How will recovery / risks be for revision involving placement of unilateral spreader graft only? Swelling time?

Question

Had primary rhinoplasty & septoplasty in July. Results are great so far. However one side of my nose was narrowed more than the other, asymmetry is bothering me. When I touch the sides of my nose that side feels thinner and collapses more easily. I understand this can be corrected with a spreader graft placed on that side. If that is the only thing done in revision, will it take less time to recover and for swelling to go down than it did for my primary rhinoplasty? What risks might be involved?

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, even minor revisions with cartilage grafts involve reopening the nose, and so swelling is to be expected which can take many months to fully resolve. Sometimes spreader grafts can be placed intranasally without doing an open rhinoplasty, and then there will be minimal tip swelling and the swelling will be less noticeable. You need to get more information and an opinion from your surgeon.

Michael M. Kim, MD · Answer

Hello n2221,I would say that it really depends on what approach is used. If the nose is "reopened" where the tip skin is reelevated, then the swelling would really be about the same. An endonasal approach that avoids the tip could have a reduction in swelling, but also limit the ability to precisely place the graft where it needs to be. Your surgeon might be able to discuss his or her approach with you.Michael M. Kim, MD

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, a minor revision rhinoplasty to place a spreader graft on one side of the nose will have a faster healing time with less bruising and swelling than the primary rhinoplasty. Closed rhinoplasty techniques can accomplish the goals of harvesting a small piece of cartilage from inside the nose and placing it as a spreader graft. For more information  about spreader grafts and many examples, please see the video and the link below

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A revision rhinoplasty can be offered to place a spreader graft for some individuals.  An exam in person is key to decide if you need it. As for post-op recovery, it is hard to predict.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Is the swelling all down? or is your nose still changing over time?What does your doctor say?Unilateral spreader grafting can be done via the open or closed approach;open is more accurate but with more recovery and closed less recovery but may be less accurately placed.Also consider fillers to camoflouge the asymmmetry if your breathing is good on that side.Best of luck

How will recovery / risks be for revision involving placement of unilateral spreader graft only? Swelling time?

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