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. 

No, cartilage grafts do not dissolve over time.  Many studies have shown this.  What you may notice is the further resolution of the swelling of the nose which can and will continue to fluctuate over time.   

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

There is no graft that is 100% but cartilage graft survival specially in this site is close to 100%. 

Hello and thank you for your question. When septal cartilage is used for spreader grafts and they are placed in the appropriate location (submucosal), they will not resorb and will be permanent.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon.

Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

Typically spreader grafts do not dissolve if the cartilage was obtained from your own body. If cadaver cartilage was used it typically has a higher propensity to be reabsorbed all though this is not always the case. This should be discussed with your surgeon as he would be better positioned to answer this question.Good luck on your endeavors,S. Randolph Waldman, MD

  No, the graft is a whole piece of cartilage, and is placed in a precise pocket between the septum and the upper lateral cartilage which is plenty of blood flow. They usually live and are well accepted by the body and do not dissolve.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The "take" of a cartilage graft is the same as a skin graft. If it develops an adequate blood supply, it will survive. Non-viable segments will resorb over time. If properly performed, the result should be permanent. 
Seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

Thanks for your post. Autologous cartilage (taken from your own septal tissue) and used for a nasal spreader grafts, if properly done should not result in any significant resorption over time. Obviously there are some factors, infection, injury, improper technique and others which may result in some graft concerns. Overall, cartilage grafts to the nose has a long, successful and proven record of longevity.