If you struggle with nasal obstruction, chronic congestion, or difficulty breathing through the nose, a deviated septum may be the root cause. Septoplasty is a highly effective surgical procedure designed to straighten the septum and improve airflow, but there are still many myths surrounding it. At Nevada Sinus Relief, Dr. Ashley Sikand, a board-certified otolaryngologist and fellowship-trained sinus specialist, helps patients in Las Vegas understand their options and separate fact from fiction.
Myth #1: Septoplasty Is Only for People with Broken Noses
While trauma can certainly cause a deviated septum, many people are born with this structural issue or develop it naturally over time. A deviated septum doesn’t always result from an injury, and in many cases, it’s never noticed until chronic sinus or breathing problems develop. Septoplasty is performed to correct internal nasal anatomy, regardless of whether the deformity was caused by trauma.
Myth #2: It’s Just a Cosmetic Procedure
Septoplasty is not performed for cosmetic reasons — that’s rhinoplasty. Septoplasty is focused entirely on function, not appearance. The goal is to straighten the cartilage and bone inside the nose to improve airflow and alleviate symptoms like congestion, sinus pressure, and mouth breathing.
Myth #3: The Surgery Is Extremely Painful
Thanks to modern techniques, septoplasty is typically very well tolerated. Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort in the days following the procedure, not severe pain. Dr. Sikand performs septoplasty using minimally invasive methods when appropriate, and recovery is usually straightforward with minimal downtime.
Myth #4: The Results Don’t Last
When performed by an experienced ENT surgeon, septoplasty can provide long-lasting relief. If symptoms persist after surgery, it’s often due to untreated turbinate hypertrophy or other nasal conditions that may also need to be addressed. At Nevada Sinus Relief, patients receive comprehensive care, and septoplasty is often combined with other procedures (like turbinate reduction) for optimal, lasting results.
Why Choose Nevada Sinus Relief?
Dr. Ashley Sikand is a board-certified otolaryngologist and fellowship-trained rhinologist with decades of experience treating complex nasal and sinus conditions. He uses advanced diagnostic tools like in-office CT and nasal endoscopy to ensure accurate diagnosis and personalized surgical planning.
If you’re experiencing chronic nasal congestion, contact our team in Las Vegas at (702) 805-1550 to schedule a consultation and determine whether septoplasty may be right for you.
