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Pollybeak (Supratip) Deformity

Nose imperfections are a common cosmetic concern that can be fixed with a rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty procedure. Nose jobs are the most common way to improve a nose’s appearance and can correct many formations like dorsal humps, wide nostrils, and pollybeak deformity.

What is pollybeak deformity?

Pollybeak deformity occurs when a rhinoplasty procedure leaves too much tissue above the tip of the nose, fails to remove the bridge cartilage closer to the tip of the nose, or forms scar tissue in the tip of the nose. It is a condition that results from an improperly performed rhinoplasty procedure. This fullness on the bridge above the nasal tip can look like a bird’s beak and is most likely to present within a year after a rhinoplasty procedure. It is unlikely to resolve on its own, requiring revision surgery to correct.

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What does pollybeak deformity look like?

Pollybeak deformity is seen in the portion of the nose above the tip, also called the supratip, which is the highest part of the nose when seen from a profile view. The term suggests the imperfection looks like the beak of a bird.

Rhinoplasty to remove nasal hump and refine tip by Dr. Miller. After surgery, dorsal hump is gone and nasal tip is slightly rotated for a more attractive profile.

pollybeak deformity correction

Rhinoplasty to improve the contour of the nose by Dr. Miller. After surgery, bridge is straighter and profile is improved.

Why does beak nose occur after rhinoplasty?

There are several reasons a beak nose can form after a rhinoplasty procedure. A common cause is the removal of a dorsal hump. The hump may be addressed during the procedure, but the surgeon does not account for the entire length of the nose, which leaves additional height on the septum and a full supratip. This excess cartilage can be trimmed during a revision rhinoplasty to create a natural-looking nose.

Pollybeak deformity can also form due to:

  • The prominence of the tip cartilage, which needs to be trimmed during revision surgery
  • The development of scar tissue 
  • Inadequate support due to a series of rhinoplasty errors

  • Over-resection of the bridge near the supratip that leads to excessive fullness

Rhinoplasty procedures are one of the most challenging and complicated plastic surgery procedures. Each nose is different and requires personalized adjustments and corrections for a cohesive and natural look. Rhinoplasty should be performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in rhinoplasty procedures to ensure imperfections like pollybeak deformity do not occur.



Is it pollybeak deformity or just swelling?

Sometimes patients might worry they have a pollybeak deformity, when it may just be typical swelling after rhinoplasty. Swelling after rhinoplasty is common and should resolve on its own within a year after surgery. Swelling that lasts for more than one year is less likely to dissipate on its own and may require steroid injections or revision surgery. 

Pollybeak occurs when the swelling or tissue in the supratip pushes the nose downward into the beak-like formation. This deformity is a serious imperfection that will not resolve on its own and require revision surgery to adjust the cartilage and bridge for a natural and balanced nose.

pollybeak deformity or swelling

Correcting Pollybeak Deformity in New York

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with a state-of-the-art Manhattan facility that offers exceptional treatment and superior results. Dr. Miller is a distinguished surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty and is a leading expert in the procedures.

Since the nose is a central, prominent feature, it is vital that it looks natural and balanced with other facial features. Dr. Miller uses innovative techniques to ensure rhinoplasty procedures result in a harmonious appearance to the face overall. He developed his proprietary Natralook® process, which is an enriching experience that allows men and women to explore their aesthetic confidence. The process is about expanding and evaluating typical plastic surgery experiences into a more collaborative experience where patients have a safe and supportive space to discuss their needs and desires. It also allows Dr. Miller to form a unified vision so that patients have clear expectations.

If you are unhappy with the results of your initial rhinoplasty, help is available. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about pollybeak deformity and rhinoplasty. 

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Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)

Dr. Miller and his staff of NYC's best aesthetic specialists offer the NatraNose® process, which is a comprehensive range of minimally-invasive and advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking rhinoplasty results, improve nasal function, and meet the patient’s aesthetic goals. Dr. Miller specializes in nose jobs, nose reductions, non-surgical nose jobs, and more: Adjust the links in these sections as follows:

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Widely acclaimed for our broad range of flawless skincare solutions, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS and his team of aesthetic specialists offer customized skincare treatment plans to achieve healthy, natural-looking results. As part of our NatraLook™ process, the following procedures may be performed individually or in combination with more advanced surgical treatments for optimal rejuvenation.

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Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience working with male and female patients. He specializes in facial plastic surgery and is recognized as an expert in facial rejuvenation procedures. Utilizing the most advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Miller can maintain or enhance masculine features while producing the most natural-looking results.

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The Plastic Surgery Podcast with Dr. Philip Miller

Tune into The Plastic Surgery Podcast, hosted by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller. Dr. Miller is here to answer your questions, de-mystify plastic surgery, and help you feel more knowledgeable and empowered about any procedure performed at our center.

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    Episode 44: My First Time

    8 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 43: Top 10 Reasons Not To Get A Rhinoplasty ( Plastic Surgery)

    20 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 42 : Osteomas & Lipomas

    11 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 41: All Ears Considered!

    8 min
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    Episode 40: Infrared Light Therapy

    6 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 39: Beauty, the Plateau

    6 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 38: Botox and Dermal Fillers

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 37: Cost of Rhinoplasty

    1 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 36: Different Types of Nasal Surgeries

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 35: Do You Have to Break the Nose for Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 34: Do You Have to Stay Overnight After Having a Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 33: Don't Have a Rhinoplasty!

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 32: Endonasal or External

    1 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 31: Are You a Candidate?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 30: In The Office

    17 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 29: Can My Nose be Made Smaller?

    4 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 28: Can't Breath Through Nose

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 27: Chin Implants - Mentoplasty

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 26: Columellar Struts

    23 sec
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 25: Common Terms

    5 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 24: Connection Between Facial Resurfacing and Tattooing

    5 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 23: The Sooner, The Better?

    4 min
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Plastic Surgery w/ Dr. Miller

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