What are the cons to alar grafts?

Question

I heard that they might go away after a certain amount of time, I would like to know if that is true and what else I should know about it

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We have not seen anyone have dissolution of surgically placed autologous septal cartilage grafts. In general, the cons are graft visibility, misplacement, or failure to achieve the desired result. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Like many composite grafts they tend to shrink away. I wouldn’t recommend them unless they are there to address a very specific problem. Often their use is not helpful but surgeons like doing them because they are new and plastic surgeons like trying new things. It’s only later that they discover they don’t work

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Good Afternoon! Alar grafts are typically thin pieces of cartilage which can help push the margin of the nostril downward and create better flow. Sometimes, they are small pieces which don't provide much support. Other times, they can be larger and sutured into place in the form of articulated grafts to the tip. I would not say that they go away. The most important thing is to evaluate the reason for alar graft placement. For very high, arched nostrils, they often don't provide enough support and composite grafts from the ear are better. Or, lateral crural struts with repositioning of the lower lateral cartilages as another option. Hope this helps!

What are the cons to alar grafts?

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