If you suffer from ongoing sinus infections, congestion, snoring or nasal obstruction, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) might be the solution. At Melbourne ENT, Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham use this minimally invasive technique to treat chronic sinus problems and restore natural breathing.
What is FESS?
FESS is a minimally invasive modern sinus surgery performed through the nostrils using a tiny camera (endoscope). It removes obstructions like nasal polyps or swollen tissue to improve sinus drainage, relieve pressure, and restore smell.
Who Needs FESS?
FESS is recommended if you:
- Have chronic sinusitis that doesn’t respond to medication
- Frequently use antibiotics or nasal sprays with little relief
- Experience persistent congestion, headaches, or loss of smell
A deviated septum or enlarged turbinates can also be corrected during the same procedure.
Benefits of FESS
- Clearer nasal breathing
- Fewer infections and doctor visits
- Better sleep and vitality
- Improved exercise tolerance
- Enhanced quality of life
What to Expect
FESS is done under general anaesthetic, often as a day procedure. No external cuts are made. After surgery, you might have mild congestion or pressure for a few days. Saline rinses and rest help recovery. Most patients return to work in under a week.
Recovery after Sinus Surgery
After the procedure, the surgeon will often pack the nose with gauze. Generally, this will stay in place for between 1 and 5 days, depending on the surgical technique and the patient.
You will be able to leave the hospital just a couple of hours after the surgery. There are no visible changes in the face in terms of swelling and bruising.
In the days after the operation, the nasal mucosa will thicken and it is necessary to use nasal drops to both relieve edema and aid recovery. Many patients will be able to resume most of their daily activities after one week, however, you shouldn’t resume physical activity for 2-3 weeks.
Risks Are Rare but important
Bleeding, infection, or temporary changes in smell can occur but are uncommon. Serious complications are very rare; but as the sinus are in close proximity to the orbit and brain utmost care is needed.
Dr Kleid and Dr Braham have decades of experience with this operation and Masada have had no serious complications. Masada Hospital has the latest digital cameras and equipment making the surgery as safe as possible.
Costs & Coverage
FESS is Medicare-rebatable and covered by most private health insurance. Item numbers usually include 41702 or 41703. Our staff can guide you through costs and coverage.
FESS Surgery FAQs
Can FESS help with my frequent migraines that seem to start from my sinuses?
Yes, many patients report a significant reduction in headache frequency after FESS. Although not a treatment for neurological migraines, FESS can relieve pressure and inflammation that may trigger migraines (there is no such thing as sinus headache).
I have allergies. Will FESS help if my sinus issues are allergy-related?
FESS can be effective when chronic sinusitis persists despite managing allergies. While it doesn’t cure the allergy itself, it removes blockages and improves drainage, often making allergy symptoms more manageable and medical treatment much more effective
Will I be able to breathe better during exercise or sports after FESS?
Improved nasal airflow is one of the major benefits of FESS. Many patients report better performance and comfort during physical activity, especially those who previously struggled with nasal congestion.
Can this surgery affect my voice or how I sound when speaking?
While FESS typically does not alter your voice, some patients notice subtle changes in nasal resonance due to improved airflow. These changes are generally positive and can improve vocal clarity.
Is there any smell or taste improvement after FESS?
Yes, a return or improvement in the sense of smell and taste is commonly reported, especially if sinus blockages had been impairing these senses prior to surgery.
What happens if polyps grow back after surgery?
Polyp recurrence is possible, especially in patients with underlying conditions like asthma or allergies. However, post-op medical management and regular reviews can reduce the risk of recurrence. Treating the cause of the inflammation is the best way to prevent recurrences of polyps
Will I need someone to stay with me the night after surgery?
While most patients go home the same day, having someone stay with you the first night is necessary. They can help monitor your condition and assist with medications or any immediate needs.
Sources:
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Key Points for Safer Surgery
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/01455613241287280 - Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Impact of Anatomical Variations on Operative Safety and Correlation of CT Imaging with Nasal Endoscopy
https://www.ijprt.org/index.php/pub/article/view/398 - Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Theory and Diagnostic Evaluation
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/612617 - Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery of Nasal Polyposis
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6848682/ - Sinus Endoscopic Surgery – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563202/ - Long-term outcomes of functional endoscopic sinus surgery with selective vidian neurectomy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0929664625001512 - Revolutionizing chronic rhinosinusitis treatment with functional endoscopic sinus surgery
https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2025/05020/revolutionizing_chronic_rhinosinusitis_treatment.6.aspx
Book a Consultation
If you’re suffering from stubborn sinus symptoms, don’t let them affect your quality of life. Contact Melbourne ENT today to book a consultation with Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham, and discover if FESS surgery can help you breathe easier and feel better.
Further Reading
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Nose Imaging
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Turbinoplasty
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Sinus Surgery
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Fibreoptic Endoscopy
- View Melbourne ENT’s Before and After Photos
Why Choose Dr Kleid ?
Dr Stephen Kleid,
Melbourne ENT Surgeon
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Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne with a passion for Septo-rhinoplasty, Septoplasty and a strong interest in Rhinoplasty Revision.
Qualifications
- AHPRA (Medical Board)
- MB, BS; FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons)
- AAFPS – Member of the Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
- AAFPRS – (International Member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons)
Dr Kleid’s Procedures
Why Choose Dr Braham ?
Dr Simon Braham,
Melbourne ENT Surgeon
MED0001144757
Dr Simon Braham MBBS (Hons) FRACS is an experienced Ear, Nose and Throat ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne, performing tonsil, grommet and sinus surgery for children & adults. He helps patients with breathing issues, snoring concerns and sleep disturbances.
Dr Braham’s Procedures
How can we help?
The Melbourne ENT Team takes pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the St Kilda East clinic in Melbourne between 9am – 5 pm on Weekdays.
What Next?
Want more information about your Procedure?
- Please read our website and blogs to find out more about your procedure and concerns
- For more information about pricing and payment methods, please visit our page on Surgery Payment Options.
- Talk to our Patient Care Team from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- We encourage you to bring a friend or family member to accompany you, as they can provide an extra perspective and support throughout the process.
- It is important to take thorough notes and carefully review all the documents provided to you.
How to Book a Consultation
- A referral from your GP or Specialist is necessary to see a surgeon for a consultation.
- Dr Kleid’s Nose Surgery consultation fee is $600 which includes a nasendoscopy ($300).
- Please contact us to book your consultation.