Radix Graft for Rhinoplasty

Question

Does a radix graft make your eyes look closer together in the front? I ask because I'm considering a secondary Rhinoplasty to lengthen my nose and I may need a radix graft. I have close-set eyes and I don't want to further botch my frontal appearance because I'm getting a secondary Rhinoplasty to IMPROVE my frontal appearance. Thanks!

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It is quite difficult to answer the question without seeing a photo. Lengthening the nose can be done several ways depending on what the problem is. If someone needs a radix graft, this is determined by the profile view as well as width of the face, eye width, etc. See a revision rhinoplasty specialist to give you the answer to the multifaceted issues involved.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,

	Rhinoplasty is an art as much as a science. It is crucial to make sure your surgeons spends adequate time analyzing your face and nose. This should be done not just in the frontal view of your nose but also the profile, oblique and base views should be carefully examined.

	The complex anatomy of the nose in relation to the facial features (eyes, cheeks, width of the face, upper lip and chin) needs to be systematicaly evaluated.

	Revision Rhinoplasty requires a surgeon who has had extensive training  and experience in all aspects of nose surgery and rhinoplasty. Your surgeon has to have passion for rhinoplasty and be dedicated to get the best possible result.

	Lengthening the nose can be done by a variety of techniques but it should be done in the context of ratios and proportions of the other facial and nasal features.

	Hope this was helpful.

	Dr. Sajjadian

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

Placement of a radix graft can certainly impact the appearance of your eyes by making them look closer together. Obviously there are gradations that need to be considered - a small, low profile radix graft might not have such an impact on the appearance of your eyes. You have to simply prioritize what bothers you more and make a decision based on that assessment. Good luck.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Radix grafts can indeed make the eyes look closer together. Conversely, when the bridge is lower, the eyes tend to look further apart. This one of the reasons that patients with extremely low bridges often feel that their eyes are too far apart. The key in rhinoplasty is matching the nose to the face and person's facial features.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

Improperly fashioned radix graft can give one an appearance of eyes being too close together. The graft has to be positioned in such a way as not to make the upper part of the nasal bridge too wide, it creates a "funny look" in that area. Revision rhinoplasty is a rather complex operation requiring lots of experience and expertise. There are few different ways to lengthen the nose, and radix grafting is rarely successful as a stand alone maneuver. Make sure your surgeon carefully analyzes your nasal anatomy to determine precisely what surgical techniques are required to achieve your goals.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Radix grafts will help improve a hump related to a deep radix.  The effect on the front view is typically subtle unless a larger radix graft is used (which is not a good idea for other reasons).

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

If you are concerned that your eyes look to close together, you may want to think twice about the radix elevation. On the other hand, a radix graft can do a lot of good in creating a better nasal profile. It would be a matter of priority.

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

A radix graft is a small graft placed at the top of the bridge and can cause the following changes to the appearance of the nose:

Lengthens the nose -- a radix grafts repositions the "starting" point of the nose.  The overall effect from the side is that it can make the nose appear longer.
Narrows the dorsum -- a radix graft also adds height.  On frontal view this added height can give the illusion of narrowness. Usually this is not a problems, but it can make the eyes appear closer together. 
Camouflages a dorsal hump -- a radix graft can lessen the prominence of a dorsal hump. The added volume above a hump can create a smooth transition from the top of the bridge to the middle portion.

Radix grafts, if performed correctly, can have a profound effect on the appearance. If not done correctly, the graft can sometimes be visible or can be felt as a mobile piece of cartilage.
Weigh the risks:benefits of a radix graft and discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

A radix graft can make your eyes look closer. The effect of a radix graft is dependent on the size, shap, and placement of the graft. It can change the shape of your nose by affecting the take-off of your nose, and can make your nose appear narrower. It all depends on the shape of the graft. Talk it over closely with your surgeon.

Robert Mounsey, MD · Answer

A radix graft is a piece of tissue, usually septal cartilage, placed at the root (top) of the nose.  It leads to improved shadowing of the nose and if selected properly greatly enhances the frontal and side profile.

	Radix grafts must be fashioned carefully to achieve maximum results, but are an important tool for the rhinoplasty surgeon.

Radix Graft for Rhinoplasty

Answers (15)

More Revision Rhinoplasty Questions

Nasal Bone or Swelling After Rhinoplasty Revision? (photo)

Filler Injections for Uneven Nostrils? (photo)

Why Can't I Have an Early Rhinoplasty Revision?

Do I Need Revision Rhinoplasty for Supra Alar Pinched Tip?

Upturned Pig-like Nose After Rhinoplasty

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS