Previous studies have suggested that electrodissection tonsillectomy is associated with increased pain and delayed healing in comparison with sharp techniques for tonsillectomy. To better define the clinical significance of this difference, a detailed study of the time course of recovery was undertaken in adults and children after tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy by the sharp or electrodissection method. For electrodissection tonsillectomy, electrocautery set to 20 W was used for dissection and hemostasis, and after sharp dissection the suction electrocautery was used only selectively at bleeding sites. Daily pain scores were recorded for 2 weeks, and return to normal diet and activities was monitored. In adults the electrodissection tonsillectomy (n = 26) resulted in an average delay of 2 days in recovery from pain (p < 0.05) and a 2-day delay in return to a normal diet (p < 0.05) compared with sharp tonsillectomy (n = 24). In children (aged 2 to 12 years) the electrodissection technique (n = 26) resulted in an average delay trend of 1 to 1.5 days (not significant) compared with the sharp method (n = 24). Electrodissection tonsillectomy results in an average delay in recovery of 2 days for adults and in a lesser delay in pediatric patients.