What Is Coming Out of My Nose After Sinus Surgery?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
A question I often hear after treatment is, “What is coming out of my nose after sinus surgery?” If you’ve had a sinus lift to prepare for dental implants, it’s normal to notice some drainage during the healing process. Knowing what to expect can help ease your mind.
After a sinus lift, it’s common to see a little blood-tinged fluid or mucus coming from your nose. This usually happens in the first few days and is a normal part of healing. Because the surgery is done close to the sinus cavity, a small amount of drainage is expected. You might also feel some pressure in your cheeks or under your eyes, which improves as swelling goes down.
What you should not see is large amounts of bright red bleeding or thick, foul-smelling discharge. These may be signs of a complication and should be checked right away. Most patients, however, heal smoothly without any major issues.
To protect your healing sinus, I recommend avoiding blowing your nose for at least two weeks. Blowing too soon can put pressure on the grafted area and may cause problems. If you sneeze, try to keep your mouth open so the pressure doesn’t build in your nose. Using saline sprays or medications I prescribe can help keep your sinuses clear and comfortable while you heal.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, I use advanced 3D imaging, zero bone loss principles, and precise techniques to make sinus lifts safe and predictable. My advanced training in implant dentistry and bone grafting allows me to perform these procedures with a focus on comfort and long-term success. We also offer oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia with an MD anesthesiologist so you can feel completely at ease during surgery.
And remember, my office is always a no judgment zone. Many patients feel nervous about sinus surgery or implants, and that’s okay. My role is to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and give you confidence in your care.
So, what is coming out of your nose after sinus surgery? Most often, it’s just a little blood-tinged fluid or mucus—a normal part of healing. If you’re ever unsure, don’t wait. Call my office, and we’ll make sure everything is healing the way it should.