Get Well Soon

Helping you to make a speedy recovery after nasal septoplasty

Returning to work

Fact: Work can be part of your recovery

Everyone needs time off to recover after an operation – but too much of it can stand in the way of you getting back to normal. Getting back to your normal routine sooner rather than later can actually help you to recover more quickly.

Getting back to work

How quickly you return to work depends on a number of things:

• How you heal
• How you respond to surgery
• The type of job you do

People whose work involves a lot of heavy lifting or standing up for long periods, for example, may not be able to return to work quite as quickly as those who have office jobs, which are less demanding physically.

How soon can I go back?

Every person recovers differently and has different needs. Septoplasty is a relatively minor procedure and the majority of individuals who are doing administrative roles will normally be back at work after about a week or so. Jobs that are more physically demanding and involve heavy lifting might require a more graduated return to full activities over, say, another week. Contact sports or roles involving control and restraint should be avoided for a bit longer, say 2–4 weeks, but are best discussed with your surgeon.

If your employer has an occupational health nurse or doctor, they will advise you on this. Alternatively, your GP can give you advice. Ultimately, it’s your decision when you want to go back, and there’s no insurance risk to your employer if you choose to do so.