Education
What to Expect After Balloon Sinuplasty
After in-office balloon sinuplasty most people are back to normal in a day or two. What is normal in week one, aftercare, and when to call.
ABFPRS
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
Overview
Recovery after balloon sinuplasty is often more limited than recovery from extensive endoscopic sinus surgery, but it is still a real healing period. Knowing what is typical in the hours, days, and weeks afterward helps you rest with confidence and recognize the difference between ordinary healing and a symptom worth a phone call.
An Established Academic Authority
Double board certification. Fellowship director. Published author. A surgeon's surgeon.
ABFPRS
Board Certified
American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Board Certified
American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Textbook
Published Author
Contributions to the academic literature of facial plastic surgery
Dual board certification in both Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery.
Castle Connolly Top Doctor — Plastic Surgery, 2026Recovery at a glance (in-office balloon)
After an in-office balloon sinuplasty, most people go home within the hour and are back to normal routines in a day or two. Some pressure, congestion, and drainage in the first week is expected. Here's what a typical recovery looks like.
Medically reviewed by Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS · Last reviewed September 2026
This describes a standalone balloon procedure. If balloon dilation was combined with endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty, or turbinate reduction, your recovery follows the larger operation — see the sinus surgery recovery timeline. Your own post-procedure instructions always take priority.
| Typical timing | |
|---|---|
| Go home | Shortly after the procedure |
| Drive | Only if no sedation was given — otherwise arrange a ride |
| Back to work | Often the next day |
| Mild drainage and congestion | Several days to a week |
| Normal exercise | Usually within a few days to a week |
| Flying | Often within days — check with the office |
| Follow-up visit | Typically within a few weeks |
Right after the procedure
The numbing medicine wears off over an hour or two. You may feel pressure in the treated sinuses, a mild headache, and some congestion. A small amount of bloody drainage is normal. Nasal packing is not usually needed after a standalone balloon procedure.
The first 24–48 hours
- Mild soreness or pressure, usually managed with acetaminophen.
- Light, blood-tinged drainage that tapers off.
- Some fatigue. Take it easy for the rest of the day.
- Avoid blowing your nose hard for the first day or two, and sneeze with your mouth open.
- Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless your surgeon says otherwise.
The first week
- Congestion and some thick or discolored drainage are common as the sinuses begin to clear.
- Saline rinses help — start when instructed.
- Most people are back to normal routines, including exercise, within this time.
Longer term
The widened openings allow the sinuses to drain and ventilate. For many patients, the benefit shows up as fewer infections and less pressure over the following months. If you have allergies or chronic inflammation, continuing a steroid spray and rinses helps keep the openings working.
Possible side effects
Balloon sinuplasty is generally well tolerated. Temporary effects can include:
- Pressure, mild pain, or a headache
- Congestion and drainage
- Light bleeding
- Tooth or cheek discomfort after maxillary sinus dilation, which settles
Infection and more serious complications are uncommon.
When to call the office
- Bleeding that doesn't stop with gentle pressure
- Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
- Pain that increases instead of improving
- Seek urgent care for swelling around the eye, changes in vision, severe headache, a stiff neck, or clear watery drainage that keeps dripping.
Frequently Asked
What to Expect After Balloon Sinuplasty — patient questions, honestly answered.
After an in-office procedure, most people return to normal activity within one to two days. Mild congestion and drainage can last about a week.
Yes. Swelling from the procedure can cause congestion and drainage for several days. It improves as the sinuses begin draining through the widened openings.
Continue exploring
Related resources
Balloon Sinuplasty NYC
How balloon sinuplasty widens blocked sinus openings and who may be a candidate.
Sinus Surgery Recovery
What recovery looks like across sinus procedures, including aftercare and follow-up.
Chronic Sinusitis Treatment NYC
How ongoing inflammation is managed and where a procedure fits in a longer-term plan.
Balloon Sinuplasty vs. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
A balanced look at how the two approaches differ and what each can address.
Sinus Surgery Cost in NYC
What cost depends on, including diagnosis, imaging, insurance, and combined procedures.
Next step
Plans are individualized. The consultation is where that begins.
Reach the Manhattan office to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mourad.