Am I Developing a Polly Beak Deformity?

Supratip fullness, commonly referred to as a “pollybeak” deformity, is a postoperative complication of rhinoplasty in which the nasal supratip assumes a convex shape in relation to the nasal dorsum. The “pollybeak” most often results from either inadequate resection of the lower dorsal septum and upper lateral cartilages or, paradoxically, from over resection of these supratip structures with subsequent scar tissue formation in the resulting dead-space. If you return... more

The fact that you can temporarily decrease this swelling above your tip with pressure is encouraging. Minute injections of  steroids will frequenty correct the suprtip fullness.

Swelling can continue for several months after rhinoplasty. One reason for a "polly-beak" deformity is due to swelling above the nasal tip that can permanently affect the nasal contour. Your rhinoplasty surgeon may be able to help encourage the healing in the right direction with a couple of options...it may be helpful to apply 1/2 inch paper tape across this area above your tip to minimize the swelling that can lead to permanent fullness there. Another option would be an injection more

Hi, Pollybeak deformities are the most common complication of rhinoplasty. There are several causes of pollybeak deformity. In your case it sound like the soft tissue envelope of the supra-tip area is not adhering to the underlying tissue. Massaging and pressure may help resolve this problem. if you still have the pollybeak 3 months postop you can consider steroid injections to soften the supra-tip area and/or eliminate any scar tissue. You may also consider other causes of... more

Swelling can continue in the nose for up to 6-12 months after a rhinoplasty. The supratip area is a common place for the swelling to remain and the tip of the nose in general takes the longest to reveal its final shape. The “pollybeak” deformity can result from inadequate removal of tissue in this area, excessive removal of tip supporting elements or just simple swelling in the supratip area. If the contour of the nose improves with pressure it is optimistic to... more

Swelling two months in the supratip area should not be as much of a concern based on how much swelling is present.  Discuss with your surgeon ways to minimize the swelling.

Tough case, but it sounds like you've done your research (for you to be familiar with this term). Two things, first - remember that your true end result isn't visible for about 6 months. This is why we delay revisions for a year. That being said if you clearly are seeing something then you clearly should do something. I'm with you on that... For poly-beak deformities your plastic surgeon can inject a steroid into the area to decrease swelling and scar reaction that could be the cause of thi more