Specialty
Nasal surgery that restores breathing — and quality of life.
Precise diagnosis and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery for chronic sinusitis, deviated septum, nasal polyps and airway obstruction.
What is chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is persistent inflammation of the paranasal sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks, even after appropriate medical treatment. Unlike acute sinusitis — usually viral and self-limiting — the chronic form points to an underlying structural or inflammatory cause that does not resolve with antibiotics or corticosteroids alone.
The most common causes include:
- Deviated nasal septum obstructing sinus drainage
- Enlarged turbinates reducing nasal space
- Nasal polyps — benign growths that block the sinus openings
- Uncontrolled allergic rhinitis maintaining chronic mucosal inflammation
- Anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses
Typical symptoms include persistent nasal obstruction, facial pain or pressure, nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, and reduced sense of smell. When symptoms continue to affect quality of life despite appropriate medical treatment, surgery may be considered after an individual assessment.
FESS: functional endoscopic surgery
FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) is the gold-standard surgical approach for chronic sinusitis. Using a high-definition endoscopic camera inserted through the nostril, the surgeon directly visualises the paranasal sinuses and removes obstructed tissue with precision microsurgical instruments.
Key advantages of FESS:
- No external incisions — the entire procedure is performed through the nostrils, with no visible scars
- High definition — endoscopy with 0° to 70° optics allows complete visualisation of the sinuses
- Tissue preservation — removes only diseased tissue, preserving healthy mucosa
- Fast recovery — outpatient procedure, same-day discharge in most cases
- Lasting results — clearing the drainage openings restores normal sinus function
FESS can be combined with septoplasty and turbinate reduction when structural components are also present, optimising the outcome in a single surgical intervention.
Septoplasty + turbinate reduction
In many cases of chronic sinusitis, the main cause is structural: a deviated septum reduces nasal space and impairs sinus drainage, while enlarged turbinates take up the remaining volume. Septoplasty combined with turbinate reduction corrects both problems in a single procedure.
How it is performed:
- Endonasal approach — internal incision in the septum, no external cuts, no change to the appearance of the nose
- General anesthesia or sedation — according to the pre-operative assessment and patient preference
- 45 to 90 minutes — depending on complexity and whether FESS is combined
- Outpatient procedure — same-day discharge, no hospital admission required
- Noticeable result — improved breathing is perceptible within the first weeks after surgery
Post-operative recovery
Same-day discharge. Nasal packing or splints for 24–48h. Avoid physical exertion.
Nasal packing removed. Breathing already noticeably better. Saline nasal rinses.
Return to light activities and desk work. Outpatient endoscopic review.
Breathing normalised. Physical activity cleared. Surgical result consolidated.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered
Does sinus surgery leave a scar?
No. FESS and septoplasty are performed entirely through the nostrils, with no external incision. The appearance of the nose is not altered.
How long does the surgery take?
It depends on the extent of the procedure. A septoplasty alone takes about 45 minutes. When combined with FESS and turbinate reduction, the procedure can last 1.5 to 2 hours.
Do I need to be hospitalised?
In the vast majority of cases, no. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, with same-day discharge a few hours after the procedure.
When can I go back to work?
For desk work, return usually happens between 7 and 10 days. Intense physical activity is cleared after 3 to 4 weeks.
Can sinusitis come back after surgery?
The surgery removes the structural cause of the obstruction, with an excellent resolution rate. In patients with associated allergic rhinitis, ongoing medical control of the allergy is important to maintain the surgical result long term.
Book your assessment
Breathe well.
Sleep better. Live more.
In-person care in São Paulo. Imaging diagnosis and endoscopic assessment on the same day.
(11) 91432-9842 · Book an appointment