Down time after surgery for a deviated septum?

Question

I am a 59 year old woman contemplating surgery for my deviated septum. My question is in regard to down time. I work a 12 hour shift in a fairly dusty warehouse. I do heavy lifting occasionally up to 30 lbs throughout my shift. We have no light duty work. Can you give me a rough estimate of the time I should take off of work?

Michelle R. Yagoda, MD · Answer

Dear Kmiskimon,Thank you for your question.  After surgery, there is no heavy lifting and no carrying anything more than ten pounds for 2 weeks.  You should be ready to resume normal activities after 2 weeks.  Given the nature of your work, your surgeon may prefer you to be out-of-work at the warehouse for 3 weeks. All the best,Dr. Michelle Yagoda

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we ask patients not to do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least 2 weeks after the procedure, to prevent a nose bleed. In addition, the surgery is not painful, as long as there is not any packing placed on the inside of the nose.

Down time after surgery for a deviated septum?

Answers (2)