Revision Rhinoplasty: The Pollybeak Deformity
What is a Pollybeak Deformity?
Pollybeak deformity refers to excess tissue over the supratip area (region over the bridge of the nose right before the nasal tip). This causes the nose to be beak-shaped in appearance, hence the name used for this deformity. This usually occurs from prior rhinoplasty surgery.
What causes a Pollybeak Deformity?
There are many causes of pollybeak deformity, each relating to what was done during the original nasal surgery.
Aggressive Dorsal Hump Removal: Pollybeak deformities can occur when large bumps (referred to as “dorsal humps”) are aggressively taken down without accounting for skin re-draping. If you had a big bump on your nose that was removed, the skin over top of it will remain stretched out. This skin then sits on the bridge of the nose and bunches up in the area above the tip. Patients subsequently develop excess scar tissue underneath the skin, causing the characteristic bird-like appearance.
Inadequate Dorsal Hump Removal: Pollybeak deformities can also result from inadequate removal of the nasal bridge. If the prior surgeon failed to remove a dorsal hump in its entirety,
you may be left with excess tissue in the supratip area that also causes a bird-like appearance of the nose.
Poor Management of the Tension Tip: Sometimes a person may undergo a primary rhinoplasty for a “tension tip.” This refers to a strong, prominent nasal tip. This often may be associated with a dorsal hump. Sometimes the original surgeon may remove the dorsal hump without addressing the strong nasal tip cartilages. This results in the tip of the nose protruding outwards along with the supratip area, causing a pollybeak deformity.
What are the symptoms of a Pollybeak Deformity?
How do you correct a Pollybeak Deformity?
Surgery is usually the preferred method of correcting a pollybeak deformity through a revision rhinoplasty approach. Depending on the cause of the deformity, the surgeon must correct any inadequacies from the original surgery. In many cases, grafting material such as rib grafts (link to rib) may need to be used in order to correct the deformity.
Does Dr. Mourad Perform Corrective Surgery for Pollybeak Deformities?
Yes, Dr. Moustafa Mourad is highly skilled in performing corrective surgery for pollybeak deformities. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Mourad specializes in revision rhinoplasty, a complex procedure aimed at correcting nasal issues that arise from previous surgeries. Pollybeak deformity is a common complication that can occur when too much cartilage or bone is removed from the bridge of the nose, or when the tip lacks adequate support, leading to a drooping appearance.
Dr. Mourad’s expertise in this area allows him to precisely address both the cosmetic and functional aspects of the deformity. During a corrective procedure, he carefully reshapes the nasal structure to restore balance, improve the nasal contour, and provide better support to the nasal tip. In doing so, he not only enhances the aesthetic appearance of the nose but also improves airflow, alleviating any breathing difficulties caused by the deformity.
Patients can expect a thorough evaluation prior to surgery, where Dr. Mourad takes the time to understand their concerns, examine the nasal structure, and explain the tailored surgical plan. Below, you can view photographs of patients who have undergone successful corrective surgery for pollybeak deformities, showcasing Dr. Mourad’s ability to deliver natural and satisfying results.
