Whether plastic surgery is safe for patients with problems around their sinus and nasal areas depends on different factors. Some patients treat chronic sinusitis with home remedies and medicines, while others have to go through surgery to get rid of the condition. Surgery is a good option for long-term chronic sinusitis people as they get recurring infections because of other health conditions or blocked mucus flow from the sinuses. Surgery helps remove blockages and make sinuses opening larger, which helps prevent chances of infections.
To ensure the surgery is effective and the best option, you will have to go for a sinuses CT scan. The test will be done after completing four to six weeks of maximum medical treatment. The treatment entails taking home treatment and medicines to reduce swelling and infection. It helps the doctor see what is causing the infections.
What is Sinusitis?
It is inflammation or infection of sinuses mucous membranes. When the membranes are infected, they swell and block normal fluid flow from the sinuses to the throat and nose. The most common infection in sinuses membranes is caused by fungi and bacteria, leading to a viral cold. Other conditions include allergies that block nasal passage, thus causing sinusitis. Sinusitis occurs in two types: short-term acute and long-term chronic.
Why Go for A Surgery?
The surgery aims to drain blockage from sinuses to prevent infections. The surgeon makes the sinuses openings larger by getting rid of:
- Any growth inside the sinuses or nose
- Damaged, swollen, or infected tissues
- Bone to make sinuses openings wider for easy draining of mucus
There are different surgeries that one can go through to handle their nasal and sinus problems. Rhinoplasty is one among many surgeries patients undergo. The surgery changes the shape and appearance of the nose to improve breathing and other nose conditions. Before going through this procedure, the surgeon will assess your nose, skin, facial features, and what you need to change. The surgeon will then develop a customized surgery plan for you to meet your preferences.
The other type of surgery is traditional surgery. It is a type of surgery done for severe nasal and sinus conditions like facial bone infection, brain abscess, or pus in the sinus. The procedure entails sinus opening through the face skin or inside the mouth. During surgery, the surgeon will also address other nose concerns like a deviated septum.
After the procedure, the doctor will prescribe pain medicine to help reduce any pain, antibiotics to prevent further infection while recovering, and steroid nasal spray to help you heal and reduce inflammation.
When Do You Need Surgery?
Several people need to go through surgery to prevent sinusitis. You need surgery if:
- Your doctor approves you have chronic sinusitis.
- You have gone through the four to six weeks maximum medical treatment. The treatment entails following a home treatment and medication for four to six weeks.
- You have had a CT scan after the completion of maximum medical treatment. The scan helps your doctor to see the possible cause of your infections.
- You have a severe infection that spreads beyond your nasal and sinus areas.
- Your sinus infection is caused by fungi that antibiotics cannot clear.
Benefits of Nasal and Sinus area Surgery
Surgery is the best option to handle chronic sinusitis and other nasal infections. The surgery will help prevent a further sinus infection by draining blockage in the sinus. It also helps improve your sense of smell, but in some cases, scarring will diminish one’s sense of smell.
Endoscopic surgery improves nasal and sinus symptoms in many people though a smaller percent says they do not experience any changes after the surgery. Surgery has a high chance of preventing infection if one follows a home treatment plan and uses nasal sprays at home to avoid further infections. You will need to use the treatment plan for long before you see the surgery’s outcomes.
Risks of Nasal and Sinus Surgery
Sinus and nasal surgery have their risks, just like any other surgical procedure has its complications. The risks range from mild to severe, depending on an individual. Some of the minor dangers include:
- Infection
- Scar tissue
- Swelling and bruising around the eyes
- Bleeding
- Hole in the nasal septum
Severe complications after the surgery are rare to happen. They include:
- Injury around the eye area
- Brain injury
- Brain tissue inflammation
- Leakage of the brain around the brain
- Heavy bleeding
Scarring is also an issue of concern after surgery as it may hinder your sense of smell. In some cases, the first surgery might not solve the problem, and one would need a second one.
Other Medical Treatment Options Apart from Surgery
Surgery is not the only option to treat sinus and nasal problems. At times you can treat the condition with medicines and home remedies.
Medicines
- Use a steroid nasal spray or pill to reduce mucous membrane swelling. Do not use the nasal spray longer than indicated on the label.
- Antibiotics: take them as prescribed to treat acute sinusitis caused by fungi or bacteria.
- Take pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as prescribed to relieve pain.
When taking these medicines, ensure safety. Read and follow instructions. Some of these medicines ate not safe for children or people with certain health conditions. Do not give children under the age of five cold or cough medicine unless prescribed by the doctor.
Home Treatment
- Drink plentiful fluids to help keep your mucus thin
- Use a warm gel pack or damp towel on your face for five to ten minutes daily.
- Blow your nose gently. Blowing it hard will bring back thick mucus in your sinuses. Remember to keep the nostrils open when blowing your nose.
- Breathe moist, warm air from a hot bath or steamy shower. Use a humidifier to moisture air in your house and avoid dry cold air.
- Use saltwater washes or nasal drops to keep your nasal passages open and wash out bacteria and mucus. You can also buy saline nasal washes from a nearby pharmacy or make your own at home.
Final Thought
Plastic surgeries, like any other surgery, have their limitations and efficiency. Talk to your doctor in case you are experiencing nasal and sinus problems. The doctor will assess your situation and give you the best medication according to your problem’s severity.
