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Alar batten grafts are specialized cartilage grafts used to correct external nasal valve collapse, a common cause of nasal obstruction and breathing difficulty. These grafts provide structural reinforcement to the nasal sidewalls, helping prevent inward collapse during breathing while also improving nasal contour when the nose appears pinched or weakened.

At Norelle Health, alar batten grafts are commonly performed as part of functional rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, or standalone nasal airway surgery to restore both form and function.

What Are Alar Batten Grafts

What Are Alar Batten Grafts?

An alar batten graft is a thin, oval-shaped strip of cartilage placed along the nasal sidewall to strengthen areas of weakness. The term “alar” refers to the nasal ala (the outer wall of the nostrils), while “batten” describes a flexible support strip—much like those used in sails to provide stability in strong winds.

Functionally, alar batten grafts act as internal braces for the nose, reinforcing the external nasal valve and preventing collapse during inspiration.

Where Are Alar Batten Grafts Placed?

Alar batten grafts are typically positioned within small pockets along the lateral nasal sidewall, near the lower lateral cartilages. In some cases, they may be placed slightly below the lower lateral cartilage, depending on the specific area of weakness and the patient’s anatomy.

Careful placement is essential to ensure adequate support while maintaining a natural appearance.

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Purpose of Alar Batten Grafts

This before-and-after view of a patient shows the benefit of alar batten grafts.

What Is the Purpose of Alar Batten Grafts?

The primary goal of alar batten grafts is to stabilize a weakened external nasal valve, improving airflow and breathing. Patients who benefit most often have:

  • Nasal valve collapse during breathing
  • A pinched or over-resected nasal tip
  • Structural weakness following prior rhinoplasty
  • Alar retraction or asymmetry

In revision cases, alar batten grafts can restore both nasal function and aesthetics by replacing missing support and reshaping the nasal sidewalls.

What Are Alar Batten Grafts Made Of?

Alar batten grafts are made from cartilage, most commonly sourced from the patient’s own body to ensure compatibility and long-term stability. Common cartilage sources include:

Nasal septum

Nasal septum

Often preferred when adequate cartilage is available, as it provides strong structural support

Ear cartilage

Ear (conchal) cartilage

Frequently used due to its natural curvature, which closely matches the desired contour of the nasal ala

Rib cartilage

Rib cartilage

Reserved for cases requiring additional strength or volume, such as complex reconstructions or revision surgery

Many surgeons favor ear cartilage because it integrates smoothly with the nasal sidewall, helping achieve reliable support while maintaining a natural appearance.

Preparing for Alar Batten Graft Surgery

Preparing for Alar Batten Graft Surgery

Norelle Health takes an individualized approach to every patient. During your consultation, your surgeon will:

  • Review your medical and surgical history, including any prior nasal procedures
  • Evaluate both the internal and external nasal anatomy to identify structural or airflow issues
  • Discuss functional breathing concerns alongside aesthetic goals to ensure balanced results
  • Explain recommended surgical options, recovery expectations, and anticipated outcomes

Appointments typically last at least 30 minutes to allow for a thorough evaluation and assessment. If the procedure is performed to address functional breathing issues, insurance coverage may apply.

Alar Batten Grafts Surgery

A frontal view of where alar batten grafts are placed inside the nasal interior.

Alar Batten Grafts Surgery

Alar batten grafts can be placed during either open or closed rhinoplasty, depending on the patient’s anatomy, prior surgical history, and the extent of structural support needed:

Closed approach

Closed approach

Incisions are made entirely inside the nose, allowing the surgeon to create a precise pocket along the nasal sidewall to position the graft securely. This approach avoids external incisions and is commonly used when targeted reinforcement is sufficient.

Open approach

Open approach

The graft is directly sutured to the weakened area of the nasal sidewall under direct visualization, providing added control and stability. This technique is often preferred in more complex cases or revision rhinoplasty.

In both techniques, the goal is to reinforce the lateral nasal wall, improve nasal airflow, and restore structural support without over-widening the nose or creating visible surface irregularities.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following alar batten graft surgery, patients may experience:

  • Mild headache for one to two days
  • Nasal congestion and swelling
  • Light drainage or blood-tinged mucus
  • Bruising around the nose or eyes

Most patients require minimal prescription pain medication and transition quickly to over-the-counter options. Swelling improves significantly within a few weeks, although subtle changes can continue for up to a year.

Post-operative guidelines include:

  • Follow-up visit one week after surgery
  • Avoid strenuous activity for three weeks
  • Avoid wearing glasses for six weeks

Are Alar Batten Grafts Visible?

In most cases, alar batten grafts are not visibly noticeable. However, because they sit beneath the skin of the nasal sidewalls, they may be faintly palpable. The outward support they provide can slightly change the nasal contour, which is often necessary to improve breathing and correct valve collapse.

Purpose of Alar Batten Grafts

Will Alar Batten Grafts Make My Nose Look Wider?

Possibly, but usually only temporarily. Swelling after surgery can make the nose appear wider at first. As healing progresses over several months, the nose typically settles into a natural shape.

Rather than widening the nose unnecessarily, alar batten grafts are designed to reverse a pinched appearance, restoring balance and improving airflow.

