Laser resurfacing for Rhinophyma (enlarged nose)
Rhinophyma can be mild to severe and is a long term consequence of untreated rosacea
What is Rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is a condition affecting the nose where the skin becomes thickened, lumpy, and enlarged. In some cases the nose may become distorted in shape. It affects adults and is more common in men.
What does Rhinophyma look like?
Early in disease as oil glands grow pore size becomes enlarged and the nasal skin can have an ‘orange-peel’ appearance. Over time skin thickening and lumpiness can occur. As disease progresses slowly over time the nose may become larger, bulbous and distorted in size and shape. Blood vessels are often visible, prominent and blue-purple in colour.
What is the cause of Rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is a subtype of rosacea. The cause is not fully understood, but it results from overgrowth and enlargement of the sebaceous (oil glands) on the nose. Enlarged blood vessels and vascular instability are also involved which leads to a cycle of inflammation, scarring and thickened skin.
Why treat Rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is a slowly progressive disease and often gets worse with time. Because it is a chronic disease it can reduce a person’s quality of life and impact significantly on self-esteem and confidence. In the past it has been incorrectly associated with alcohol intake. This stigma can be embarrassing and isolating for some patients.
What are the treatment options for Rhinophyma?
Management will depend on the severity of rhinophyma present. When moderate-to-severe disease is present combination therapy will have the best clinical outcome.
· Medical Management - Oral Vitamin A medications are used for medical management and work by slowly shrinking the size and function of the overactive oil glands.
· Laser Management - Laser therapy (ablative or vascular lasers) are the mainstay of treatment for moderate- to-severe disease. Lasers are used to shrink/remove enlarged blood vessels and oil glands, and can help reduce the size of the nose and re-shape if distorted. Lasers will also improve the skin texture, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and help restore the original shape of the nose.
This is a Medicare rebateable treatment
Results After 2 treatments of Resurfacing Carbon Dioxide Laser
How is CO2 laser ablation performed for rhinophyma??
CO2 laser ablation is performed as a day procedure with local anaesthetic over several steps and takes approximately 45 minutes in total. You are able to drive after the procedure.
1. Injected anaesthetic is used to numb the nose 15 mins prior
2. Resurfacing laser is used to heat and remove the abnormal oil glands, lumpy tissue and re-shape the nose. Heat from ablative laser also coagulates the enlarged visible blood vessels leading to substantially reduced appearance of these vessels
3. Infrared LED light therapy performed post laser to enhance recovery and outcomes
4. Follow-up with HCDL nurse on approximately day 2 to monitor healing and recovery and further LED light therapy
Recovery takes around 5-10 days depending on the severity of rhinophyma and intensity of treatment.
What is the cost of ablative laser treatment for rhinophyma?
The cost to have this procedure performed ranges from $1200-$1500 and depends on the severity present. A Medicare rebate is available for patients who have moderate to severe rhinophyma and ranges from $470-584. The fee also includes your two LED sessions, follow-up on day 2 and post laser skin care pack. With severe disease more 2 sessions may be required for an optimal outcome.
How do I book in for treatment?
Book in for a consultation with one of our dermatologists. Your dermatologist will discuss your treatment goals with you during your consult. The results will vary depending on your age, degree of sun damage and skin type, as well as what parameters your doctor or nurse uses.
For more information about this procedure, including costs for the consultation and treatment contact our team on (02) 4003 7693.