Questions specifically regarding ear cartilage used as spreader grafts. I have read some doctors say that ear cartilage does not make a good spreader grafts and others say it is fine. What circomstances make spreader grafts with ear cartilage an appropriate option and vice versa? How is ear cartilage straightened so that can be used as a spreader graft? How much width is attainable with an ear cartilage spreader graft? Thank you in advance.
Answer: Best spreader grafts for rhinoplasty
As others have pointed out, the best cartilage for spreader grafts is septal (or even upper lateral) cartilage. It's a stiff hyaline cartilage and usually straighter, too, than the elastic conchal cartilage of the ear. That said, if septal cartilage is inadequate and the patient doesn't require the greater invasiveness of costal (rib) cartilage, then the ear can work just fine.
I find that spreader grafts of any source are best when fixated into place with permanent sutures, but this is especially true for the more elastic ear cartilage.
All the best,
--DCP
Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery®
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As others have pointed out, the best cartilage for spreader grafts is septal (or even upper lateral) cartilage. It's a stiff hyaline cartilage and usually straighter, too, than the elastic conchal cartilage of the ear. That said, if septal cartilage is inadequate and the patient doesn't require the greater invasiveness of costal (rib) cartilage, then the ear can work just fine.
I find that spreader grafts of any source are best when fixated into place with permanent sutures, but this is especially true for the more elastic ear cartilage.
All the best,
--DCP
Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery®
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CONTACT NOW May 19, 2019
Answer: Ear cartilage used as a spreader graft in the nose Ear cartilage is only used for grafting purposes if the nasal cartilage has been completely harvested from previous surgery, and there is a cartilage depleted nose present at the time of the rhinoplasty. A spreader graft is typically 2-3 mm thick and when placed bilaterally and give 4-6 mm of augmentation of additional width. Please see the link and the video below for examples of spreader grafts placed in our rhinoplasty practice
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Answer: Ear cartilage used as a spreader graft in the nose Ear cartilage is only used for grafting purposes if the nasal cartilage has been completely harvested from previous surgery, and there is a cartilage depleted nose present at the time of the rhinoplasty. A spreader graft is typically 2-3 mm thick and when placed bilaterally and give 4-6 mm of augmentation of additional width. Please see the link and the video below for examples of spreader grafts placed in our rhinoplasty practice
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September 19, 2013
Answer: My preferences for cartilage grafts are seputm first, ear second (but not always) then rib
Each situation has to be weighed in terms of what you are looking to achieve. Septal cartilage is strong and the best for grafts in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty such as spreader grafts. Ear cartilage is next choice if the septal cartilage has been used or removed by prior septoplasty. The problem with ear cartilage is that it is soft and pliable. So it is good for volume, even spreader grafts but not to straighten a crooked nose. If a nose needs a lot of cartilage for grafts or needs straightening and septum is not sufficient, then I prefer rib cartilage.
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Answer: My preferences for cartilage grafts are seputm first, ear second (but not always) then rib
Each situation has to be weighed in terms of what you are looking to achieve. Septal cartilage is strong and the best for grafts in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty such as spreader grafts. Ear cartilage is next choice if the septal cartilage has been used or removed by prior septoplasty. The problem with ear cartilage is that it is soft and pliable. So it is good for volume, even spreader grafts but not to straighten a crooked nose. If a nose needs a lot of cartilage for grafts or needs straightening and septum is not sufficient, then I prefer rib cartilage.
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September 18, 2013
Answer: Ear cartilage for a rhinoplasty and spreader grafts
Dear Louster225,
Ear cartilage works well for spreader grafts and there are portions of the graft that are straight enough for the graft
If they are a little curved, then can be used to straighten a crooked nose
We can also score the cartilage (put little cuts in the cartilage) to straighten it
We usually use ear cartilage when the septum has been removed
If you have not had a rhinoplasty or septoplasty before, then the first choice should be the septum
If your surgeon is not comfortable using septum, it may be a sign that you should find a rhinoplasty specialist who routinely performs this type of procedure
Best regards,
Nima Shemirani
Best regards,
Nima Shemirani
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CONTACT NOW September 18, 2013
Answer: Ear cartilage for a rhinoplasty and spreader grafts
Dear Louster225,
Ear cartilage works well for spreader grafts and there are portions of the graft that are straight enough for the graft
If they are a little curved, then can be used to straighten a crooked nose
We can also score the cartilage (put little cuts in the cartilage) to straighten it
We usually use ear cartilage when the septum has been removed
If you have not had a rhinoplasty or septoplasty before, then the first choice should be the septum
If your surgeon is not comfortable using septum, it may be a sign that you should find a rhinoplasty specialist who routinely performs this type of procedure
Best regards,
Nima Shemirani
Best regards,
Nima Shemirani
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September 18, 2013
Answer: Ear cartilage as spreader grafts
Septal cartilage is usually the first choice for spreader grafts due to it's firmness and straighter contour, however when septum is lacking ear cartilage can also be used. It is more work for the surgeon, and usually costlier for the patient, but any subtle irregularities will be obscured by the upper lateral cartilages which "sandwich" them in place.
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September 18, 2013
Answer: Ear cartilage as spreader grafts
Septal cartilage is usually the first choice for spreader grafts due to it's firmness and straighter contour, however when septum is lacking ear cartilage can also be used. It is more work for the surgeon, and usually costlier for the patient, but any subtle irregularities will be obscured by the upper lateral cartilages which "sandwich" them in place.
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