Meet Norelle Health

Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS is double board-certified in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He treats many conditions,... Learn More »

Patient Experiences

google

Dr. Mourad has been a lifesaver! I love how my nose turned out, big self confidence boost! Great bedside manner and overall a great doctor!

google

Dr. Mourad and his team are excellent. My case required a complex rhinoplasty due to prior MOHS resections which left me with a sunken in bridge. He outlined all the risks and explained the procedure thoroughly while making sure I understood everything and felt comfortable. He was always available post-operatively for my questions. I haven’t breathed this well in years! Thank you Dr. Mourad and team!

google

Not rushed. Spent time explaining issues. Staff very helpful

zocdoc

Very nice staff, office and Dr. Great experience. Would highly recommend.

google

Dr. Mourad is a kind and caring doctor who doesnt make you feel rushed and explains in detail what the issue is. For me I had a deviated septum and a complete closure of the bridge and Midvault which made my nose drop down in itself. I didn’t know how bad my nose really was until I got the surgery and it was honestly life changing I am thankful and I highly recommend him

google

Dr. Mourad is as good as it gets from a personable bedside manner to performing a successful and stress free surgery. He made me feel well prepared and taken care of before and after performing endoscopic nasal surgery and a tonsillectomy. Highly recommend, I’m no longer suffering from sinus infections and am breathing so much better post surgery.

google

CSF leak can be scary and pretty rare. I was super nervous and Dr Mourad really walked me through everything, kept an even tone, and got me fixed and healed up. Can’t thank him enough for getting me right. Ready to really enjoy the rest of my life. Thank you.

google

Dr. Mourad did a great job with my surgery. He explained the procedures and the anatomy really well and answered all of my questions before surgery/during healing. I’m very pleased with the results and I am breathing better than ever!

google

I can not say enough great things about Dr. Mourad. My rhinoplasty experience has been seamless from the consultation to recovery there has yet to be a single complaint. The way my face has been completely transform with such subtle changes speaks numbers to the work that Dr. Mourad performs. I am so grateful for him and his team.

google

My experience with Dr. Mourad was fantastic. From his attentive office staff making sure I was prepped for surgery, to the actual day of surgery, everything was seamless. I was nervous to have surgery and Dr. Mourad explained everything and made me feel comfortable and was always willing to answer any questions I had, both before and after the procedure. I would highly recommend him to anyone!

google

Dr. Mourad is that rare specialist who is a detail-obsessed, perfectionist at the absolute top of his game and a deeply caring, sensitive human who wants to help his patients through the process. He performed an extensive reconstruction of my 16 year-old daughter’s nose following several years of gymnastics and competitive cheer injuries. The surgery was a complete success. My daughter looks and feels 100% better and throughout the prep, surgery, recovery and ongoing follow-up, Dr. Mourad has been amazingly attentive and supportive as we’ve peppered him with questions. He even stayed even-keeled when my daughter asked if she could pierce his masterpiece. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

google

Dr. Mourad is very professional and knows exactly what he’s doing. Very happy with the work he did, highly recommended !!!!

google

To say I have always been insecure about my nose is putting it lightly — outright embarrassed is more fitting. I was thinking about getting a rhinoplasty for a few years, but finding the right surgeon seemed to be challenging. Well thank goodness I found Dr. Mourad!! He truly is a miracle worker!! I had severe tip asymmetry and issues with breathing. I wanted a natural looking nose that would balance with my face. He delivered on it and then some — He was wonderful throughout the whole experience. He routinely checked up on me and encouraged me to send photos of my progress. Such wonderful bedside manner and the entire office is first rate (because they actually care) – My nose looks amazing and I am not even 4 weeks from initial surgery. I really can’t thank him enough. Look no further than Dr. Mourad – He truly is the absolute best of the best!!

google

Highly recommend!

google

Dr Mourad changed my life for the better. After a thorough consultation with him, I had an inherent trust for his diagnosis. The surgery (pretty substantial reconstructive) that was performed was generally painless and well tolerated. The outcome was beyond my expectations of what I could achieve. He was professional, followed up genuinely, and was there to answer any of my concerns instantly. A dynamic person with love for his career. He is the man for the job and I couldn’t recommend him enough.

google

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dr. Mourad. I can attest to the fact that he treats his patients as patients, not as clients. I am 3 weeks post op and can say I look better then I anticipated and feel well. His office staff is kind and caring. I love my results and would recommend Dr. Mourad to anyone in need of the services provided.

google

This man is a saint! Went above and beyond my expectations by fixing my nose, both inside and outside. I was left disfigured from an accident and could not breathe at all from both nostrils. I had consulted with two plastic surgeons before meeting Dr. Mourad. He was very thorough in his explanations and was super nice and reassuring. I decided to have surgery with him because he could fix my breathing and give me back my normal nose during the same surgery. I am now two months after my surgery and I am proud to say that my nose is a work of art.

