Balloon Sinuplasty + Turbinate Reduction Post-Op

Post-Operative Instructions — Day of Procedure & First Week

You have just completed an in-office balloon sinuplasty with turbinate reduction. The balloon has gently opened your blocked sinus passages and your turbinates have been reduced to improve your nasal airway. What you do in the next several days directly affects how quickly and completely you heal — please read these instructions carefully.

The First Few Hours

The oral sedation (Halcion + Norco) will take several hours to fully wear off. During this time:

• Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the remainder of the day
• Rest at home — keep your head elevated, including when sleeping tonight
• A burning sensation inside the nose is normal 1–2 hours after the
  procedure as the topical anesthetic wears off. This is temporary and will pass on its own
• Light bloody drainage or pink-tinged mucus from the nose is expected for the first 24–48 hours
• Sneezing, if it occurs, should be done with your mouth open to reduce pressure

Pain Management

Motrin (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are the recommended first-line options for discomfort — alternate them every 4–6 hours as needed:

• Motrin 400–600 mg every 6–8 hours with food
• Tylenol 500–1000 mg every 6 hours — do not exceed 3,000 mg per day
• If you experience severe pain not relieved by the above, you may use remaining Norco tablets as directed — take only as needed for breakthrough pain
• Do not take any of the remaining Halcion tablets — those were for the procedure only

What NOT To Do This Week

• Do not blow your nose forcefully for the first 48 hours — sniff gently or dab
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over for 3–5 days
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and submerging your head in water for 2 weeks
• Avoid alcohol while taking prescription pain medication
• Do not fly for 5–7 days unless cleared by your surgeon

Saline Rinsing — Start the Day After Your Procedure

Saline rinsing is the single most important thing you can do to support healing after balloon sinuplasty. It clears blood, crusting, and inflammatory debris from inside your newly opened sinuses and nasal passages.

• Begin rinsing the day after your procedure — not the same day
• Rinse at least twice daily — morning and evening is ideal. More is better
• Use a squeeze bottle or neti pot with pre-mixed sterile saline packets, available at any pharmacy
• Lean forward over the sink and instill the rinse into each nostril, allowing it to drain out the other side or from the mouth
• Continue rinsing daily for a minimum of 4–6 weeks, then as needed

Nasacort Nasal Steroid Spray

Nasacort (triamcinolone) is a key part of your long-term results. It reduces swelling and inflammation inside the sinuses and nasal passages, helping keep the newly opened pathways from narrowing again.

• Begin Nasacort the day after your procedure, after your first saline rinse
• Dose: 2 sprays in each nostril, twice daily
• Tilt your head slightly forward and aim the spray toward the outer wall of the nostril — not straight up
• Do not skip — consistent daily use is essential. This is a long-term medication, not just a short course

Antibiotics

A 5-day course of prophylactic antibiotics has been prescribed to prevent infection while your sinuses heal.

• Take every dose as prescribed — complete the full course even if you feel well
• If an acute sinus infection was found during your procedure, your antibiotic course may be longer — follow the instructions on your prescription bottle
• Take with food to reduce stomach upset

Your Medications Summary

• Motrin — for pain and swelling, take with food
• Tylenol — alternate with Motrin every 4–6 hrs
• Norco — remaining tablets for severe breakthrough pain only
• Halcion — do NOT take any remaining tablets
• Antibiotics — complete the full 5-day course
• Nasacort — 2 sprays each nostril twice daily, start day after procedure

Day-by-Day Expectations

Day of procedure: Rest, head elevated, burning sensation as anesthetic wears off — normal

Day 1: Begin saline rinses and Nasacort. Light drainage continues

Days 2–4: Congestion may peak as normal healing swelling sets in. Keep rinsing

Days 5–7: Congestion begins to ease. Most patients feel noticeably better

Week 2: Follow-up appointment. Significant improvement expected

Weeks 4–6: Full benefit achieved as sinuses complete healing