Do spreader grafts really widen your nose? (Photo)

Question

After a failed primary rhinoplasty, I cannot breathe without Breathe Right strips on. If I don't have one on it feels like someone or something is pinching my nose all the time which can drive you insane. I've been told "Spreader grafts wont change the look of your nose at all" and I've been told "They will make your nose look odd and wide" So which is it??

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Placement of spreader grafts does widen the midportion of the nose. Spreader grafts are placed underneath a concave upper lateral cartilage to widen that area and improve air flow dynamics through the nose at the nasal valve.  The thickness of the grafts can be anywhere from 1-3 mm thick placed on each side. For more information, diagrams and many examples, please see the link and the video below

Kailash Narasimhan, MD · Answer

Placement of spreader grafts can very easily widen the appearance of the nose if they are fashioned too thick.  There are techniques to minimize the width of the spreader and make them less noticeable.  With the symptoms you describe it sounds like spreader grafts may be useful to improve your functional nasal airway.  I think a more appropriate answer to what you are asking is that, spreader grafts run the risk of widening your nose.  Remember however also that it takes a year or more for the changes of healing to settle after rhinoplasty. Please have a formal consultation. Good luck and hope this helps

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and spreader grafts are used routinely in rhinoplasty surgery to prevent breathing problems such as you are describingDr. Corbin

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed and taught Rhinoplasty for 30 years.  Spreader grafts can and do increase the size of the tip and supra-tip nasal area.  These grafts are placed between the septal cartilage and its junction with the nasal cartilage that forms the "internal nasal valve".  The purpose of the graft is to create more room or space in the nasal valve area.  This added space, taken up by the spreader grafts, widens the nose.  The problem that I have with these grafts is the fact that they widen the tip and patients do not like the aesthetic change when this occurs.  I avoid using these grafts for that very reason.  Hope this helps.

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

Your "after" picture does not show the hallmarks of internal valve collapse. I don't see any signs of a concavity or depression in the valve area nor an inverted V deformityI am not convinced that you have a problem of collapsed internal valves or the need for spreader grafts.

Do spreader grafts really widen your nose? (Photo)

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Answer: Do spreader grafts really widen your nose?

Answer: Do spreader grafts really widen your nose?

Answer: Do spreader grafts really widen your nose?

Answer: Do spreader grafts really widen your nose?

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Do spreader grafts really widen your nose? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Do spreader grafts really widen your nose?

Answer: Do spreader grafts really widen your nose?

Answer: Do spreader grafts really widen your nose?

Answer: Do spreader grafts really widen your nose?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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