google

I consulted with Dr.Mourad to have a revision on my nose. I had a horrible experience prior and my Nose wasn’t a “nose” anymore. Upon first meeting him, he was kind, genuine, professional, caring and I knew he was the one I was going to trust to fix me. He walked me through every step of the process. Took his time to show me computer images of what my nose would look like after. It was beautiful and I was so excited to go through with the process. My nose looks exactly like it did on the screen, if not even better (which I didn’t think was even possible bc it was so perfect .) Dr. Mourad is a rare doctor in today’s world. He TRULY cares about his patients and has real genuine care as concern for your well being. It doesn’t end after surgery. He keeps in touch with you and I feel like not only have I found the best doctor but have made a friend. I couldn’t be happier with my results. He gave me my confidence back again, which I am forever grateful for. I am so truly blessed to have had him as my doctor! Thank you, Dr. Mourad, for all you have done for me…??

yelp

Dr. Mourad is an outstanding surgeon and person. I never leave reviews but am so happy with my successful surgery that I feel I should share my experience. I came to him after seeing 4 other NYC surgeons who rushed me through consultation and were quick to schedule my surgery but Dr. Mourad took his time and made sure I was comfortable with and understood the proposed surgery before moving forward. I never felt rushed or pressured. After surgery he called to make sure I was doing well and answered more questions; it’s very apparent that he goes above and beyond what other doctors would do for their patients. I am now 9 months out from surgery and very pleased. My husband and I are SO grateful for Dr. Mourad and his staff!

vitals

Dr. Mourad is incredibly smart, explains things to his patients in ways you can easily understand and is just so personable and kind. From the moment he introduces himself you feel that you are in great hands. He’s thorough and always follows up with you. I’ve had a few ENT doctors but he is by far one of the best.

zocdoc

Dr. Mourad and his team are excellent. I came to him last Fall for rhinoplasty. I am now apx 1 year out and couldn’t be happier w/ my results. I had wanted to have a nose job for > 20 years but was always too nervous. I’m so happy I found Dr. Mourad.

zocdoc

Dr. Mourad was receptive to my needs. He performed a facelift. I’m so pleased with my results. The office staff was kind and attentive to me. I’m beyond excited by my refreshed look. Dr. Mourad is a highly skilled surgeon!

norelle

I had received a rhinoplasty in my home country where they placed an implant, something I realized was not a good idea. Several years later I developed an infection in the implant. I saw Dr. Mourad for treatment of the infection. He was very kind and patient and explained to me that these type of infected implants are very hard to treat. I was very worried because the implant formed the majority of my nose (the implant was used to create a nasal bridge that I was missing). He was very thoughtful and treated me with antibiotics for several months, giving them a chance to work. After repeat testing and antibiotic treatments, the infection would not stop. Finally, I agreed to have the surgery, even though I was so scared. I was so fortunate to have the surgery, as he was able to rebuild my nose with a piece of rib. My nose looks better than with the implant, and the infection cleared up. I was so scared that it would change my nose dramatically and I would have the same nose as before, but he did such a great job, I only wish I would have had the surgery sooner. I am still healing up but my nose looks great and I can still breathe well.

norelle

I saw Dr. Mourad after I had broken my nose after an accident at work. My nose looked deformed and twisted and I couldn’t breathe. I had what Dr. Mourad called an open approach to the nose, where he was able to correct the way it looked and made me breathe so much better! I would highly recommend him

norelle

I am a 27 year old woman that had a rhinoplasty with Dr. Mourad one year ago. I did not like the way my nose looked, especially in photographs and selfies. I also had problems breathing. Dr. Mourad was very thorough in explaining to me how he would perform the procedure. I had to go back to see him many times because I did not know if I was ready for the surgery. Every time he was so patient and answered all of my questions. I finally decided to have my surgery. He was able to make my nose look better (especially in selfies!) while helping me breathe much better.

norelle

Dr. Mourad treated my husband for a recurrence of his larynx cancer in November of 2017. The cancer was so advanced, it was involving the major arteries that supplied blood to his brain. We went to see Dr. Mourad and he was very compassionate and explained everything to me and my husband. We felt very comfortable with him and his expertise, that we decided to get treated by him. Because the cancer was so advanced my husband’s voice box needed to be removed. The surgery would also require a new voice box to be reconstructed with a transplant from my husbands arm, a surgery that many surgeon’s do not do. Dr. Mourad was very skilled and able to perform both parts of the surgery. He was able to get the cancer out from around the arteries and transplant the arm to his throat. My husband recovered well from the surgeries. Even though its been a long process, with radiation afterwards Dr. Mourad has helped us every step of the way. My husband is less than a year out and we pray he continues to be cancer free, but all of our tests show good signs. We have never met a doctor like him. He gave us his personal cell phone number, and even now, any time I text him needing anything, he responds and always is available to help. He made us feel like we were his family, and we will forever be grateful.

yelp

I was referred to Dr. Mourad by a friend after I was diagnosed with a deviated septum. Dr. Mourad was so caring and went through everything with me. Other doctors wouldn’t listen to my complaints about how my nose looked but he patiently listened and planned out the surgery with me. He and the staff were so helpful afterwards and stayed in contact to make sure I was healing okay. Hes the best!

vitals

Dr. Mourad was very professional and understanding, and seemed very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him to my family members and friends.