Do Spreader Grafts Make the Tip of the Nose Stiff ? Do spreader grafts limit the nose's ability to 'bend' ?

Spreader grafts are pieces of cartilage that are added to the nose between the nasal septum and upper lateral cartilages. These grafts can be used for a variety of problems - they can reduce airflow resistance within the nose, widen the dorsum of the nose, and even lengthen the tip of the nose. After rhinoplasty surgery using spreader grafts, there is typically some post-op nasal swelling which makes the nose less 'soft'. Within a few months, this problem should improve. We frequently perform complex rhinoplasty in our Seattle plastic surgery clinic.