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Sinus Surgery

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is the most common surgical method used to treat sinus infections, in order to restore sinus ventilation and normal functionality.

Sinus Surgery Sydney

Septoplasty Sydney

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, or FESS, is a surgical procedure designed to treat chronic sinusitis and other sinus-related diseases. The primary purpose of FESS is to restore normal sinus ventilation and function, which can be hampered by chronic inflammation, nasal polyps, or anatomic abnormalities.The benefits of FESS include not just the relief from chronic sinusitis symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, and loss of smell, but also a potential reduction in the frequency and severity of future sinus infections. Moreover, the procedure can improve the effectiveness of nasal medications because they can reach the affected areas more easily.

What concerns may Sinus Surgery help to address?

  • Treating Chronic Sinusitis: FESS is commonly considered for individuals experiencing chronic sinusitis that has been unresponsive to medical treatment.
  • Improving Airflow: The procedure aims to clear blocked sinuses, which can help improve airflow through the nose.
  • Alleviating Facial Pain: Persistent facial pressure, pain, or headaches due to chronic sinusitis can be addressed with this surgery.
  • Reducing Post Nasal Drip: FESS can help to manage issues such as chronic post nasal drip, which is often caused by sinusitis.
  • Managing Nasal Congestion: Chronic nasal congestion, a common symptom of sinusitis, can often be improved through this procedure.
  • Treating Infected Nasal Secretions: This surgery can be useful for those struggling with persistent nasal secretions that are infected and causing discomfort.
  • Dealing with Nasal Polyps: FESS can be used for the removal of nasal polyps that obstruct the nasal passages and contribute to sinus issues.
  • Addressing Recurrent Sinusitis: This procedure can be beneficial for individuals who suffer from frequent bouts of sinusitis, to help reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes.

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

What to Expect

Consultation

The process of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) begins with an in-depth consultation with our experienced surgeon, Dr Zacharia. In this meeting, your symptoms, medical history, and nasal and sinus anatomy will be assessed. He may use endoscopic examination or imaging studies to evaluate the structure and condition of your sinuses. This consultation is an excellent opportunity for you to discuss any concerns or ask any questions you may have about the procedure.

Number and type of consultation
It is a requirement under the law, that a patient seeking cosmetic surgery must have at least two pre-operative consultations. The patient’s first consultation must be with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery or another registered health practitioner who works with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery (not a patient advisor or an agent). At least one of the two consultations must be in person with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. Other consultations can be in person or by video.

When consent can be given
A patient must not be requested to sign consent forms at their first consultation and cannot consent to cosmetic surgery until they have had an in-person consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. The decision to have the surgery (provision of informed consent) must be made at a consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the procedure (in person or by video).

Cooling-off Period
There must be a cooling-off period of at least seven days after the patient has had two consultations and given informed consent (signed consent forms), before the surgery can be booked or a deposit paid.

Preparation

Upon reaching a consensus on the surgical approach, you will receive detailed preoperative instructions to prepare for your FESS procedure. These instructions might include dietary guidelines, smoking and alcohol consumption advice, specific instructions regarding medications or supplements, and nasal hygiene procedures.

Surgery

The FESS procedure typically takes one to three hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves the use of an endoscope, a thin flexible tube with a light and camera, inserted through the nostrils to visualize the sinus passages. Specialized instruments are used to remove any obstructive tissues such as polyps, or to enlarge narrow sinus openings, thereby improving sinus drainage and function.
  • Surgery Time
    1 to 1.5 hours
  • Hospital Time
    Day stay with an option for overnight

Recovery

After the surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room for a short period. In most cases, patients are able to go home the same day, though occasionally an overnight hospital stay may be recommended. Soft, absorbable packing may be inserted into the sinuses to support healing and prevent bleeding.

Some degree of nasal congestion and discharge is expected after FESS but will start to improve after a few days. Most patients are able to return to work or school within a week, depending on the recovery rate and the nature of their work.

