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Rhinoplasty and Polly Beak

asked 11 months ago by carri1 in Elgin, IL
Latest answer by Jay M. Pensler, MD
Question viewed 712 times
Tags: 1 week post-op, polly beak, swelling

My daughter is 7 days post op and upon removal of the cast her nose resembles many on this website that are referred to as having a polly beak. Could hers just be swollen still or can this deformity have already developed?

11 answers to Rhinoplasty and Polly Beak

Polly beak

At one week you are still swollen,also it depends on the type of rhinoplasty open/closed. Having said that it appears that the tip is a bit large but there is plenty of time to see what happens regarding the swelling.

Jay M. Pensler, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurg.org

Rhinoplasty and Polly Beak

Supratip or Polly Beak deformity is very hard to diagnose at this early stage in her recovery. Based upon the so kindly posted photos I agree you should be concerned but wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before sounding the alarm. I'm sorry for being so direct but the photos show a concern to me. Nice to see the before photos also if possible.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Polly Beak After Rhinoplasty

A true "polly beak" means that the cartilage portion of the nasal bridge has been over-reduced and the skin cannot adequately shrink so the space fills with scar tissue. It is more likely with and under-projecting nasal tip. At one week after surgery, there is a lot of swelling and it is too early for a polly beak. You will need to wait several months to know if the height of the bridge and the projection of the nasal tip are appropriate. Be patient and don't be tempted to jump in and do... more

Joseph Fata, M.D.
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

Pollybeak deformity after a rhinoplasty

The term “pollybeak” deformity is used to describe a nasal contour that has excessive fullness in the profile just superior to the tip of the nose. The true nature of this deformity can be related to several different factors. There can be scar tissue, swelling or remaining cartilage after a rhinoplasty that can cause excessive fullness in this area of the nose. This deformity can also develop if the tip of the nose drops due to aggressive nasal tip cartilage removal during... more

Gary Motykie, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Pollybeak after Rhinoplasty

The diagnosis of "pollybeak" cannot be made 7 days after rhinoplasty because there is normal, temporary post-op swelling. A true pollybeak is caused by residual scarring with excess skin, too much septal cartilage above the tip, and/or lack of tip projection. It will take several months to evaluate your daughter's result - hopefully her present appearance will improve as healing progresses.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Polly beak

Normally at one week there is a lot of swelling ans you really have to give it a few months for this initial swelling to dissipate before worrying too much.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Polly beak

At this point you need to allow more time. Definitely ask your surgeon because, retapeing may help. The key to avoid polly beak deformities is to resect any hump appropriatey and then be sure adequate tip support has been provided

David A. Bray, Sr., MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Supratip deformity ("Pollybeak") is caused by skeletal reduction to which the skin cannot adapt

Supratip deformity ("Pollybeak") is caused by skeletal reduction to which the skin cannot adapt. Any nose can reach this point: think of a child's nose with a small, undeveloped skeleton: many of them are minor variations of supratip deformity. Without knowing what your daughter's nose looked like before surgery, this looks like supratip deformity. It should improve as the soft tissue swelling decreases, but loss of swelling cannot make the shape change... more

Mark B. Constantian, MD
Nashua Plastic Surgeon

Pollybeak

A polly beak deformity could be from several factors. One of them, scar tissue will not show so early. However a pollybeak deformity from the septum being too high will not resolve even after swelling has subsided. A close follow up with your surgeon is advise. It also appears that your daughter has thick skin, this will prolong the swelling.

Michel Siegel, MD
Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

houstonfaces.com

7 days post surgery

7 days post surgery is still very early for you to judge the results of your surgery - be patient and follow up with your surgeon. Early supratip fullness is very common.

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Polly Beak 1 week after a Rhinoplasty

I have performed Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and even thjough the picture may look like a "polly beak deformity" at 1 week post Rhinoplasty this is most likely swelling. A polly beak deformity is caused by scar tissue forming in the tip after months of chronic swelling...it can't occur after 1 week. You should discuss this issue with the Rhinoplasty surgeon that did the surgery.