After sinus lift surgery

Detailed recommendations for patients after sinus lift surgery.

Patient guide

These are general recommendations after sinus lift surgery. Individual instructions from your doctor always take priority.

Key points

Keep the gauze pad in place for 20–30 minutes, then gently remove it.
During the first 24 hours, do not rinse your mouth actively and do not use a straw.
Do not blow your nose forcefully for 10–14 days; sneeze with your mouth open.
Apply cold to the cheek through a cloth for 10–15 minutes with breaks during the first hours.
Avoid heavy lifting and sports for 3–5 days.
Smoking, vaping, hookah, and alcohol are prohibited for at least 72 hours.
Take all medications strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
Contact the clinic if pain, fever, or bleeding increases.

Recovery plan

First 30 minutes

A blood clot forms in the surgical area.
Keep the gauze pad in place for 20–30 minutes, then carefully remove it.
Slight oozing of blood is acceptable.

First 2 hours

Rest and avoid physical activity.
While anesthesia is still active, do not eat and avoid hot drinks.

First 24 hours

Moderate pain and increasing swelling are possible.
Do not touch the surgical area with your tongue or fingers.
Do not rinse actively and do not use an irrigator.
Do not blow your nose forcefully; sneeze with your mouth open.

Days 2–3

Swelling and discomfort may peak — this is normal.
Pain should gradually decrease.
If antiseptic mouth baths are prescribed, perform them gently.

Days 4–7

Healing continues and discomfort gradually subsides.
Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical area.
If sutures are present, follow the scheduled follow-up visits.

Days 7–14

You may gradually return to your usual diet.
Avoid pressure changes (air travel, diving) as advised by your doctor.

Healing is gradual. Any increase in pain, swelling, or the appearance of an unpleasant odor is a reason to contact your doctor.

What you can and cannot do

YOU CAN	YOU SHOULD NOT
Eat soft, cool, or warm foods	Eat hot, spicy, or very hard foods
Drink water in small sips	Drink hot beverages during the first day
Brush teeth while avoiding the surgical area	Injure the area with a toothbrush or objects
Apply cold to the cheek through a cloth	Apply heat or warming compresses
Rest and maintain a calm routine	Visit saunas, baths, exercise, or lift heavy objects for 3–5 days
Perform gentle antiseptic mouth baths if prescribed	Rinse the mouth actively during the first 24 hours
Sneeze with your mouth open	Blow your nose forcefully for 10–14 days
Take medications as prescribed	Change doses or stop medications on your own

After a sinus lift, it is important to avoid pressure changes in the maxillary sinus. Do not blow your nose and do not sneeze with your mouth closed.

Normal reactions after sinus lift surgery

Swelling and bruising

Swelling usually increases for 2–3 days and then gradually decreases.
Bruising on the cheek is possible and will resolve over time.

Pain

Moderate pain during the first day is normal.
Pain relief should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor.

Nasal congestion or pressure

A mild feeling of congestion or pressure in the sinus area may occur.
If symptoms worsen, contact your doctor.

Body temperature

A slight increase in body temperature up to 37.5 °C is possible during the first 1–2 days.
A temperature above 38 °C is a reason to contact your doctor.