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Rhinophyma

Advanced cases of rosacea may result in aggravated oil glands that enlarge your nose and form thick bumps on the skin of your nose and cheeks. We can return your nose and skin to a normal appearance through a combination of electrocautery and C02 laser resurfacing.

Conditions

BULBOUS NOSE; PUFFY, BUMPY FACIAL SKIN Thickened skin with red bumps on the nose and surrounding area. Broken blood vessels may become visible, and skin may appear oily.

Not all those who have rosacea develop rhinophyma. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women.

The Treatment

We perform the procedure in an operating suite at Central Texas Dermatology. The doctor uses a small electric needle to seal off affected skin, then reshapes the nose and surrounding area with a laser device. The laser vaporizes excess skin as well as discolored skin.

The Schedule

BEFORE RHINOPHYMA SURGERY

Stock up on home care supplies Make your recovery easier by having everything you need well in advance.

One day before the procedure Begin taking the oral antibiotic the doctor prescribes. You will continue taking this medication for two weeks.

The day of your appointment:

Shampoo hair but do not use hairspray.

Wash face with soap and water.

Do not wear makeup or jewelry.

Take all usual medications.

Eat usual meals.

Wear a button-up shirt.

Arrange for someone to drive you home.

DURING RHINOPHYMA SURGERY

You will be given a local anesthetic prior to treatment. During the procedure you may feel a slight but tolerable stinging sensation. After treatment we will place a dressing on the treated area, and you wll be ready to go home.

AFTER RHINOPHYMA SURGERY

The first eight to 10 days Prepare for a 10-day home recovery. In the first 48 hours you will experience a burning sensation similar to a severe sunburn. For the first eight to 10 days you will experience oozing and crusting. All treated areas must be kept moist with the dressing applied after surgery or with Vaseline, Aquaphor, or mupirocin. (See our patient handout entitled "Home Care After Laser Skin Resurfacing" for specific post-operative instructions.) Do not put any topical agents on your skin other than Vaseline, Aquaphor, or mupirocin without consulting us first.

After 10 days Treated areas may feel quite tight and dry. Vaseline, Aquaphor, or mupirocin are not usually necessary at this point, but most patients require use of a moisturizer. Itching is common and responds to prescription ointments available upon request. The redness will gradually fade after a period of weeks to months.

Optimal improvement may take three months or longer. Some patients require more than one treatment.

Precautions

Side effects may include pain, infection, or scarring.

Redness of the skin is common. It may last for several months and is best concealed with makeup. This red phase is associated with new collagen formation, so try to think of it in positive terms.

Temporary darkening of the skin is common, particularly in dark-skinned individuals. This almost always fades away completely. Permanent lightening of skin color has been reported in up to 20% of patients.

Please use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for three months following your treatment.

See Also

Laser resurfacing ™ Rejuvenate skin the natural way.

Rosacea ™ The faster you take charge, the better your results will be.

For More Information

American Academy of Dermatology: Rosacea
RosaceaNet