Depending on the specific procedure and areas treated, downtime after nasal procedures may be a few hours to several days. Office procedures are performed under local anesthesia, if any anesthesia is required. Surgical procedures are performed with either IV (twilight) sedation or general anesthesia and require a longer recovery period. Anesthesia normally wears off within the first 24 hours after surgery.
Sinus surgery is an outpatient procedure, with most people returning to work within a few days. Dr Chaboki may place a small cotton pad in the nose for a day. He sees patients both the next day and one week after surgery. While most patients may breathe better immediately, normal swelling inside the nose after the procedure takes some time to resolve.