Nasal Rasp Types for Rhinoplasty: Aufricht, Cottle and Fomon

A nasal rasp smooths and lowers the bony nasal dorsum in rhinoplasty. Rasps differ in three ways. Cut direction: a down cutting rasp removes bone on the pull stroke, an upward cutting rasp on the push, and a cross cut rasp in both directions. Coarseness: coarse teeth shape quickly, fine teeth finish. Material: tungsten carbide inserts hold their cut for longer than plain stainless steel. Most surgeons keep a coarse rasp for shaping and a fine one for finishing.

Whose names do nasal rasps carry?

Rhinoplasty instruments are named after the surgeons who shaped modern nasal surgery. Samuel Fomon was instrumental in bringing rhinoplasty to the United States and, with Irving Goldman and Maurice Cottle, founded what became the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as Modern Aesthetics recounts. Maurice Cottle founded the American Rhinologic Society in 1954. Gustave Aufricht was a rhinoplasty surgeon in the tradition of Jacques Joseph, the Berlin surgeon behind much of modern rhinoplasty, and he wrote on Joseph's technique with his own changes.

The names mark a pattern of blade shape and handle, not a modern specification. Two Cottle rasps from different makers can differ in tooth pattern, which is why we list the cut and the size on every rasp.

Which nasal rasps do we make?

Down cutting, upward cutting or cross cut?

The angle of the teeth decides which stroke removes bone. A down cutting rasp cuts as it is drawn toward the surgeon, and an upward cutting rasp cuts as it is pushed away. Surgeons tend to have a firm preference. A cross cut rasp removes bone on both strokes and smooths in more than one direction, which makes it a good general choice. When you are not sure, start with a cross cut and add a single direction rasp later.

Is tungsten carbide worth it?

A tungsten carbide insert is much harder than stainless steel, so its teeth stay effective for longer before the rasp has to be replaced. It costs more, as our prices show: around twice to three times a plain rasp of the same pattern. For a department that rasps every week, carbide usually pays for itself. For occasional use, plain stainless steel is fine. Numbered carbide sizes also let you move from coarse to fine on the same pattern.

How should a rasp be cleaned?

Bone dust packs between the teeth and dries hard, so brush across the teeth straight after use with a stiff nylon brush, then clean ultrasonically if you can. Look at the teeth under light before each case: clogged teeth do not cut, and worn teeth tear. See our instrument care guide and the CDC guidance on cleaning instruments before sterilization.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a down cutting and an upward cutting rasp?

A down cutting rasp removes bone on the pull stroke, an upward cutting rasp on the push stroke. A cross cut rasp works on both.

What do the numbers on a tungsten carbide rasp mean?

They are our coarseness sizes, No. 1 to No. 8. Pick a range that goes from shaping to finishing, or ask us which sizes suit your technique.

Are tungsten carbide rasps autoclavable?

Yes. Clean the teeth first, because the autoclave cannot reach dust packed between them.

Which rasp should a first rhinoplasty set include?

Many sets start with a cross cut rasp and one fine finishing rasp. The surgeon's own technique decides the rest.

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Build a rasp set

See every rasp in our rasp, file and saw range, and add a nasal speculum. For a full rhinoplasty set, send us your list and we will send you a quote.