Alar Batten Grafts

Hello, I wanted to know what exactly does an Alar Batten graft achieve? Also will it make my alar base wider or increase the flare? Will it make the area much fuller? Thanks.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by abc89

Doctor Answers (8)
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Alar batten grafts for rhinoplasty

Alar batten grafts will not widen the base of the nose. They may give slightly more fullness to the shallow "dip" just above the nostrils, and they are almost exclusively used to correct breathing problems (the function) rather than for esthetic problems (the form).

Alar batten grafts can widen the nose

It depends how you place these graftrs and what type of cartilage you use. I am a big fan of alar batten grafts and use them liberally, but not to the detriment of hte aesthetic outcome. Probably need to have a chat with your surgeon.

Jay Calvert, MD

20 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Trouble breathing? "Alar batten grafts" may be the answer

"Alar batten graft" is a fancy name for cartilage that is placed on the inside of the nostrils. To understand why surgeons use these grafts, as an exercise breathe in through your nose very quickly. Notice what happens to your nostrils - they will cave in and nearly close down. When you're breathing at rest, this doesn't happen because your nostril walls (the alae, pronounced "ay-lee") are strong enough to resist collapse during normal respiration. Some people... more

Alar batten grafts also reduce flare

Alar batten grafts as mentioned above help stiffen the nasal airway to prevent collapse of the nasal valve during inspiration as previously mentioned, BUT they also help to reduce a flared looking nostril, or a retracted nostril. This is useful in reducing the pinched appearance of the nostril almost like pulling the brim downward on a hat.

Alar battens, or alar wall grafts, support the nostrils and external valves

There are two paired valves in the nose, one on each side: the internal and external valves. Each one stabilizes the sides of the nose. If the sides of your nose collapse, your airway will not be good even if your septum is perfectly straight. My research in 600 patients shows that stiffening incompetent external valves doubles airflow in most patients. Alar battens or alar wall grafts simply stiffen the nostril rims. Spreader grafts are different: ... more

They help breathing

Alar batten grafts help improve your breathing if your problem is the side walls of your nose collapsing with inspiring. In most people, they should not be noticeable long-term but you will have some intial swelling that will make the nose look wider. This should subside in a few weeks.

Colin Pero, MD

3 reviews

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drpero.com

Alar batten graft

Alar batten grafts do not make the nose wider. They support the breathing area and prevent the pinched in look that often can occur with significant tip narrowing.

Michael L. Schwartz, MD

3 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.palmbeachface.com

Alar Batten Graft

Hi, Alar batten grafts are typically used to open the internal nasal valve for nasal valve collapse. They do increase nasal flaring to a certain extent. An alternative may be spreader grafts. Best, Dr.S.