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Can I Have Testing, Consultation and Nasal Surgery on the Same Day in Gangnam, Seoul?

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

One visit, when it is right for you

For busy professionals, expats and travelers, multiple visits for tests, consultation and then surgery can be hard to fit around work and travel. Our clinic's same-day system allows these steps to happen together for suitable patients undergoing functional nasal surgery.

How the same-day pathway works

1. Consultation in English: history, symptoms and treatments already tried.
2. Testing: nasal endoscopy, a sinus CT scan and other tests as needed, such as allergy testing or a cephalogram for snoring.
3. Decision: Dr. Kim explains the findings, discusses medical alternatives, and outlines the procedure, risks and recovery.
4. Surgery under local anesthesia: if you both agree it is appropriate and you are prepared.
5. Observation and discharge: most patients go home the same day without a guardian, with written aftercare instructions.

Procedures that may be done this way

• Turbinate reduction: 15–20 minutes, no packing
• Septoplasty: 20–30 minutes, packing for one day
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: about 30 minutes per side, packing for one day
• Nasal fracture reduction: about 15 minutes, packing for two days and a splint for five

When same-day surgery is not appropriate

• Medical treatment has not yet been tried adequately
• Test results show something that needs further evaluation
• You are unwell with a cold, fever or active infection
• Blood thinners or other medicines need adjustment first
• You would like time to think, ask questions or check with your insurer

Choosing to come back another day is always fine. A good decision matters more than a fast one.

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified otolaryngologist and former rhinology faculty member at Yonsei University and Ajou University, follows the clinic's principle of performing only the treatment or surgery the patient needs. The same-day system is a convenience, not a shortcut: surgery is recommended only after testing confirms a structural problem or medication-resistant disease.

All discussions are in English, so you can understand your CT and endoscopy findings and ask about alternatives. Parking is fully covered for surgery patients. Learn more on the same-day local anesthesia surgery page and the nasal and sinus surgery center overview.

Why this system exists

In many hospitals, patients wait weeks between consultation, imaging and surgery, and each step means time off work. For a functional procedure under local anesthesia, much of that waiting is unnecessary when the diagnosis is clear. Bringing the steps together saves time while keeping the same standard of evaluation. For people in Seoul on fixed work assignments or limited visas, this can make treatment practical where it otherwise would not be.

Planning tips

• Message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-5344-4464 in advance so the day can be organized.
• Bring your medication list and any previous scans.
• Clear your schedule for that day and the next.
• Check insurer pre-approval needs ahead of time; the clinic does not direct-bill insurers.
• Plan follow-up visits and travel dates in advance.

See our guide on preparing for surgery day and the international patient guide.

Related questions

Do I have to have surgery on my first visit?

No. Same-day surgery is an option, not a requirement. You can have testing and consultation first, take time to decide, and return on another day. Dr. Kim will not recommend surgery unless your findings support it.

How long should I plan to be at the clinic?

Allow time for consultation, testing, the procedure itself and observation afterward. The operation is often 15 to 60 minutes depending on the procedure, but the whole visit takes longer. Message us on WhatsApp so staff can give you a realistic estimate.

Is a CT scan always needed before nasal surgery?

Not for every procedure. A CT scan is essential for sinus surgery planning and often helpful for septal problems, while turbinate reduction may be planned largely on endoscopic findings. Dr. Kim orders imaging when it changes the surgical plan.

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.