Where are spreader grafts placed?

Spreader grafts are then inserted between the upper lateral cartilages and the upper part of septal cartilage for structural reinforcement and straightening of the cartilaginous crooked nose [18] (Fig. 2).

Will spreader grafts make my nose bigger?

When it comes to cosmetic appearance, the spreader graft also helps to add volume through the middle nasal vault. As you can see in the adjacent diagram, the side with the spreader graft is now wider since placement of the graft pushes the side of the nose outward.

What do spreader grafts do?

Grafts of cartilage placed between the upper lateral cartilages and the septum to widen the middle third of the nose. These graft help with vestibular stenosis as well as prevent depressions/concavity in the middle third of the nose which can be a cosmetic issue.

Can spreader grafts collapse?

One patient had spreader grafts placed following middle vault collapse following rhinoplasty performed elsewhere 12 years previously. Following the procedure, a hyperemic prominence was noted at the dorsum, which resolved slowly, taking two months to completely disappear. There were no other complications.

Can spreader grafts be removed?

Spreader grafts are made from a patient’s cartilage, which may be harvested from different sources, including the septum or ear. The most preferred source is the nasal septum; however, if the cartilage is too scarce, grafting material may be removed from the ear.

What is a cartilage graft?

Cartilage grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged cartilage with healthy cartilage from a non‐weight bearing joint. Cartilage grafting is performed to correct joint deformities and restore the weight‐bearing capability of the affected joint.

How long does a cartilage graft take to heal?

How long do cartilage grafts take to heal? A rhinoplasty (with cartilage grafting), will require 1 to 2 weeks of rest at home. During this time, the swelling will subside, the bruising will improve, and there will be less discharge from your nose.

Does ear cartilage grow back after rhinoplasty?

The rhinoplasty involves removing parts of the bone, cartilage, and soft tissues from your nose. The bone doesn’t grow after maturity, but the cartilage continues growing for the rest of your life.

What are the risks of a spreader graft in rhinoplasty?

Inherent in any rhinoplasty operation are established risks and the potential need for revision. Specific to spreader grafts in the senior author’s experience, there may be some visible nasal widening that occurs with spreader graft placement, endonasal or open.

What are the indications for spreader grafts?

A common indication for spreader graft placement is the treatment of INV obstruction or structural weakness. This may be congenital or traumatic in rare cases, but is more often a complication of previous nasal surgery – particularly previous rhinoplasty.

Where should spreader grafts be placed to support ULC?

To be effective, spreader grafts must be precisely positioned between the dorsal septum and the ULC while spanning the length of the latter. Placement too high will cause esthetic dorsal irregularities and placement too low along the septum will be ineffective at supporting the ULC.

How are the spreader grafts cut and shaped?

The spreader grafts are cut and shaped on a metal plate on a back table. The usual size is approximately 2 cm to 2.5 cm × 5mm with thickness being approximately 2 mm. If the dorsum is reduced, as it is in most of our primary cases, an incremental reduction of the cartilaginous dorsum is performed until the desired level is reached.