Rhinophyma Treatment

Rhinophyma is a condition which presents as a swollen, bulbous nose. It can progress over time and produce uneven, oily skin that’s often red in colour. The swelling occurs because there is formation of scar-like tissue and the sebaceous glands (which produce oil on the skin) get bigger.

The development of rhinophyma is often linked with rosacea. However, many patients who present with a red, bumpy nose don’t suffer from significant visible rosacea.

Rhinophyma occurs mainly in fair skinned men aged 50 to 70 years.

Rhinophyma treatment at Skin Surgery Clinic is carried out by laser surgery by Mr David Watt, Consultant Plastic Surgeon. Excess tissue is removed and the nose is restored to a natural shape and texture.

Rhinophyma Treatment Prices

What causes rhinophyma?

It’s not known exactly what causes rhinophyma, but there are a number of factors that can contribute:

• long-term sun exposure
• family history of rosacea
• fair skin
• emotional stress
• wind exposure
• light coloured hair

Is rhinophyma permanent?

If left untreated, rhinophyma tends to worsen over time. The skin continues to thicken and sebaceous glands continue to produce excess oil. This progression can be gradual or more rapid depending on the patient.

This condition can cause problems over a long period of time for patients because it can be difficult to treat effectively.

Rhinophyma treatment – what are my options?

We offer laser treatment for rhinophyma at our Leeds-Bradford clinic. A Consultant Plastic Surgeon will use a Class 4 Medical Grade Laser to reshape the nose, remove the oily tissue and resurface the skin’s texture.

After treatment a full programme of protective aftercare will be discussed so that your skin can recover from the procedure as quickly as possible.

The importance of aftercare

It is an expectation of the clinic that you will attend a number of aftercare checks with your Consultant and with a Surgical Nurse. It is important that we are able to ensure that the skin is healing as expected and to give you advice at each stage of healing. You will need to attend the clinic the day after the procedure, one week after and two weeks after at a minimum, so please ensure that you are able to accommodate these appointments.

Is every patient suitable for this treatment?

We may advise against treatment if you:

• Have had complications from previous treatment (including undesirable changes to the colour of thickness of your skin).
• Have a skin condition or blood/immune disorder that would inhibit healing.
• Have a history of scarring (keloid or hypertrophic scars).
• Currently use the medication Roaccutane/Isotretinoin (for acne) or have used it within the last year.
• Have any active skin infections.

The rhinophyma consultation

As the laser rhinophyma surgery needs to be carefully discussed and planned, we do not offer an Online Consultation service for rhinophyma patients.

At your consultation, your Consultant Plastic Surgeon will examine your nose and discuss your condition with you. They will take a history of how your rhinophyma has changed over time, and discuss your expectations after treatment.

After your Surgeon has approved you for the rhinophyma laser treatment, you will be booked in for the procedure at our Minor Operations Suite at our Leeds-Bradford clinic.