Specific advice may vary with the individual. That said, here are the usual voice use restrictions:Nodules, polyps, capillary ectasiaNo talking for 4 days—usually this means from the day of surgery (Wednesday, for example) to Sunday. During those days, we usually suggest gentle sighing sounds for 10 seconds or so every few hours.Talking resumes on Sunday (5th day), but at a restricted amount—you may be a “3” on our 7-point talkativeness scale for one week. If a singer, you may begin vocalizing for 5 minutes twice a day, also beginning Sunday. Additional details of postoperative voice use will be explained at your first post-operative visit—typically, you are a “4” for a week; a “5” for a week, and so forth. Vocalizing increases by 5 minutes each practice session, week by week. For singers, we suggest a first (short) voice lesson in the second or third week after surgery.Cyst, sulcus, papilloma, stenosis, early vocal fold cancerNo voice rest at all, other than one week of what we term “vocal prudence.” This means to talk when you need to, to get the business of life done, but limit “pleasure” talking, and certainly don’t join any street demonstrations!”