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When Can I Go Back to Work After Nasal Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul?

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

It depends on the procedure and your job

Because functional nasal surgery at our clinic is done under local anesthesia with same-day discharge, you do not need to recover from general anesthesia. The time off you need depends mainly on packing, swelling and how physically demanding your work is.

A general guide for office work

• Turbinate reduction: no packing, so many people return to desk work quickly. Expect congestion and crusting for about two weeks.
• Septoplasty: packing is removed after one day. Many desk workers return a few days after removal.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: packing for one day and antibiotics for a week; tiredness and congestion may last longer, so some people take most of a week off.
• Nasal fracture reduction: packing for two days and an external splint for five days, which some people prefer not to wear at work.

Jobs that need more time

• Heavy lifting or manual labor
• Work in hot, dusty or chemical environments
• Jobs with a risk of facial impact
• Pilots, cabin crew and frequent flyers, because of cabin pressure
• Professional voice users, who may find a blocked nose affects their voice for a while

Making the first week back easier

• Keep water and saline spray at your desk.
• Avoid long meetings in very dry rooms where possible.
• Postpone business travel and flights until cleared.
• Take breaks; fatigue is common in the first week.
• Do not bend down to lift heavy boxes or equipment.

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified otolaryngologist who was a rhinology faculty member at Yonsei University and Ajou University, asks about your work at the consultation. That way, he can recommend a surgery date that fits your schedule, for example before a weekend or a quieter work period. Saturday morning hours, 09:00–14:00, can also be useful for follow-up visits.

The clinic can issue an English medical certificate stating that you underwent surgery and need rest, which is helpful for foreign employers and international offices. Receipts and records are available for insurance claims; the clinic does not direct-bill insurers.

Learn more about same-day local anesthesia surgery and see our English medical certificate page.

Working from home

If remote work is possible, many people find the first few days easier at home: you can keep your head raised, use a humidifier, and avoid commuting crowds where your nose might be bumped. Video calls are fine once you are comfortable with how you sound with a congested nose.

When to stay home longer

Stay home and contact the clinic if you develop fever, increasing pain, heavy bleeding or swelling. These need assessment before returning to work. Clinic hours are on the location and hours page.

Related: when can I exercise.

Related questions

Can I get a sick note for my employer?

Yes. The clinic can issue an English medical certificate stating that you had surgery and the recommended rest period based on Dr. Kim's assessment. Korean-language documents are also available. Request it at your surgery or follow-up visit.

Is it okay to commute by subway after surgery?

Once you feel well, commuting is usually fine, but crowded trains risk bumping your nose. Travel outside rush hour if possible in the first week or two, particularly after septoplasty or nasal fracture reduction.

Can I give presentations soon after surgery?

You can usually speak normally, but nasal congestion may change how your voice sounds for a while. Many people manage presentations within a week or two. Keep water nearby and avoid straining your voice in dry rooms.

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.