A septoplasty is the preferred surgical treatment to correct a deviated septum and improve breathing. It is a minor, minimally-invasive, outpatient procedure.  The procedure can frequently be done in the office under local anesthesia with oral sedation. The procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils where the surgeon makes a small incision in the septum and then removes the excess bone or cartilage required to even out the breathing space of the nostrils.