Caudal extension graft

A graft comprised of cartilage which is placed on the end of the septum to extend, rotate, or counter-rotate the tip, among other purposes.

A caudal extension graft is a piece of cartilage attached to the lower end of the nasal septum. It creates a stable platform that allows the surgeon to control the position of the nasal tip with greater precision. Depending on how the graft is shaped and placed, it may be used to increase or reduce tip rotation, improve projection, lengthen a short nose, strengthen a weak tip, or improve the relationship between the tip and columella.

This graft can be useful in both primary and revision rhinoplasty. Some patients naturally have limited tip support, while others have lost support because of trauma or a previous operation. The graft is usually made from the patient’s own cartilage, often from the septum. When septal cartilage is not available or is not strong enough, ear or rib cartilage may be considered based on the amount of support required.