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Recovery timeline

Recovery after endoscopic sinus surgery: what the first weeks are like

After endoscopic sinus surgery the nose is blocked and crusty for a week or two, rinses become part of daily life, and two weeks away from work, heavy exercise and flying is usual. Long-term sprays and rinses are what keep the benefit.

Last checked: 2026-10-03

Key facts

At a glance.

  • Blocked nose

    Resolves within one to two weeks, according to ENT UK.

  • Blowing

    Avoid for two days, then only gently.

  • Work and exercise

    Two weeks off work, and avoid heavy exercise, lifting and flying for two weeks.

  • Sprays and rinses

    Continue steroid sprays and saline rinses indefinitely, says ENT UK.

  • Polyps returning

    The NHS says polyps commonly grow back, usually within a few years.

What to expect overall

The surgery aims to improve long-term control of symptoms rather than cure the condition, so recovery is partly about learning a routine of rinses and sprays that you will keep up afterwards. The details below come from ENT UK and the NHS and may differ from your surgeon's protocol.

Some oozing of blood-stained mucus is normal early on. Because the operation is done through the nostrils, there are no scars on the face.

Phases at a glance

Typical ranges from the sources named below. They vary between hospitals and people, and your surgeon's instructions override this table.
PhaseWhat is normalWhat to do
Day 0-2Blocked nose, blood-stained discharge, face feels tender; many go home the same day.Rest, head raised, do not blow your nose for two days.
Days 3-7Crusting and congestion; blockage improving.Start saline rinses as instructed; blow gently only if needed.
Week 2Nasal blockage typically resolves within one to two weeks.Return to work after two weeks; avoid heavy exercise, lifting and flying until then.
Weeks 3-6Smell and breathing continue to settle.Keep using steroid sprays and rinses; attend clinic review.
Months 2-12Benefits are maintained with medicines.Monitor for return of symptoms.
YearsENT UK says nearly 9 in 10 are successful for up to five years; about 1 in 10 need repeat surgery within 5 to 10 years.Follow-up as needed.

Discomfort, bleeding and rinsing

Most people describe pressure and congestion more than pain. ENT UK says nosebleeds are very common, with minor spotting typical, but a severe bleed happens in about 1 in 20, which needs urgent attention if it does not stop.

Do not blow your nose for two days, and after that only gently. Rinse as instructed to clear clots and crusts, which also helps prevent infection.

Work, driving and flying

ENT UK recommends two weeks off work, and avoiding heavy exercise, lifting and flying for two weeks. You should not drive until you have recovered from the general anaesthetic and feel safe; your hospital will tell you when.

It is sensible to limit contact with people who have coughs and colds in the first fortnight.

If you work in a dusty or smoky place, or one with strong fumes, ask your surgeon whether a longer break is wise, because irritants can inflame a healing nose and bring back crusting. Working from home during the first week or two can be a practical compromise if your employer allows it.

Exercise

Gentle walking can start straight away. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise raise blood pressure in the nose and can trigger bleeding, so ENT UK advises avoiding them for two weeks. Swimming is generally postponed for a short period; ask your surgeon.

Follow-up and keeping the benefit

You will usually be reviewed in clinic, where the surgeon may clear crusts under direct vision. ENT UK says to continue steroid sprays and saline rinses indefinitely. The NHS notes a steroid spray may be needed to stop polyps returning quickly, and that polyps often grow back within a few years, so ongoing review is part of care.

Red flags

  • Bleeding that does not stop with pressure: call 999 or go to A&E.

  • Clear watery fluid running from the nose, especially with severe headache or neck stiffness.

  • Double vision, a swollen or bruised eye, or reduced vision.

  • High temperature, severe facial pain or swelling.

Frequently asked

Questions people ask.

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most.

  • How long until I can breathe through my nose?

    ENT UK says nasal blockage typically resolves within one to two weeks.

  • When can I blow my nose?

    ENT UK says not for two days, then only gently.

  • How long off work?

    Two weeks according to ENT UK.

  • Can I fly after sinus surgery?

    ENT UK advises avoiding flying for two weeks.

  • Do I need to rinse my nose?

    Yes. ENT UK advises saline rinses and steroid sprays long term to maintain the benefit.

  • How common is serious bleeding?

    ENT UK says a severe nosebleed occurs in roughly 1 in 20.

  • Will polyps come back?

    The NHS says it is common for polyps to grow back, usually within a few years, so continued spray treatment may be needed.

  • How long do the benefits last?

    ENT UK says nearly 9 in 10 are successful for up to five years, and about 1 in 10 need repeat surgery within 5 to 10 years.

  • What symptoms need emergency help?

    Heavy bleeding, clear watery fluid with headache or stiff neck, double vision or a swollen eye.

Where this comes from

Sources and checking.

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP or consultant knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or come with red-flag features, seek urgent medical care. Figures and availability change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the provider.

Published 2026-10-03, next review 2027-10-03.

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