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure a smooth recovery and to monitor your sinus function. The final results of your FESS might not be fully apparent for a few weeks to a few months, as the sinuses continue to heal and adapt to their improved function.
  • Time off work
    1 week
  • Exercise
    4 to 6 weeks
  • Driving
    24 hours after general anaesthetic and not while taking prescribed pain relief. We also recommend checking with your CTA insurer as to the post surgery exclusion period.
  • Travel
    After 7 days for national and 4 weeks for international
  • Full Recovery
    6 to 12 months for final results

Send an Enquiry

Want to ask a question or organisation a consultation?

Our Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Dr Michael Zacharia

MBBS, FRACS, FAAFPS, ACCS
Dr Michael Zacharia is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Head and Neck (Otolaryngology) and practices in Facial Plastic Surgery. He is also an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician and has completed over 8,000 procedures, with over 4,000 being Rhinoplasty. Combining the latest medical, surgical and health techniques, Dr Zacharia strives to deliver the best outcome for each and every one of his patients.
Cosmetic Surgeon & ENT Specialist
MED0001178357

Contact us

Make an Enquiry

Get in touch today to organise a consultation or to find out more information.

Our team will give you a call to discuss your enquiry and we will then send you any relevant information via email.
You will need a GP referral for surgical procedures. AHPRA require all patients having a surgical cosmetic or medical procedure to have a GP referral. You can fax your referral to 02 8072 6824 or email office@drzacharia.com.au
You will need a GP referral for surgical procedures. AHPRA require all patients having a surgical cosmetic or medical procedure to have a GP referral. You can fax your referral to 02 8072 6824 or email office@drzacharia.com.au

Considerations Before Cosmetic Surgery

While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.

In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.

For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery

General risks and complications

  • Substantial Hemorrhage: This involves severe blood loss from the area that underwent surgery, which may necessitate additional medical interventions.
  • Susceptibility to Infection: Post-surgery, the risk of infection can rise, potentially requiring either antibiotic treatment or subsequent surgical interventions.
  • Allergic Responses: Patients may exhibit allergic reactions to medical materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during and after the procedure.
  • Hematoma Formation: This involves the development of a sizable clot of blood beneath the incision site, which may necessitate medical drainage.
  • Post-Surgical Discomfort: Patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in the area surrounding the surgical site.
  • Scar Development: There's a risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated, red, and thickened scars over the healed incisions. Though they can be bothersome and aesthetically displeasing, they don't pose a direct health threat.
  • Delayed Healing Process: Healing can be sluggish, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or those who smoke.
  • Anaesthesia Risks: Patients may experience short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, along with other potential risks associated with anaesthesia.

Sinus surgery risks

  • Post-Surgical Pain: Nose surgeries can lead to severe and persistent pain that requires pain management.
  • Altered Sensations: After the subsidence of bruising and swelling, the nose may exhibit numbness or a changed sense of touch.
  • Temporary Numbness in Teeth: Following the surgery, the upper front teeth may experience temporary numbness.
  • Unfulfilling Cosmetic Outcome: There's a chance that the visual outcome may not meet expectations, necessitating further corrective surgery.
  • Impaired Olfactory Function: The sense of smell may be negatively affected, with rare instances of permanent loss or distortion.
  • Long-term Swelling: The nose may remain noticeably swollen for several months post-operation.
  • Darkened Under-eye Skin: The skin beneath the eyes may darken, persisting for more than six months after the procedure.
  • Structural Instability: The support structure of the nose may weaken, leading to a flattened appearance of the nose. This could also result in complications with any implanted materials, possibly causing them to protrude into the nose or through the skin, and potential narrowing of major airways that may result in difficulty breathing.

AHPRA Registration

  • Dr Michael Zacharia MED0001178357 - Otolaryngology
  • Dr Kenneth Brito MED0001680302 - General Practice
  • Dr Ahmed Alsultan MED0001647273 - General Practice
Disclaimer: Surgical and invasive procedures are not an exact science and they carry risks. Results vary with each patient depending on their age, health, weight, hormones and lifestyle. Please note that results are not permanent solutions and will change as your body changes over the years. After you consult with Team MZ, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner
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