Do Spreader Grafts Make Nose Wider A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of rhinoplasty, it is not a simple one-size-fits-all type of surgery. There is a lot to understand and learn about the general procedure and the specific techniques suitable to your anatomy.

A surgeon can use different techniques and materials to make your nose aesthetic and achieve harmonious facial balance. One such material used during nose surgery is spreader graft.

In this article, we will explore more about spreader grafts, when and where they are used, as well as the benefits and drawbacks. We will answer some of your most frequently asked questions.

What Is A Spreader Graft

Spreader grafts are strips of cartilage, strategically positioned along the septum during nose reshaping surgery.

They help in reshaping and providing structural support in addition to reinforcing the nose function by preventing collapse during breathing.

The cartilage can either be harvested from the patient’s own nose or other parts of the body such as the ear or rib. Sometimes, it can be used from donated tissue banks or synthetic materials.

Where Can Spreader Grafts Be Harvested?

There are several potential sites for harvesting a spreader graft, each with its own uses and benefits:

Where Can Spreader Grafts Be Harvested

Nasal Septum

The patients’ own septal wall is often the first choice for a spreader graft. This will ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of rejection. Another benefit is its central location, meaning no external incision leading to minimal scarring and shorter recovery time.

Ear Cartilage

Used in cases where revision surgery is required and septal cartilage is insufficient. It is flexible and well suited for structural support and refining nasal tip. Another advantage is the minimal, hidden scar behind the ear.

Rib Cartilage

It can provide a substantial amount of cartilage, therefore this site is used for major reconstructions or augmentation of nasal bridges. Although this can lead to noticeable large scars, modern techniques have made this process safer, resulting in minimal scars.

What Are Spreader Grafts Used For?

Spreader grafts play an important role in rhinoplasty. They are used to:

  • Enhance the structure and function of the nose after surgery.
  • Potentially improve breathing function.
  • Improve aesthetic facial harmony.
  • Prevent mid nasal collapse by acting as scaffolding.

How Is Spreader Graft Used During Rhinoplasty?

Spreader grafts may appear as tiny rectangle pieces, typically two by four millimetres. However, their significance is way much more than their size suggests.

  1. Graft Placement: The surgeon places a spreader graft between the side cartilage and nose septum.
  2. Nasal Valve Opening: This placement helps in opening the internal nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway.
  3. Improved Airflow: Even a slight opening of the nasal valve can dramatically improve airflow, making breathing much easier.

Do Spreader Grafts Make The Nose Wider?

Do Spreader Grafts Make The Nose Wider

Now that we understand what a spreader graft is, its potential harvest sites and its benefits. It’s time to answer the most commonly asked question, “Do spreader grafts make nose wider?”

The answer is not simple, to be honest, it can be both yes and no. Here’s we are going to make it simple for you:

1 – No, It Does Not…!

If the surgeon is experienced and uses a correctly sized and precisely placed spreader graft, then it won’t lead to a wider nose. The key factors are:

      • Ensuring the graft is properly sized by carefully assessing the patient’s anatomy.
      • Delicately placing it at the right location to ensure functional and aesthetic improvement without causing unwanted alterations to the external appearance.

2 – Yes, It Can…!

The only reason it might cause widening of the nose is due to improper sizing or placement of the spreader graft. This can lead to an undesirable widened appearance.

In summary, an experienced surgeon who utilizes proper surgical techniques can avoid the side effect of a widened nose. While it is possible, it is generally uncommon and usually avoided by the surgeons.

What Are The Complications Of Spreader Grafts?

Like any surgery, using spreader grafts during rhinoplasty has its own fair share of complications:

What Are The Complications Of Spreader Grafts
  • Graft Displacement: Insecure placement or inadequate fixation, grafts may displace, migrate or collapse.
  • Harvesting Site Complications: Common donor site morbidities include pain, scarring, infection, sensory deficits etc.
  • Revision Challenges: Scar tissue from previous surgery may pose challenges for revision surgery.
  • Overcorrection Or Undercorrection: There is always a possibility of overcorrection causing a wide nose or undercorrection failing to meet the desired goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does skin thickness affect spreader graft appearance?

Thick nasal skin can give an unappealing widening of the lower half of the nose as compared to thin nasal skin. Therefore, for such people, shorter spreader grafts are used for improved nasal function and aesthetic appearance.

Can spreader grafts improve breathing without nose widening?

Yes, spreader grafts can be used to improve breathing function without widening of the nose. This requires meticulous sizing and insertion by a skilled and experienced surgeon.

What are alternatives to spreader grafts?

Multiple alternate options are available for widening of nasal valve including: 

    • Alar batten graft
    • Butterfly graft
    • Auto-spreader graft
    • Faring sutures
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Step 1 of 5
Choose Your Ethnicity