How to Correct Pollybeak Tip Deformity?

Question

Is a pollybeak tip easy to correct. Ive had revisional surgery and it looks like ive formed a pollybeak as my skin is quite thick. can you please advise if this is able to be corrected and is a minor procedure ?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

A pollybeak is excessive fullness in the supratip (the area above the tip).  There are multiple causes of a pollybeak including excessive scar formation in the supratip and cartilage.  Correction of a pollybeak depends on the underlying cause.  An unsupported nasal tip may require additional support while excessive carilage in the supratip may require excision.

	Revision rhinoplasty is highly complex procedure and therefore any revision entertained on your nose should be well thought out and planned.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

There  can be many causes for a poly beak after rhinoplasty.  The most common problem is that the cartilage of the bridge has not been sufficiently lowered. If that is the situation in your case, it is a pretty simple revision. The surgeon just needs to shave down the cartilage in the supra tip area.  The problem can also be a result of thick skin on the nasal tip.  In these cases, I have thinned out the skin from the deep surface, along with a few steroid injections in the tip skin after a few months.  I have corrected several poly beak problem with surprisingly simple techniques and much success.

Richard W. Westreich, MD · Answer

A polybeak deformity represents an imbalance in the relationship of the nasal tip and the height of the nose/septum just above the tip. While certain types of polybeaks are hard to correct, others can be simpler. Essentially 3 different things can be done to re-establish the correct profile relationship.
In typical rhinoplasties, the goal for the profile is one in which a 1-2mm supratip break or depression is achieved. Men tolerate a straighter supratip, while women often desire more of a break. Polybeaks occur in 3 scenarios:

If the nasal septum is left too high
The area above the tip fills in with scar tissue
If the nasal tip loses height (deprojects)

Patients with thick skin are more at risk for polybeak formation due to the balance between skin weight and cartilage strength. More often than not, the tip will lose projection due to weak cartilage. One way to provide the top with greater height and definition is to do one or more grafts to strengthen it. Another way is to use sutures to narrow it. Simultaneously, 1-2mm of height is often gained.
If the problem is with scar tissue, then steroid injections can sometimes prevent it when used post-operatively. If your surgery was more than 3 months ago, it is unlikely that injections will correct it. Patients with thick skin are also at increased risk for scar formation underneath the skin.
If the septum was left too high, then revision profile reduction may correct the problem. However, if you have already had a revision, then this is probably not the main issue.
Good luck

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

There are several things that could contribute to the polybeak deformity, including development of scar tissue on the dorsum, excess cartilage, or lack of tip projection. Fixing polybeak nose deformity on a thick-skinned person is difficult, but it can be addressed by an experienced plastic surgeon by a variety of ways.
I recommend that you get a second opinion and ask many questions.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Simple is not a word to describe any surgery, let alone revision surgery. What you describe is an operation routinely done by Revision Rhinoplasty experts.
Therefore, see what the surgeon proposes to do to "fix" the problem. Carefully evaluate whether  you think their goals are consistent with yours. You want to make this your LAST surgery on your nose.

How to Correct Pollybeak Tip Deformity?

Answers (8)

Answer: Polybeak nose deformity is hard to fix

Answer: Polybeak nose deformity is hard to fix

Answer: It depends on how good the surgeon is

Answer: It depends on how good the surgeon is

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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How to Correct Pollybeak Tip Deformity?

Answers (8)

Answer: Polybeak nose deformity is hard to fix

Answer: Polybeak nose deformity is hard to fix

Answer: It depends on how good the surgeon is

Answer: It depends on how good the surgeon is

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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.