Rhinophyma and its Surgical Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

• October 22, 2023
• By Fernando Amato

What is rhinophyma? What are the treatments? What is the indicated surgical treatment? Which has the best result? When to operate?

What is Rhinophyma?

Firstly, rhinophyma is a dermatological condition characterized by the thickening of the skin of the nose, resulting in a bulbous, irregular, and often reddish appearance. It is considered an advanced form of rosacea, a chronic skin disease.

Causes and Symptoms

Although the exact cause of rhinophyma remains uncertain, genetic, alcoholic, and hormonal factors are believed to play a role. However, more common in men than in women, and especially in middle-aged people, rhinophyma can be recognized by:

• Thickening of the skin of the nose.

• Enlarged pores.

• Redness.

• Nodules and bumps.

Surgical Treatment of Rhinophyma

Although there are medicinal treatments for rosacea, rhinophyma, in its advanced stage, often requires a surgical approach to provide significant improvements.

1. Dermaplaning: This technique involves scraping the top layer of the skin to improve its appearance. Furthermore, it is a less invasive option and may be suitable for milder cases of rhinophyma.

2. Surgical resection: In this procedure, the surgeon removes excess tissue from the nose. Subsequently, the area is sutured or left to heal by secondary intention.

3. Laser: Laser CO2 or erbium lasers can be used to vaporize excess tissue, providing a smoother surface.

4. Electrosurgery: Uses electric current to cut or remove affected tissue.

After surgical treatment, some swelling, redness, or discomfort are common. Therefore, the good news is that, in most cases, patients experience a significant improvement in the appearance and function of the nose.

Conclusion

Rhinophyma can be a debilitating condition that affects not only aesthetics but also an individual's self-esteem. Fortunately, with the surgical techniques available today, it is possible to restore patients' appearance and confidence. Therefore, if you or someone you know is struggling with this condition, a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon is the first step towards a transformation.

Keywords: Rhinophyma, surgical treatment, plastic surgery, rosacea, bulbous nose.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning: An Overview

Initially, dermaplaning is a non-invasive aesthetic procedure that involves the careful removal of the top layer of skin (stratum corneum) and fine facial hairs (popularly known as “peach fuzz”) using a sterile blade. This technique provides deep exfoliation, resulting in smoother and younger-looking skin.

Benefits of Dermaplaning:

• Rejuvenated Appearance: By removing dead cells from the skin surface, dermaplaning can give the skin a fresher and more radiant look.

• Improved Product Absorption: With the top layer of dead cells removed, skincare products can penetrate more effectively, enhancing their benefits.

• Smoother Makeup Application: By creating a smoother skin surface, makeup can be applied more easily and may appear more uniform.

• No Downtime: As it is a non-invasive procedure, patients can usually resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.

• Suitable for All Skin Types: Most people can benefit from dermaplaning, regardless of skin type.

Considerations:

• Although dermaplaning is considered safe, it is essential that it be performed by a trained professional to avoid cuts or irritations.

• The procedure does not alter the thickness or texture of facial hairs when they grow back.

• Like any aesthetic procedure, there may be contraindications, so it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician before undergoing the treatment.

In summary, dermaplaning is an effective way to exfoliate the skin and remove fine facial hairs, offering a range of aesthetic benefits. Therefore, if you are considering this treatment, seek an experienced professional to ensure the best results.

Is dermaplaning the same as dermabrasion?

No, dermaplaning and dermabrasion are different procedures, although both are used to treat and improve the skin. Let's detail each one:

Dermaplaning:

What it is: As mentioned previously, dermaplaning is an aesthetic treatment that involves the removal of the top layer of skin and fine facial hairs using a sterile blade.

Objective: Mainly gentle exfoliation and removal of fine facial hairs.

Depth: Only removes the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum).

Benefits: Provides smoother and more luminous skin, improving makeup application and the absorption of skincare products.

Recovery: Generally, there is no downtime after the procedure.

Dermabrasion:

What it is: Dermabrasion is a more aggressive procedure that uses a rotating instrument to “sand” the skin, removing the outer layers and sometimes reaching the dermis (the middle layer of the skin).

Objective: To treat deep scars (such as acne scars), deeper wrinkles, texture irregularities, and other skin imperfections.

Depth: Reaches deeper layers of the skin compared to dermaplaning.

Benefits: Can significantly improve the appearance of scars, blemishes, and other skin imperfections.

Recovery: Given the more invasive nature of dermabrasion, the recovery time is longer. The skin may remain red, swollen, and sensitive for several weeks. So, there is also a higher risk of complications, such as infection and scarring, compared to dermaplaning.

In summary, while dermaplaning is a more superficial and gentle exfoliation procedure, dermabrasion is a more invasive and deeper technique, aimed at treating more significant skin imperfections. Therefore, if you are considering any of these treatments, it is essential to consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the best option for your needs and skin type.

Is dermabrasion an alternative in rhinophyma?

Yes, dermabrasion is one of the therapeutic options to treat rhinophyma. Thus, rhinophyma is characterized by the thickening of the skin of the nose, which results in a bulbous and nodular appearance. Dermabrasion, by “sanding” the skin, can be used to reduce excess tissue and improve the appearance and texture of the skin affected by rhinophyma.

Advantages of Dermabrasion in the Treatment of Rhinophyma:

1. Aesthetic Improvement: Can provide a smoother and more uniform surface to the nose.

1. Less Invasive: Compared to other surgical options, such as surgical resection, dermabrasion can be considered less invasive.
2. Faster Recovery: Although recovery from dermabrasion can take several weeks, it may be shorter than recovery after more invasive surgical procedures.

Considerations when Choosing Dermabrasion for Rhinophyma:

1. Depth of Lesion: The effectiveness of dermabrasion depends on the extent and depth of the rhinophyma. In very advanced cases, it may be necessary to combine dermabrasion with other procedures.

1. Risks: Like any procedure, there are associated risks, including infection, scarring, irregular pigmentation, and adverse reactions.

1. Recovery Time: The treated skin will be red, swollen, and sensitive after the procedure. Post-operative care, such as avoiding sun exposure and following the doctor's recommendations, are essential for a successful recovery.

1. Professional Experience: Given that the nose is a prominent area of the face, it is crucial to choose a professional experienced in dermabrasion, especially when used to treat rhinophyma, to ensure the best results and minimize complications.

In conclusion, dermabrasion can be an effective option for treating rhinophyma in many patients, especially those with moderate involvement. However, the decision about the most appropriate treatment should be made after a complete evaluation and discussion with an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

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