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Is Nasal Surgery Done Under Local or General Anesthesia in Gangnam, Seoul?

Answered by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

Local anesthesia is the standard at our clinic

Local anesthesia means medication is applied and injected to numb the nose and surrounding tissue, while you remain awake and breathing on your own. General anesthesia puts you fully to sleep with a breathing tube and an anesthesiologist monitoring you, which typically requires hospital facilities and a longer stay.

At our clinic, functional (therapeutic) nasal surgery is done under local anesthesia, including:

• Turbinate reduction: about 15–20 minutes
• Septoplasty: about 20–30 minutes
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: about 30 minutes per side, about one hour for both
• Nasal fracture reduction: about 15 minutes

Advantages of local anesthesia

• Same-day admission and, for most patients, going home the same day
• No breathing tube, so no tube-related sore throat
• Avoids the grogginess and nausea some people experience after general anesthesia
• Most patients can leave without a guardian
• Fits the clinic's same-day testing, consultation and surgery system

What you feel during the procedure

You may feel pressure, hear instruments, and notice the sensation of the doctor working inside the nose, but sharp pain should be controlled. The first numbing injections can sting briefly. You can communicate with the surgeon throughout, and more local anesthetic can be given if you feel discomfort.

When general anesthesia may be more appropriate

• Extensive disease, such as large tumors or complex revision surgery
• Procedures in areas that are hard to numb fully
• Patients who cannot stay still or are extremely anxious despite reassurance
• Certain medical conditions that make awake surgery unsuitable

In such cases, Dr. Kim can explain the alternatives and, where needed, refer you to a hospital.

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified otolaryngologist and former assistant professor at Ajou University School of Medicine, performed nasal and sinus surgery throughout his academic career and trained in endoscopic sinus surgery at Jikei University in Japan. He explains, in English, exactly what will happen step by step, so there are no surprises.

Before surgery, he reviews your medical history, medications such as blood thinners, and any previous reactions to local anesthetics. You are told how long the procedure will take, whether packing will be used and what the first days of recovery look like. Learn more about the same-day local anesthesia surgery process.

Managing anxiety about being awake

Many people feel nervous about staying awake during surgery. Knowing what to expect helps: the room, the sounds, the order of steps and how long each part takes. You can ask questions beforehand, agree on a signal if you need a pause, and bring music if allowed. Most procedures are short, and patients are often surprised by how quickly they are finished.

Preparing for local anesthesia surgery

• Eat a light meal unless told otherwise.
• Bring a full medication list.
• Wear comfortable clothes that button at the front.
• Plan a quiet rest of the day.

Related: do I need a guardian. Visit the nasal and sinus surgery center page for an overview, and see the international patient guide for practical details.

Related questions

Will I be awake during nasal surgery?

Yes. Under local anesthesia you remain awake, but the nose is numbed. You may feel pressure or movement rather than sharp pain, and you can tell Dr. Kim at any point if you feel discomfort so more anesthetic can be given.

Do I need to fast before local anesthesia surgery?

Fasting requirements differ from general anesthesia. The clinic will give you specific instructions when your surgery is planned. Follow those directions about eating and drinking, and tell the team about any diabetes or other conditions.

Is local anesthesia safe?

Local anesthesia is widely used and generally well tolerated. As with any medication, reactions are possible, so Dr. Kim reviews your history and any previous reactions beforehand. You are monitored during and after the procedure.

This answer is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.