What are spreader grafts in rhinoplasty?

What are spreader grafts in rhinoplasty?

Grafts of cartilage placed between the upper lateral cartilages and the septum to widen the middle third of the nose. These graft help with vestibular stenosis as well as prevent depressions/concavity in the middle third of the nose which can be a cosmetic issue.

Are spreader grafts used in septoplasty?

The actual spreader graft may be fashioned from septal cartilage harvested during the septoplasty or from auricular cartilage if prior surgery precludes adequate septal material.

Where are spreader grafts placed in nose?

The spreader graft is placed on each side of the septum—between the caudal end of the nasal septum and the upper lateral cartilages, which widens the narrowed area and opens up the internal nasal valve.

What can a spreader graft do for my nose?

When it comes to cosmetic appearance, the spreader graft also helps to add volume through the middle nasal vault. As you can see in the adjacent diagram, the side with the spreader graft is now wider since placement of the graft pushes the side of the nose outward.

How are spreader grafts placed on the septum?

The yellow arrow is the actual spreader graft that is positioned between the upper lateral cartilage and the dorsal septum. The spreader graft is then sewn into position using fine suture threads. If bilateral spreader grafts are being placed, they are done in a very similar fashion.

What is the most common indication for a spreader graft?

The most common indication for a spreader graft is for functional problems related to the middle vault of the nose. To better understand why this is, you first have to know precisely what the middle vault refers to in rhinoplasty.

What are layered spreader grafts?

Layered spreader grafts such as this are more commonly used in ethnic rhinoplasty patients with thick skin.