Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Advanced Surgical Treatment For Chronic Sinus Disease

At Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates, Dr. Dan Boxwell performs Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) for patients with persistent sinus disease that has not improved with conservative treatment. Our goal is always to recommend the least invasive treatment possible while providing lasting relief from chronic sinus symptoms. Using advanced endoscopic technology and our in-office sinus CT scanner, we carefully evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan designed to improve sinus drainage, reduce infections and help you breathe more comfortably.

Smiling man hiking outdoors, representing improved sinus health after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

What Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is an advanced surgical procedure used to treat chronic sinus disease by restoring the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses. Using advanced endoscopic technology and our in-office sinus CT scanner, we carefully evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan designed to improve sinus drainage, reduce infections and help you breathe more comfortably.

During the procedure, Dr. Boxwell uses a thin, lighted endoscope inserted through the nostrils to clearly visualize the nasal passages and sinus openings. Specialized instruments, including state-of-the-art CT navigation equipment, are then used to remove blockages, enlarge narrowed sinus openings, and restore normal airflow and drainage. In combination with Dr. Boxwell’s extensive experience, this ensures the highest level of safety and thoroughness of treatment.

When Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Recommended?

Living with chronic sinus infections, facial pressure and constant nasal congestion can make it difficult to sleep, breathe and enjoy everyday life. Many sinus conditions improve with medications, allergy treatment or minimally invasive procedures such as Balloon Sinuplasty. However, FESS may be recommended when symptoms continue despite appropriate medical treatment.

Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery With FESS

Because the procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils, there are no external incisions or visible scars. Unlike older sinus surgery techniques, FESS focuses on preserving as much healthy tissue as possible while improving the normal function of the sinuses.

During your consultation, Dr. Boxwell will determine whether surgery or another treatment option is most appropriate for your condition. You may benefit from Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery if you experience:

  • Chronic sinusitis lasting 12 weeks or longer
  • Frequent sinus infections
  • Nasal polyps
  • Persistent nasal congestion
  • Facial pain or pressure
  • Chronic headaches related to sinus disease
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Difficulty breathing through your nose
  • Recurrent infections that require multiple courses of antibiotics

Advanced Sinus Evaluation With In-Office Sinus CT Scanning

At Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates, every treatment plan begins with an accurate diagnosis. Our in-office sinus CT scanner provides highly detailed images of your nasal passages and sinus anatomy without requiring an outside imaging appointment. This technology allows Dr. Boxwell to evaluate chronic inflammation, sinus blockages, nasal polyps, structural abnormalities and your overall sinus anatomy in order to develop a precise and personalized treatment plan while helping determine whether Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is the best option for you.

How Is FESS Performed?

Dr. Boxwell performs Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on an outpatient basis from the comfort of our offices in Seneca and Powdersville, SC. Using specialized endoscopic equipment, Dr. Boxwell is able to precisely visualize the inside of your nose. During surgery, he carefully opens obstructed sinus cavities and removes diseased tissue, polyps or other blockages are removed as needed. Restoring the natural drainage pathways helps improve airflow and allows mucus to drain more effectively.

Benefits Of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Candidates for FESS can provide significant long-term improvement in sinus health, depending on the extent of your condition. Since the procedure is performed through the nostrils, patients avoid external incisions and visible scarring.

Benefits may include:

  • Improved sense of smell
  • Less dependence on antibiotics and medications
  • Better sleep quality
  • Improved overall quality of life
  • Fewer sinus infections
  • Improved sinus drainage
  • Reduced facial pressure and pain
  • Better nasal breathing
Smiling woman enjoying flowers outdoors, illustrating relief from chronic sinus issues with balloon sinuplasty.

Recovery After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Recovery varies from person to person, and depends on the extent of the procedure, but most patients experience gradual improvement over several weeks. Following surgery, you may experience congestion, minor bleeding, temporary nasal drainage or a feeling of pressure or fullness in the nose. This is normal and short lasting. Dr. Boxwell and our team will provide detailed postoperative instructions, including saline irrigations, activity recommendations and follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

It’s normal to have questions before any procedure, and at Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates, we aim to clearly explain your treatment and put your mind at ease. Learn more about FESS and how it may be able to treat your great chronic sinus disease by opening your blocked sinus passages.

Is FESS considered minimally invasive?

Yes, it is! Because the procedure is performed through the nostrils using an endoscope, you do not have to worry about healing from external incisions or having visible scars.

Not everyone with chronic sinus symptoms needs surgery. Dr. Boxwell will recommend the treatment that best addresses your specific diagnosis.

Yes. FESS may address one or several sinus cavities during the same procedure.

Our in-office sinus CT scanner provides detailed images of your sinus anatomy, allowing Dr. Boxwell to accurately diagnose your condition. This technology helps him create a treatment plan designed to improve sinus drainage, reduce infections and help you breathe more comfortably.

Not everyone requires packing.  If packing is needed, Dr. Boxwell uses a soft, spongy, dissolvable material that does not cause additional pressure or discomfort in the post-procedure timeframe.

While no treatment can guarantee permanent results, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery has helped many patients experience fewer infections, improved breathing and long-term relief from chronic sinus symptoms.

Not every patient requires nasal packing. If packing is needed, Dr. Boxwell will use a soft, spongy dissolvable material that does not cause additional pressure or discomfort after your procedure.

Insurance coverage varies by plan and medical necessity. Our team can help verify your benefits and answer questions about coverage before your procedure.

We believe every patient deserves individualized treatment. That’s why we carefully evaluate your symptoms, imaging and medical history before recommending surgery or any other procedure. Patients throughout the Upstate turn to us for expertise, compassionate, patient-centered care and minimally invasive sinus care.

Request Your Sinus Appointment

If chronic sinus infections, facial pressure or nasal congestion continue to interfere with your daily life, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery may help provide lasting relief. We carefully evaluate your symptoms, imaging and medical history before recommending surgery or any other procedure. Request an appointment with Dr. Boxwell and the team at Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates to learn whether this minimally invasive treatment is the right option for you.

Couple jogging outdoors together in a park

Personalized ENT, Pulmonary, Speech Pathology & Hearing Care Close To Home

Let’s start your healing journey.

Whether you are dealing with persistent breathing concerns, chronic cough, sinus symptoms, allergies, hearing changes, sleep apnea, voice concerns or swallowing difficulties, the Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates team is here to help. Our independently-owned practice provides advanced, personalized specialty medical care in Seneca and Powdersville, SC, with treatment plans built around your symptoms, health goals and everyday comfort. Request an appointment today for clearer answers and lasting relief.