How does a pollybeak deformity occur during a rhinoplasty?

A pollybeak deformity refers to swelling of the region above the tip of the nose; this is called the supratip. There are 2 potential causes for a pollybeak deformity. One is scar tissue. The other is cartilage. After rhinoplasty, I may consider steroid injections in the supratip region to minimize scar tissue formation and thus, prevent a pollybeak deformity. I perform this injection 1 to 2 weeks after surgery and may repeat as needed every 6 weeks. As well, taping of the supratip region after rhinoplasty may help minimize the development of a pollybeak deformity. If cartilage is the cause of pollybeak deformity, then surgery to remove this cartilage would be of benefit.