Spreader Graft with Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

By KathleenRsmith411 on 16 Dec 2011

My daughter is scheduled for rhinoplasty/septoplasty and because of her breathing problems, her doctor has recommended a spreader graft. Knowing her, she will panic if this makes her nose wider (which it sounds like it could). I am nervous that she'll be upset with the result. I just want it to help her breathing, but is this a possibility that it could widen it? Has anyone had this done? The doctor is also cauterizing her terbinates. Thanks in advance. Kathleen S.

Comments (3)

Angiemcc (Community Manager) 21 Dec 2011

Hi Kathleen,

It doesn't look like you have asked any doctor questions (just started discussions in our forums, which is different). Click here to ask the doctors a question. I'm not sure how much help they'll be able to give without a photo, but you might get some input that would assist you. Good luck!

KathleenRsmith411 17 Dec 2011

Thank you for the great answer. My daughter has seen quite a few doctors in the area and spreader graft has come up multiple times. Unfortunately she's not comfortable putting up photos at this time. She thinks someone from one of her classes will recognize her.

However, my BIGGEST concern at the moment is finding someone who has had surgery by the doctor that she has chosen: Dr. Kenneth Shaheen in Troy Michigan. We were referred to him by friends, but no one that he's worked on. I posted this question, but have not received any answers. Thoughts?

Angiemcc (Community Manager) 16 Dec 2011

Hi there and thank you for posting to RealSelf! Here's some information on spreader grafts. As someone who's been manager of the rhinoplasty community for more than a year now, I strongly suggest consulting with at least three plastic surgeons who SPECIALIZE in rhinoplasty. At least get a second opinion on that spreader graft. It may be the perfect solution for your daughter, but it's amazing how surgeons vary in their approaches to rhinoplasty. You may want some other options.

I hope this helps.

(You may also want to post a question to doctors here, and if you can, please include a photo of your daughter's nose (eyes can be blurred out). A photo will really help the doctors help you.)