Instructions Before & After Sinus Lift Surgery

These instructions are intended for patients undergoing a lateral window sinus lift (sinus augmentation). Please follow these instructions carefully to help protect the surgical area and the sinus during healing.

Before Your Sinus Lift Procedure

Two weeks before surgery: Begin a nasal steroid such as Flonase (fluticasone), using 1 spray in each nostril daily.
On the morning of surgery: Use 2 sprays of Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray in each nostril.
Antibiotics: Begin your antibiotic as prescribed by your surgeon. Because antibiotic medications and dosing instructions vary, please contact our office if the instructions on your prescription are unclear or differ from what was discussed at your preoperative appointment.
Regular medications: Take your usual medications at the usual times with a small sip of water unless your surgeon has instructed you otherwise.

After Your Sinus Lift Procedure

Take all prescribed medications, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, as directed by your surgeon.
Continue Flonase (fluticasone), using 1 spray in each nostril daily for 2 weeks after surgery.
Continue Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray as directed for 3 days after surgery, then discontinue it. Do not continue Afrin for longer than 3 days unless specifically instructed by your surgeon.
You may use saline nasal spray twice daily as needed to help with nasal dryness or congestion.
If nasal congestion persists despite saline spray, an oral decongestant containing pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed or Mucinex-D, may be helpful if you are able to take it safely. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, prostate or urinary problems, or take medications that may interact with decongestants, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using pseudoephedrine.

Sinus Precautions for 2 Weeks

Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks. Slight bleeding or blood-tinged drainage from the nose can occur during the first several days after surgery.
If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open. Do not try to hold back or suppress a sneeze.
Do not use a straw for 2 weeks.
Avoid activities that create significant pressure within the nose or sinuses.

Smoking & Vaping

Do not smoke or vape during the healing period. Smoking, vaping, nicotine, and other tobacco products can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications following bone grafting and sinus augmentation.

Diet

Begin with soft foods and avoid very hot, hard, crunchy, or sharp foods during the early healing period. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth whenever possible.

Gradually advance your diet as you feel comfortable unless your surgeon has instructed you otherwise.

Oral Hygiene

Keep your mouth clean, but avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting. Beginning the day after surgery, you may gently rinse with warm salt water several times each day, especially after eating.

Brush your teeth normally away from the surgical site and be gentle around the area of the sinus graft.

When to Call Our Office

Please call our office if you experience heavy or persistent nasal bleeding, worsening pain or swelling, persistent fever or illness, a suspected medication reaction, or any other symptoms that concern you.

Your surgery and recovery are individual. If the instructions provided specifically by your surgeon differ from these general recommendations, please follow your surgeon’s instructions.