Could septal cartilage be used to straighten a deviated septum without making it larger?

Question

I just got a consultation with a doctor for a septal/rhinoplasty and she mentioned that for my surgery she will be using septal cartilage. Is that to be considered a graft? I have also been told that the doctor doesn’t know exactly where she is going to use them until she gets into the surgery. Is that common not knowing where the cartilage will be used ? Could septal cartilage be used to straighten a deviated septum without making it larger?

Benjamin Schultz, MD · Answer

Hi Camilla81. This is a fantastic question. Anytime we take tissue (cartilage, skin, bone, etc) and move it from one place in the body to another without its own blood supply (meaning the recipient site / where you move it to, must have a good blood supply). The nose has this. So when we remove a part (not too much!) of the cartilage in the septum and place it elsewhere in the nose, it's known as a 'septal cartilage graft.' Depending on your specific anatomy as well as the goals of your surgery, this cartilage may be placed in a variety of locations within the framework of your nose. For example, it can be placed in such a way as to help straighten a deviated septum depending on where the deviation is. And yes, it can be done in a way that would not make it larger. It can also be used as a "spreader graft" to help you breathe better! So instead of saying "common," I'd say it's not unusual to have to make a "game time" decision and place the cartilage where it's needed.

Could septal cartilage be used to straighten a deviated septum without making it larger?

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Could septal cartilage be used to straighten a deviated septum without making it larger?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.