Can spreader grafts dissolve?

Spreader grafts are supposed to be permanent. Resorption of any cartilage graft can happen in rare cases of infection/necrosis or if the cartilage source/blood supply are unusually problematic. These situations are very rare in modern day rhinoplasty when the standard techniques are used. 

It is possible that spreader grafts soften over time and be replaced by scar tissue. In the vast majority of cases, the placement of spreader grafts is a permanent procedure that does not require a routine revision. However, your nose will continue to age and change over the years and you may slight differences over that time.

Autologous (your own) cartilage does not dissolve at all unless there is an infection after rhinoplasty. The type of cartilage utilized also determines the risk of resorption with septal cartilage being the most sturdy and irradiated cadaveric rib being the most sensitive. In the big picture, though, the risk of resorption is exceedingly small - even for irradiated cadaveric rib. There have been many studies on this and some studies show that cadaveric rib is equivalent to your own rib in terms of safety and possible complications whereas other studies show that cadaveric rib is slightly inferior to your own rib. There are no studies, though, that show autologous (your own) rib being inferior to irradiated cadaveric rib in terms of safety or possible complications although donor site morbidity (a small scar on the chest and a possible pneumothorax) is a small disadvantage of utilizing autologous rib, which can be minimized if the surgeon is experienced.Best wishes,Thomas Walker, MD, FACS