your clinician assess the problem rather than assume every sinus complaint has the same cause.
Start with the history, then ask what the examination shows
A useful consultation connects your symptoms with the examination and any previous results. Tell the specialist how long the problem has lasted, what makes it worse and whether treatment made a clear difference.
Nasal endoscopy may help the clinician look inside your nose. A CT scan may be considered when it will answer a relevant clinical question or help plan treatment. Neither investigation should be treated as a reason for an operation on its own.
Bring relevant reports and access to existing images if available. Ask what each finding means, whether it explains the symptoms that concern you most and whether another condition also needs attention. A clear explanation matters more than simply being told that a scan is abnormal.
What does FESS surgery involve?
FESS surgery uses an endoscope through the nostrils to access the sinuses. The aim is to address selected areas of obstruction and improve access for ongoing treatment where appropriate. The extent of the operation depends on the diagnosis and anatomy.
Endoscopic sinus surgery and the drainage pathways
Endoscopic sinus surgery can improve access to the sinus openings. Ask which sinuses would be treated, why those areas matter and whether nasal polyps are part of the problem. The explanation should relate to your own findings.
An operation does not remove every possible cause of inflammation. You may still need medical care afterwards. Understanding that possibility before treatment helps you compare surgery with continued non-surgical management.
The FESS procedure and other nasal operations
A FESS procedure treats the sinuses; septoplasty addresses the nasal septum. They are different operations, although they may be discussed together when there is more than one source of nasal blockage.
Ask the surgeon to name each proposed procedure and its purpose. A combined operation should still come with a clear explanation of the benefit, alternatives and risks of each part. Do not assume an operation on the nose will change its outside appearance.
Who may find a specialist discussion useful?
You may be looking for help because symptoms have not settled, because a GP has suggested a referral or because someone has already recommended an operation. Each situation calls for a slightly different conversation.
- Symptoms despite previous treatment: bring a record of what you tried and how consistently you used it, so the next discussion builds on that experience.
- A diagnosis of polyps or ongoing inflammation: ask how the diagnosis was established and which treatment options remain reasonable.
- An existing recommendation for surgery: ask what improvement is expected, which symptoms may persist and whether there is time to consider another opinion.
- Previous nasal treatment: bring operation details and follow-up reports where available, so the clinician understands what has changed.
If breathing difficulty, a severe illness or another urgent concern develops, seek medical care rather than wait for an appointment enquiry to be answered.
Compare your options before making the decision
Surgery for sinusitis belongs in a discussion that also covers suitable medical treatment and review. The choice depends on the diagnosis, the response to previous care and the effect on your quality of life.
Medical management may involve treatment directed at inflammation or allergy. Your clinician can explain whether a treatment needs more time, whether a different approach is appropriate or whether an operation is reasonable to consider. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines on the basis of a general webpage.
Ask three questions: what happens if I continue the current plan, what additional benefit could an operation offer, and which risks matter in my situation? A decision should make sense to you even after you leave the consulting room.
Sinus surgery Melbourne: prepare for an informed consultation
Sinus surgery Melbourne enquiries often start with the practical question of what to bring. Your GP referral, a symptom timeline, medicine list and previous investigation reports are useful starting points.
Note allergies, earlier nasal operations and any health conditions that may affect treatment. Include the questions you want answered, especially if you are worried about pain, time away from work or caring for children during recovery.
Before arranging a visit, confirm the appointment location, referral requirements and consultation fee. If you already have a scan, ask how the practice would like you to provide access to it. There is no need to arrive with a diagnosis; the purpose of the visit is to clarify it.
Sinus surgery cost: separate the proposed fees
Sinus surgery cost depends on the proposed procedure and the arrangements for your care. A consultation fee and an operation estimate are separate matters. Do not assume a quoted surgeon’s fee includes the hospital, anaesthetist or every investigation.
Ask for the relevant charges in writing before agreeing to treatment. Check what the estimate includes, what may be billed separately and whether additional review visits carry a fee. Where Medicare or private health insurance may apply, confirm eligibility and any expected out-of-pocket costs with the relevant provider or fund.
This page does not quote an unverified price or promise a rebate. A useful estimate is one that relates to the exact procedure, hospital arrangements and your circumstances, rather than a general figure found online.
Plan your sinus surgery recovery before the operation
Sinus surgery recovery should be discussed before you decide on the procedure. Ask about the initial care plan, follow-up, time away from work, travel and when different activities can restart. The instructions depend on the operation and your health.
An operation commonly involves a general anaesthetic, but the treating team must explain the arrangements that apply to you. If you will need help getting home or support afterwards, make that part of the planning conversation.
Ask about bleeding, infection and other procedure-specific risks. Clarify how to recognise a problem and who to contact after hours. Where saline rinses or other ongoing care are recommended, obtain written instructions from the team treating you. General advice cannot replace those instructions.
Questions to ask before treatment
Is sinus surgery right for every blocked nose?+
Sinus surgery is not appropriate for every blocked nose. Nasal inflammation, the septum and other airway structures can contribute to symptoms. The history and examination help establish which problem needs treatment.
Can a FESS procedure cure every sinus symptom?+
A FESS procedure cannot guarantee that every symptom will resolve. Some people need ongoing medical treatment and review. Ask which symptoms are most likely to improve and which may have another cause.
Is FESS surgery performed through the nostrils?+
FESS surgery is generally performed through the nostrils using an endoscope. The surgeon should explain the planned extent of the operation, anaesthetic arrangements and any additional procedures proposed.
Does endoscopic sinus surgery mean I will not need medicine again?+
Endoscopic sinus surgery does not automatically replace ongoing medicine. Some people still need treatment for inflammation afterwards. Ask how the operation fits with the longer-term management plan.
Can I find out the sinus surgery cost before deciding?+
Sinus surgery cost should be discussed using an estimate for the proposed care. Request written fee information and clarify separate surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and investigation charges before agreeing to treatment.
How long should I allow for sinus surgery recovery?+
Sinus surgery recovery varies with the procedure and individual circumstances. Ask the treating team about work, exercise, travel, care at home and follow-up rather than relying on one timetable for every operation.
Should I arrange a new CT scan myself?+
Bring existing results and ask whether further imaging is needed. A clinician should explain what question a new scan would answer. Repeating an investigation is not automatically useful.
What if I want more time to think?+
Tell the clinician that you want time to consider the options. Ask whether waiting changes the clinical situation and what symptoms should prompt earlier review. You can also ask about obtaining another opinion.
Discuss sinus surgery with clear questions
Sinus surgery is a decision to make with an understanding of the diagnosis, alternatives and likely limits of treatment. Start with the symptoms affecting your day and the care you have already tried.
Use the enquiry section to check appointment arrangements. Confirm availability directly with the practice; sending an enquiry does not confirm a booking. If an operation is discussed, you can ask for a written plan and fee estimate before deciding.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Further patient information: Read the source information.
Start with a conversation.
Send a non-urgent enquiry about arranging a visit. Keep detailed health information and medical records for your consultation.
- 01
Tell us what brings you here
Choose an area of care and leave your contact details.
- 02
Confirm the practical details
Check the location, appointment fee and referral requirements with the practice.
- 03
Prepare for your consultation
Bring relevant reports, medicines and the questions you want to ask.