Cartilage Grafts in Rhinoplasty

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A cartilage graft is a shaped piece of cartilage that a surgeon may place in your nose during rhinoplasty to provide greater structural support, dramatically reshape the nose, and restore your ability to breathe. These grafts utilize autologous cartilage, or cartilage from your own body, to facilitate your desired corrections when traditional reshaping techniques are insufficient.

Dr. Michael Omidi is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who has spent more than 17 years perfecting the art and science of rhinoplasty. Dr. Omidi is one of the few plastic surgeons with advanced training in both facial and nasal contouring, and using this training, he has been able to help countless patients across the West Coast and beyond restore both their aesthetic appearance and ability to breathe.

If you are interested in meeting with Dr. Omidi to explore your rhinoplasty possibilities, please request a consultation online or call (310) 281-0155 to reach our Beverly Hills office.

Before and After Photos

Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #11441
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #11441
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #11352
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #11352
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #11036
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #11036
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About Cartilage Grafts in Rhinoplasty

Dr. Omidi may place a cartilage graft in the nose during rhinoplasty to enhance cosmetic outcomes, address breathing concerns, and strengthen your underlying nasal structures. Cartilage grafts can vary in shape, position, and usage depending on the patient’s needs and pre-existing anatomy, with each variation offering its own unique results and benefits. Surgeons have found cartilage to be the most versatile graft material for structural support in nasal reconstruction and consider it more useful than bone. (1) This is because cartilage is widely available, biocompatible, and is rigid while still being shapable.

Types of Cartilage Grafts

Dr. Omidi can shape and place several different types of cartilage grafts. During your procedure, he will source cartilage from either your septum, ears, or ribs. If you do not possess enough natural cartilage for your concerns, he may also source cartilage from donors. Dr. Omidi personally prefers using septal cartilage, but if there is an insufficient amount, he will then look to the ribs as his next option.

Septal Extension Graft

The septal extension graft is a type of nasal graft that Dr. Omidi may use to influence your nasal length, tip projection, tip rotation, and tip shape. He can place and secure this graft between both of the lower lateral cartilages for long-term support and reshaping. It is ideal for patients with weaker lower lateral cartilage, as it can improve their internal support structures. (2)

Columellar Strut Graft

Dr. Omidi can place the columellar strut graft to build up the nasal tip and provide greater support. This graft rests between the medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages, which are the cartilaginous structures that form your nasal tip and columella. This graft is effective for unifying and stabilizing the nasal tip, especially in cases where there is asymmetry across the lower lateral cartilages or when the cartilage near the nasal tip is weaker. (3)

Batten Graft

The batten graft supports the sides of the nose for reinforcement or to improve your breathing function. The batten graft is ideal for correcting external nasal valve collapses or structural deformities. (4) When placing a batten graft, Dr. Omidi will fix it to the alar cartilage, which is located near the base of the nostrils.

Spreader Graft

Dr. Omidi can use a spreader graft to widen your internal nasal valve, provide structural reinforcement, and to straighten any crooked nasal structures. (5) Dr. Omidi can place this graft between your septum and the upper lateral cartilage, or the middle third of your nose.

Tip Graft/Shield Graft

A tip graft or shield graft can add a greater amount of projection and support to the tip of the nose. This graft is shield-shaped, and surgeons typically place it near where your nasal tip meets your columella. (5) Dr. Omidi avoids performing this technique, as these grafts are often visible from beneath the skin.

Morselized Cartilage Graft

Dr. Omidi can place a morselized cartilage graft to achieve a smoother, more natural-looking appearance across the nose. Morselized cartilage grafts contain crushed cartilage and can add additional volume to areas experiencing minor contour irregularities, especially in patients who possess thinner nasal skin. (6) This graft offers cosmetic improvement rather than structural support or functionality concerns.

Candidates

You may be a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty if you are interested in addressing either aesthetic concerns, functional concerns, or a combination of both. In your procedure, Dr. Omidi may employ a cartilage graft if you:

  • Require significant restructuring
  • Need more nasal support
  • Are addressing congenital deformities
  • Want to correct structural irregularities
  • Are refining the results of a previous rhinoplasty

If you are interested in receiving a cartilage graft, you must possess good overall health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your potential results. You should also be non-smoking or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Omidi will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Omidi will meet with you individually to discuss your rhinoplasty goals, assess whether or not you require a cartilage graft, explain each type of cartilage graft, finalize your candidacy, and create your treatment plan. He will converse with you about your medical history and perform a thorough assessment of your nasal anatomy.

Dr. Omidi will then use this information to create a treatment plan exclusive to you. He will decide the most appropriate cartilage graft for your case, as well as where he will source the cartilage from. He will also use a 3D Morphing computer imaging software program to generate a rendering of your potential results.

