Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
07:57
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Dorsal Width and Functional Outcomes with use of Autospreader Flaps in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Nicolette Jabbour1, William Pelligrini1, Jennifer Shehan1
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA.
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Prophylactic auto-spreader flaps in cosmetic rhinoplasty maintain nasal function and appearance. This technique avoids significant nasal widening, improving cosmetic outcomes and preventing nasal valve dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Facial Plastic Surgery
- Rhinoplasty Techniques
Background:
- Spreader grafts in rhinoplasty can cause nasal valve dysfunction and increase dorsal width.
- This can compromise cosmetic results and nasal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cosmetic and functional outcomes of prophylactic auto-spreader flaps in cosmetic rhinoplasty.
- To assess the impact of auto-spreader flaps on nasal dorsal width.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of patients undergoing cosmetic rhinoplasty with prophylactic auto-spreader flaps.
- Functional outcomes assessed using Nasal Obstructive Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores.
- Dorsal width measured via standardized pre-operative and post-operative photographs.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in nasal width at the keystone area, sustained at 1 year.
- Transient swelling at upper and lower lateral cartilages resolved by 1 year.
- No statistically significant increase in dorsal width at 1 year compared to pre-operative measurements.
Conclusions:
- Prophylactic auto-spreader flaps preserve nasal function in cosmetic rhinoplasty.
- This technique does not significantly widen the nasal dorsum, maintaining cosmetic outcomes.