Will cartilage grafts fall out?

Question

I just had cartilage grafts put into my nose to help with the sides of my nostrils collapsing when I breathe. My question is how to these grafts stay in my nose. If it is with stitches, wont the stitches wear out and the grafts fall out. Or are the grafts put underneath skin or something, then the skin heals over them?

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Hi startup,The grafts are placed under the skin in the soft tissue of the nose and are held in place with suture. They are not exposed at all. Good of luck in your healing process and let us know if you have any more questions or concerns!!

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question...It sounds like you are describing an "alar batten graft".  These grafts are placed in precise pockets under the skin of your nostrils for nostril support and are not exposed to the air but rather sewn in under the skin of your nose.  There is virtually no chance of these grafts falling out once your incision heals if properly performed.  Congrats on your surgery...I hope you have an uneventful healing process!

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear Startup,Envision a small piece of cheese (the graft) between two pieces of bread (the skin). The bread will eventually stick together holding the graft, and sutures can be used to keep the graft in a certain place until this happens. As long as the cheese isn't hanging over the edge of the bread (an exposed graft) it shouldn't come out.Hopefully that didn't ruin lunch.

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

Thank you for the question and the grafts are placed under the skin and mucosa and whether secured with sutures or not should not move Dr Corbin

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Grafts are placed between the skn and the lining inside your nose. Sutures may or may not have been used but the grafts will not fall out. Share your thoughts with your surgeon who can explain in more detail.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear startup, The grafts are placed in securely under the skin and mucosa and will not fall out. Depending on the surgeon or the area of the grafting they may or may not be secured by sutures. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Will cartilage grafts fall out?

Answers (6)

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