Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses, often resembling small, peeled grapes or teardrops. When these growths become large enough to obstruct breathing, reduce the sense of smell, or cause chronic sinus issues, surgical removal is often recommended. The standard procedure for addressing this condition is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS), or a focused polypectomy. Patients often wonder if an operation inside the nose will affect its external appearance. Understanding the surgical technique and recovery process provides clarity on the permanent and temporary effects on the nasal profile.
The Surgical Approach
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is a minimally invasive method conducted entirely through the natural openings of the nostrils. Surgeons use a slender, lighted instrument called an endoscope, which has a camera on its tip, to visualize the nasal and sinus cavities. Specialized micro-instruments are inserted alongside the endoscope to gently remove the polyp tissue and widen blocked drainage channels. This process is confined to the mucosal lining and air-filled spaces within the skull, never requiring an incision on the face or the exterior of the nose.
Impact on External Nasal Appearance
Standard nasal polyp surgery is a functional procedure designed to restore breathing and sinus health, not a cosmetic one. The operation does not manipulate the underlying structural framework that defines the permanent shape of the nose. This framework consists of the nasal bones, which form the bridge, and the supportive cartilage that forms the tip and lower third. Since endoscopic instruments only interact with the soft tissue lining of the sinus and nasal cavities, the bone and cartilage remain untouched. The procedure focuses on inflamed tissue and polyps originating deep within the facial structure, such as the ethmoid or maxillary sinuses. The permanent external contour, height, and projection of the nose are preserved. A rare exception occurs if a polyp is so large it causes the nostril to visibly bulge outward; however, the surgery removes the internal mass without altering the structural bone or cartilage.
Temporary Post-Operative Changes
While the permanent structure remains the same, temporary changes immediately following the procedure can be mistaken for a change in shape. The most common temporary effect is internal swelling (edema) within the nasal passages and sinuses, which is the body’s natural response to surgical manipulation. This swelling often causes congestion, blockages, or pressure, making the nose feel temporarily larger or puffier for a few weeks.
Some patients may have temporary nasal packing or dissolvable splints placed inside the nose to control bleeding and support healing. The presence of this material contributes to a blocked sensation and a slightly altered appearance in the immediate post-operative period. Mild bruising around the eyes or upper cheeks is also occasionally reported. These short-term effects typically resolve completely as the internal swelling subsides, with most patients returning to their normal appearance and experiencing improved breathing within the first few weeks of recovery.