We encourage you to ask and prepare plenty of questions for your consultation. It not only serves as your opportunity to meet Dr. Omidi and create your treatment plan, but also as a learning opportunity to help you become more knowledgeable about cartilage grafts and the rhinoplasty procedure.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation, please contact us online or call (310) 281-0155.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your procedure, Dr. Omidi will provide you with a full set of pre-operative directions to help you prepare. These directions may vary depending on your specific circumstances, but you can generally expect him to instruct you to:

  • Refrain from consuming any blood-thinning medications or supplements unless medically necessary.
  • Have a trusted friend or relative transport you home after your procedure.
  • Prepare to take time away from your personal and professional responsibilities and commitments to give yourself time to heal.
  • Acquire any medications you will need throughout your recovery.
  • Avoid consuming any nicotine or alcohol in the weeks before your procedure, as well as the weeks following it.
  • Arrive at your procedure with clean skin that you have cleared of any makeup, skin care products, or facial jewelry.

By following each of these instructions, you can ensure a safe and successful procedure.

Recovery

Throughout your initial healing period, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around your nose and its surrounding structures. These effects will dissipate on their own, but you can also manage them by using a cold compress, prescribed medications, and plenty of rest. Dr. Omidi will also have you wear a nasal splint during this time, which he will then remove approximately one week later at a follow-up appointment.

You will be able to return to light activities after resting for one to two weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in any contact sports or demanding tasks for another three weeks, or until Dr. Omidi approves your return.

Dr. Omidi will give you a full set of written instructions. You must follow these closely, as the efforts of your aftercare will influence the results of your procedure.

Results

After your residual swelling dissipates and your nasal tissues settle, you will be able to enjoy the effects of your rhinoplasty. Your exact results will vary depending on the type of graft you received and the type of corrections you underwent. Still, you can expect to enjoy a refined nasal shape, improved definition, enhanced structural integrity, and elevated proportions. You may also experience improvements in nasal function and breathing.

Cost of Rhinoplasty Cartilage Grafts in Los Angeles, California

Rhinoplasty procedures are unique to each patient, which is why it can be difficult for our team to provide an early cost estimate. After Dr. Omidi has established each detail of your treatment plan, he will discuss its pricing with you. He additionally offers financing for those who qualify.

For further information about our pricing, please request a consultation online or call (310) 281-0155.

FAQ

What concerns can cartilage grafts in rhinoplasties address?

Cartilage grafts correct several concerns. They can improve your nose’s structural support, provide more comprehensive reshaping, smooth out depressions or contour irregularities, and improve your overall airflow and nasal functionality. Dr. Omidi can place a cartilage graft if he finds that reshaping or repositioning your existing nasal structures is not enough to produce your desired results.

What types of cartilage grafts can Dr. Omidi create and place during my rhinoplasty?

Dr. Omidi may create a septal extension graft, a collumellar strut graft, a batten graft, a spreader graft, a tip graft, or a morselized cartilage graft. Each type offers its own unique applications and benefits.

Can Dr. Omidi place cartilage grafts when performing ethnic rhinoplasties?

Yes, Dr. Omidi can place cartilage grafts when performing both traditional and ethnic rhinoplasty procedures.

Where will Dr. Omidi source the cartilage used in the cartilage graft?

Dr. Omidi can take cartilage from the septum, ear, or rib, but he may also use cartilage from human donors if necessary. He prefers using septal cartilage, but if there is an insufficient amount, he will then use the ribs as his next option.

Can Dr. Omidi create and place several different cartilage grafts during my procedure?

Yes, in certain cases, Dr. Omidi may create and place several cartilage grafts in several different areas of the nose for further reshaping and restructuring.

References

  1. Beahm EK, Walton RL. Nasal Reconstruction. Head and Neck Reconstruction. Published online 2009:73-126. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-7020-2926-4.50011-4
  2. Kim MH, Choi JH, Kim MS, Kim SK, Lee KC. An Introduction to the Septal Extension Graft. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2014;41(01):29-34. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2014.41.1.29
  3. New Insights into the Role of Columellar Strut and Septal Extension Graft: A Comparative Review of Long-Term Outcomes. Nih.gov. Published 2024. Accessed May 27, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12385454/#sec4-diagnostics-15-02051
  4. Lower lateral crural turnover flap combined with alar batten graft for the long-term result of the treatment of alar convexities. Nih.gov. Published 2024. Accessed May 27, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8565695/
  5. Khan NA, Rehman A, Yadav R. Uses of Various Grafting Techniques in External Approach Rhinoplasty: An Overview. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2016;68(3):322-328. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-016-1007-z
  6. Datta S, Tugertimur B, Lucas A, et al. Morselized Bone Graft: A Tool for Nasal Dorsum Refinement and Camouflaging. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2025;7. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaf147