A spreader graft is a thin strip of cartilage placed between the upper cartilage segments of the nose to widen the internal airway at the nasal valve — the narrowest point of the nasal passage — restoring or preserving adequate breathing function.
It's commonly used in two main scenarios: preventing nasal valve narrowing during a primary rhinoplasty that involves hump reduction (since removing a hump can narrow this area if not accounted for), and correcting nasal valve collapse in revision cases where a previous surgery over-narrowed the bridge. In both cases, spreader grafts help maintain a smooth external bridge line while ensuring the internal airway stays open.
Consultation Tip
If your surgical plan involves hump reduction, ask whether a spreader graft is included to prevent future breathing issues — this is a proactive step that's easy to overlook if you're focused mainly on the cosmetic outcome.
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— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery