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Are Alar Grafts Visible?

asked 2 years ago by deppo in manchester,uk
Latest answer by Sam Naficy, MD
Question viewed 372 times
Tags: alar rim graft, cartilage, noticeable

When using ear cartilage as an alar graft, can you tell it's there?


14 answers to Are Alar Grafts Visible?

+1

Visibility of Alar Grafts.

Alar grafts havested from the ear and placed by an experienced surgeon should not be seen. The thickness of the skin and the location of graft placement will be evaluated by an experienced surgeon.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+1

Alar grafts rarely visible

There are a number of different types of alar grafts and different sources of cartilage that can be used to make alar grafts.  If done correctly alar grafts can make a big improvement in both appearance and function of the nose such as in this case.
Sam Naficy, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alar Grafts Visible?

When cartilage alar grafts are employed by a competent experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, in cases where these grafts are essential and beneficial, they should not be readily detectable or visible.
Sigmund L. Sattenspiel, MD

Freehold Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alar grafts, rhinoplasty, ear cartilage

If the nasal skin is not too thin then auricular cartilage alar grafts should not be too visible. In thin skinned patients, subtle camoflage of the grafts can be performed with thin overlay grafts of perichondrium from the ear or other materials.
Harrison C. Putman III, MD

Peoria Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.specialface.com

+1

Alar grafts should not be visible

No, alar grafts are not visible if placed in the proper anatomical position. Using ear cartilage for alar grafts tend to be stiffer than nose cartilage. In palpating or touching the nose, the ear cartilage is a little stiffer once it is inserted inside the nose than if nose cartilage were use.
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+1

Alar Grafts

When placed correctly and with proper healing, cartilage grafts should not be visible in terms of seeing the graft.  The effect of the graft should be visible in terms of changing the contour of the nose or ala as the intention of the surgery.  Good luck.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alar grafts not visible normally.

The thicker skin of the tip usually does not show the underlying grafts, if done properly. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and discuss this with him.
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alar cartilage grafts

In the majority of cases, alar grafts are not visible.  But, they do provide structure and support to the trim and tip of the nose.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nostril (Alar) Cartilage Grafts

Nostril (alar) grafts are usually placed to prevent collapse on inspiration and deep breathing or to correct notching from a previous surgery. In the majority of cases, these grafts are invisible. The exception is in people with very thin skin. this in uncommon since in most people the skin of the nasal tip is much thicker than on the bridge and upper nose.
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Visibility of ear cartilage alar grafts when performing a nose job (rhinoplasty).

In most cases they are not visible. However, there are exceptions and this occurs in very thin-skinned individuals. In these patients, there own native nasal cartilage is often visible through the skin.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ear cartilage grafts in the nose

In general, if the cartilage is carved properly and placed in an appropriate position it should not be visible. Your skin thickness is an important factor in this equation. Your question can be best answered once a rhinoplasty surgeon has evaluated your nose, including the skin and the general strength of your nasal cartilages.
Maurice M. Khosh, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Auricular Alar Grafts

Hi, Auricular alar graft should not be visible if they are carved correctly and  placed in the right pocket. However,skin thickness may have some impact on the visibility as well. Best, Dr.S.
Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.facechange.org

+1

Alar grafts are not normally visible

If you want to get technical, all grafts and cartilage structures are visible in the nose, it's just that when they are oriented correctly and the proper size they do not stand out.  It is these same structures that provide form and support to the nose and gives it the shape that you see. A properly located alar graft will not stand out or be directly visible. Best Wishes.
Marcus L. Peterson, MD

Saint George Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alar graft visibility

No, in most cases you should not be able to see grafts to the nose.  The nasal skin on the tip is usually thick enough to effectively camoflauge these grafts.  The donor site for the graft also tends to heal very well, and is nicely hidden behind the ear.  Best wishes, /nsn.
Nina S. Naidu, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

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