When Do You Need Frontal Sinus Surgery?

July 28, 2022

The frontal sinuses are air-filled cavities behind our brow ridges, helping to keep the skull lightweight. When these sinuses become inflamed or develop abnormal tissue growths, blockages can occur, leading to breathing difficulties, facial pressure, and discomfort around the eyes and forehead.


While non-surgical treatments (such as medications and therapies) are often the first line of defense, frontal sinus surgery may be necessary if symptoms persist. This article explores when surgery is needed, the types of conditions it treats, and what the procedure entails.


What Is Frontal Sinus Surgery?

Frontal sinus surgery is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure designed to:

✔ Remove blockages in the sinus passages
✔ Restore normal drainage
✔ Preserve sinus structure
✔ Minimize cosmetic impact


This surgery is recommended when other treatments fail to provide long-term relief. Consulting a board-certified ENT specialist can help you make an informed decision about your care.


Why Do You Need Frontal Sinus Surgery?

When medications, therapies, and other non-invasive treatments for frontal sinusitis have grown ineffective, a doctor would recommend frontal sinus surgery. You might need to undergo this surgery when you suffer from the following conditions:


1. Acute or Chronic Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis leads to breathing difficulties and disrupts mucus drainage as your sinuses are inflamed and swollen. It’s usually caused by the common cold, and your symptoms will fade or grow easier to manage over time.

 

However, if your sinuses remain inflamed and swollen for over three months, despite undergoing non-invasive treatments, it could indicate that you have chronic sinusitis. In such cases, you may have to undergo frontal sinus surgery to clear your sinuses and remove any abnormal growths that could be blocking them.


2. Blockage of the Frontal Sinus Drainage Passages

If the frontal sinus drainage pathways become obstructed due to infection or scarring (often from previous surgeries), frontal sinus surgery may be needed to clear the blockage. This procedure ensures that mucus and air flow freely, reducing pressure and discomfort in the frontal sinuses.


3. Frontal Sinus Polyps

Sinus polyps are non-cancerous growths that can form in the sinuses, blocking normal airflow. When frontal sinus polyps obstruct the sinus passages, surgery may be required to remove the growths and restore proper sinus function. If left untreated, polyps can lead to chronic sinus infections and breathing issues.


4. Structural Abnormalities (e.g., Deviated Septum, Narrow Passages)

Some individuals have naturally narrow sinus openings or other structural abnormalities, which increase the risk of blockage. Surgery can widen these passages and improve airflow, reducing the likelihood of sinus issues in the future.


5. Recurrent Sinus Infections

Frequent sinus infections (four or more per year) can indicate an underlying blockage in the sinus passages. Surgery can address the root cause of the blockages, improving drainage and reducing the frequency of infections.


Consult with Dr. Eric F. Succar, MD, for Expert Care

If you’ve been considering undergoing frontal sinus surgery to treat your symptoms, consult with an expert. Dr. Eric F. Succar, MD is a board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT) specializing in complex sinus, nasal, and skull base disorders. Dr. Succar treats both adults and children and is experienced in performing sinus surgeries with minimal risks.


Dr. Succar’s clinic is located in Waterford, MI (Oakland County), and he serves patients from Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Pontiac, and Troy, MI. To schedule a consultation, call (248) 254-8900.



A woman suffering from facial pains due to sinusitis

What are the Signs of Complicated Sinusitis?

July 17, 2023
Are you suffering from facial pain and increasingly severe headaches? If the answer is yes, it is likely that you have sinusitis. Sinusitis is no joke, but how can you tell if it's the simple kind or the complicated kind? Read on to learn the key signs to watch out for when dealing with complicated sinusitis.
An illustration of a doctor with a folded arm

Do You Need Sinus Surgery in Troy, MI? See a Rhinologist Near You.

March 13, 2023
This article will give you a snapshot of what a rhinologist in Troy, Michigan does. A rhinologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sinus problems, so we hope that by providing you with an overview of a rhinologist, such as Dr. Eric Succar, MD, will help you find the right specialist for your sinus infections.
A man sneezing in his elbow

Can Chronic Sinusitis Cause Polyps?

December 8, 2022
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your head and nose (sinuses) are inflamed and swollen for three months or longer, despite treatment. Your nose becomes congested due to this widespread disorder, which disrupts the natural drainage of mucus. The area surrounding your eyes may feel swollen or irritated, and breathing through your nose might be challenging. Nasal polyps, an infection, a swelling of the sinus lining, or any of these factors can cause chronic sinusitis. The illness, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, can affect both adults and children.
A young woman suffering from fall allergies blowing her nose with a tissue

Why Are My Sinus Issues Worse in the Fall?

November 9, 2022
Many people observe that their sinus problems worsen in the fall. But why is that? It has to do with seasonal changes, which affect both allergies and the body in general. Luckily, there are ways such as this can easily be treated, providing you with relief so you can get back to your regular routine. Read on for more information about how seasonal changes can affect you and how you can quickly treat your symptoms to feel better.
Woman with a tissue on her nose and is suffering from sinus problems

This May Be the Reason Why You Have Sinus Problems

October 6, 2022
Sinusitis is more likely to affect persons with nasal allergies, nasal polyps, asthma, or atypical nose structures. Additionally, smoking can increase the frequency of sinus infections.
boy-blowing-the-out-the-flower

5 Tips to Beat Your Summer Allergies

August 23, 2022
With summer in full swing and fall just around the corner, seasonal allergies have been flaring up. While not the most pleasant of experiences, there are ways to get around what triggers your allergies so that you can enjoy your summer. Read on for five tips on how to do just that, and how to get the most out of the sunny season.
A man having a tear duct blockage problem.

What Is Endoscopic Tear Duct Surgery?

June 21, 2022
Tear duct surgery may become necessary when your tear ducts are blocked and your tears do not drain effectively. This article introduces you to endoscopic tear duct surgery.
A woman holding her nose in pain due to nasal polyps

How Do You Get Rid of Nasal Polyps?

June 3, 2022
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages. They may be caused by frequent infections, allergies, immunological diseases, and aspirin sensitivity. Small nasal polyps may not be noticeable at first and barely cause any symptoms. However, larger clusters of nasal polyps can obstruct nasal passages and cause breathing difficulties. Nasal polyps can affect people of all age groups, although adults are more susceptible to them.
A young girl blowing her nose due to allergy.

What Are the Differences between Allergies and Covid-19?

May 2, 2022
Given the present-day pandemic, the slightest hint of a sore throat or a runny nose can send you into fits of panic. But if you’ve had allergies for a long time, your symptoms could simply mean that your allergies are aggravated. How do you distinguish between allergies and COVID-19 when they share common symptoms? This article highlights the key differences between them. Keep reading to know more!
Man having nasal problems blowing his nose on a tissue

How Is Nasal Congestion Treated?

April 4, 2022
Nasal congestion occurs when the blood vessels and mucous membranes in your sinuses and nasal passages swell with excess fluid. Allergies, colds, flu, infections, and sinusitis can trigger nasal congestion.