Rhinoplasty is one of the most requested operations in Spain and around the world, since the nose has great importance in the face and the appearance changes greatly when it is shaped. In addition to the health benefits it may offer. Today we will talk about one of the most common complications in rhinoplasty: fibrous supratip.
What is the supratip?
The supratip is a part of the nose that runs from the nasal tip to the dorsum. A kind of step whose ideal measurement reaches one millimeter. This ideal is what every rhinoplasty aspires to achieve and is, consequently, one of the fundamental reasons why after one of these procedures a splint or bandage must be placed on the nasal dorsum.
What is fibrous supratip?
The deformity called fibrous supratip consists of excessive scarring at the nasal tip that blurs the nose, making it bulge above the tip.
How does fibrous supratip occur?
Any operation can be hampered by the patient’s healing capacity. In the case of fibrous supratip, it is very rare for it to occur, but it does. These are the different scenarios in which it may appear:
- Rhinoplasty with little undermining, so that the skin cannot later retract
- Insufficient resection of the caudal dorsum (triangular cartilages and/or nasal septum)
- Insufficient nasal tip projection (pseudosupratip)
- Inappropriate post-surgery bandage
- Nasal skin with little elasticity (especially in people over 50)
- Post-surgery bleeding
How can fibrous supratip be prevented from appearing?
The best option to avoid suffering from this condition is prevention. You only have one body, and saving a few euros on a nose operation is not recommended, so the best thing is to put yourself in the hands of a good plastic surgeon. These are some measures we can take to prevent its appearance.
Keeping the nasal bandage in good condition: In this way, the correct adaptation between the skin and the bone is guaranteed, inflammation is reduced and healing is improved.
Cleaning the sutures and incisions: This prevents microorganisms from accumulating that could complicate healing and may also cause intolerances.
Review of those patients who are prone to developing fibrosis.
What solution does fibrous supratip have?
Fortunately, fibrous supratip, as one of the complications of rhinoplasty has a solution, although the way to resolve it depends on the thickness reached by the nasal tip and the evolution and condition of the surrounding structures, among other issues.
In addition, the first thing that must be checked is whether it is a fibrous or cartilaginous supratip (one produced by removing less cartilage than should have been removed). If it is fibrous, it can be solved through the following procedures:
- Corticosteroid injection: It is a good option for early cases of fibrous supratip.
- Removal of excess fibrotic tissue and subsequently avoiding dead space by applying a suture point from the skin to the supporting cartilage.
- Prolonged use of adhesive strips on the skin. If these procedures do not work, it is necessary to undergo a second surgery. It is recommended to do so after no less than six months.
Do you think you may have fibrous supratip? Our experts will be happy to assist you and analyze your case to offer you the best solution for your needs.
Dr. Alfredo Fernández Blanco
The plastic surgeon Dr. Alfredo Fernandez Blanco stands out in his branch of medicine, as the best breast surgeon, he is also a pioneer in the so-called secondary surgeries or sequelae. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of successful cases, he continues to achieve the most natural results that can be expected in a cosmetic surgery operation.
