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

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.