Grafts in Rhinoplasty 

It is sometimes necessary to use a graft to create more height and definition in a flat nose, or to restore structure and/or function in a nose destroyed by a previous, unsuccessful rhinoplasty, trauma or genetic irregularity.  A graft is a custom-sculpted piece of natural material—either cartilage,or a combination of skin and cartilage—that can be used to support weakened nasal structures or cosmetically supplement existing ones.  (Note: Material that is used for the same purpose but that is synthetic in origin is called an implant. Read more about nasal implants. Sometimes, grafts are used in finesse rhinoplasty to support thin skin in order to camouflage minor irregularities.

When there’s sufficient nasal septal cartilage, grafts may be fashioned from the septum, the wall of cartilage that separates your nostrils. Mucous membranes grafts can be easily derived from areas overlying the septal cartilage.  Composite skin and muscle grafts can be taken from any area where skin incisions can be easily hidden, for example, in the crease behind the ear.  Grafts may also be obtained from banked (donated) rib cartilage.

While the procedure to obtain a graft is relatively simple, and while using natural cartilage and skin may seem preferable to a synthetic implant, neither is without risks.  The most common risk may be that you simply do not have enough natural cartilage remaining to fashion a graft for the repair.  Even if you do have enough material for the graft, there is a risk that the graft may shrink over time or shift with aging.  There is also a possibility that the graft may become infected and may extrude on its own, or have to be removed.  During your comprehensive consultation, Dr. Yagoda will review your options and alternatives with you in great detail.

Read about Dr. Yagoda's Integrative Post Operative Care Program