Understanding Polly Beak Deformity and its Relationship with Rhinoplasty
For many people who opt for rhinoplasty, the primary goal is to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing nose shape and improved breathing. However, this procedure has its complications, with Polly Beak Deformity being one of the most common.
We will cover frequently asked questions about this complication, along with the causes, prevention, and treatment of polly beak deformity. If you're planning to undergo rhinoplasty or you're a patient dealing with or worried about polly beak deformity, this blog post is for you.
What is Polly Beak Deformity?
Polly Beak Deformity, also called supratip fullness, is a condition that occurs when there is an overgrowth of the scar, fat, or cartilage in the supratip area of the nasal bridge, causing a visible bump or fullness in that area.(1) This deformity exposes cartilage, which appears like a parrot's beak, and pushes the nasal tip downwards, leading to underrotation.
What Causes Polly Beak Deformity?
Polly Beak Deformity is caused by several factors like excess scarring in the supratip area, high anterior septal angle, underprojected tip with poor tip support, overresection of the nasal dorsum, short medial crura, thick nasal skin, and overgrowth of the septum or cartilaginous midvault. It can also occur when there is damage to the lower lateral cartilages during prior rhinoplasties or the failure to remove excess skin at the tip post-rhinoplasty.
What does Polly Beak Deformity Look Like?
Polly Beak Deformity can take on various appearances, depending on the severity and underlying cause. In general, it appears as a visible bump or fullness in the supratip area of the nasal bridge, creating a parrot beak-like appearance.(1) However, in some cases, it can also lead to underrotation of the nasal tip, resulting in an unbalanced or unnatural-looking nose shape.
Examples of polly beak deformities that required revision rhinoplasty
Can Polly Beak Deformity be Prevented?
Preventing Polly Beak Deformity during primary rhinoplasty is key. Providing adequate tip support through overlaying of the lower lateral cartilages and medial crural control sutures can help prevent it. Patients who develop early signs can try taping or steroid injections to reduce swelling and fullness. (2)
How can Polly Beak Deformity be Treated During Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is suitable for treating Polly Beak Deformity. The excess scar tissue in the supratip area is removed while tip projection is reduced through cephalic trim, tip suturing techniques, and butterfly grafts. Dorsal reduction and reconstruction of the midvault can also help to correct a polly beak deformity, with scar tissue for grafting to provide structural support.(3)
Is the correction of Polly Beak Deformity a Complicated Procedure?
Revision rhinoplasty to correct Polly beak deformity is a challenging procedure that only experienced rhinoplasty surgeons should undertake. A competent surgeon can use a range of techniques to give a favorable outcome: one of the most promising strategies is using a cartilage-sparing approach and performing appropriate grafting procedures to provide tip support.
Get Help With Polly Beak Deformity
Polly beak deformity can significantly alter the shape of your nose. Regardless if it is the result of prior rhinoplasty or due to unique anatomy. If you are looking for help to address the shape of your nasal tip or side profile reach out to Dr. Franck who is an expert in revision rhinoplasty surgery. During your consultation, he will make sure to come up with the right plan for you.
References
1.Rohrich, R.J., Shanmugakrishnan, R.R. and Mohan, R., 2020. Rhinoplasty refinements: addressing the pollybeak deformity. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 145(3), pp.696-699.
2.Hanasono, M.M., Kridel, R.W., Pastorek, N.J., Glasgold, M.J. and Koch, R.J., 2002. Correction of the soft tissue pollybeak using triamcinolone injection. Archives of facial plastic surgery, 4(1), pp.26-30.
3.Hoehne, J., Brandstetter, M., Gubisch, W. and Haack, S., 2019. How to reduce the probability of a pollybeak deformity in primary rhinoplasty: a single-center experience. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 143(6), pp.1620-1624.