Alar Batten Graft

Alar batten grafts are a versatile rhinoplasty technique used primarily to support and strengthen the nasal sidewall where it is weak, collapsed, or at risk of collapse. They serve both functional and, in some cases, structural aesthetic purposes.

What is an Alar Batten Graft?

An alar batten graft is a thin, carefully shaped piece of cartilage placed over the lateral nasal sidewall — typically bridging the area between the alar cartilage and the adjacent facial bone. It can be placed through a small pocket inside the nose as a standalone procedure, or sutured directly into position as part of a more comprehensive rhinoplasty.

Batten grafts are most commonly made from cartilage harvested from the nasal septum (first preference) or from the conchal bowl of the ear. The ear cartilage harvest site is located on the back of the ear and generally leaves no visible change to the ear shape.

Alar batten graft — typical position on the nasal sidewall

What Do Alar Batten Grafts Do?

Visibility of the Grafts

Whether alar batten grafts are visible depends on the patient’s skin thickness and the purpose of the graft. In patients with thin skin, the graft may initially be palpable or visible as a slight fullness under the skin — this typically becomes less noticeable as the graft integrates into the surrounding tissue over time. In patients with thicker skin, grafts are generally well concealed. Where the graft is being used to fill a visibly depressed area of the nasal sidewall, a degree of visible change is the intended outcome.

Ear cartilage harvest site — the ear maintains its shape after harvest

Possible position for an alar batten graft on the nasal sidewall

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