Polly beak deformity or Supra tip swelling? Is this my final nose? (Photo)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty outside the US about 6 months ago. I’m concerned with the fullness in my supra tip area. It feels firm at this point so I’m concerned that this is my final profile. I have a follow up scheduled with a US surgeon in two months, but in the meantime I’m trying not to completely panic. Does this look/seem like something kenalog could resolve, or should I prepare for needing a revision? Any advice would be appreciated. I’m having a really hard time.

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say with 100% certainty without feeling the tissue in the area and seeing what the nose looked like before surgery. If your nasal skin is on the thicker side, this can sometimes hold more swelling than average and take longer to reach the final result. That being said, I think it is a very good idea to see a surgeon who can examine the area. There is not much of a downside to doing the steroid injection and imagine they would at least give it a try. I'm sorry that this is causing you concern, but the one positive is that it takes about 12-18 months for all the swelling to fully resolve after a rhinoplasty so there is still time for this to potentially improve. And typically, even if a revision is ultimately needed, this can be taken care of relatively easily, as the issue is inadequate removal of cartilage in the supratrip which can quickly be addressed. 
Best of luck and I hope everything turns out well!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You appear to have relatively thin nasal skin, and since you are describing this protuberance as firm, I would think at six months after rhinoplasty, this is cartilage and not swelling, which tends to be compressible. If you indeed have to have this lowered, it would not be a major undertaking, although certainly a significant inconvenience. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi It is better for you to consult with a facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss the surgical procedure and the post op recovery 
process.

Muhammed Fatih Evcimik, MD · Answer

I suggest you wait a bit. Because this area is generally not left this way during surgery, but your healing tissue fibrosis is excessive in this area and creates a thick polly beak deformity. Otherwise, it is not caused by excess cartilage tissue underneath. At the end of the first year, excess healing tissue is removed with a simple revision.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, it can't be determined with these photos. Get in to see a surgeon to evaluate you, and if it is edema, a corticosteroid would be helpful. Good luck!

Polly beak deformity or Supra tip swelling? Is this my final nose? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Pollybeak deformity

Answer: Pollybeak deformity

Answer: Hard to say

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Polly beak deformity or Supra tip swelling? Is this my final nose? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Pollybeak deformity

Answer: Pollybeak deformity

Answer: Hard to say

Answer: Hard to say

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.