Rosacea is a skin condition that a large percentage of men and women deal with on a daily basis. For many, the symptoms include persistent redness that makes them look flushed. Some develop dry skin that may crack or feel itchy. Acne-like bumps are another symptom of rosacea. There’s another problem people, particularly men, face and that’s a subtype of the skin condition known as rhinophyma.
While rosacea and its varying forms are not dangerous, those afflicted with the condition do feel embarrassment to be seen in public or social situations. Dietary changes, such as avoiding all spicy foods, and medications can help alleviate the symptoms, but there is no cure for rosacea or rhinophyma. We also offer skin care products that help to decrease the redness and also protect against the sun.
What is Rhinophyma?
While rhinophyma is not common, it is something that is hard to hide. If you’re familiar with the actor W.C. Fields, you’ve seen his nose and may even know that he suffered from the skin condition.
With rhinophyma, the nose often appears very red and has bulbous growths on it. Skin thickens and may seem waxy and even yellowish. Someone with rhinophyma also has more oil glands in the nose than the average person. View these photos of a rhinophyma patient to see exactly what rhinophyma looks like.
Treatments for Rhinophyma
Originally, the only treatment for rhinophyma was the surgical removal of the tissue causing the protrusions. Modern technology has advanced treatment options so that there are now less invasive alternatives offering decreased recovery. To treat rhinophyma, laser surgery is often the best option. It is important to know, however, that even with a rhinophyma treatment, the condition can return. Laser treatments are not a cure, they only help restore the nose to a more normal-looking state and boost a patient’s self-esteem.
The pulse dye laser is drawn to the redness of the skin, making it a popular treatment for people suffering from mild cases of rhinophyma. A number of treatments may be needed before improvements are seen. Skin may be bruised or red for upwards of a week and there may be some swelling. Following the pulse dye laser treatments, the cosmetic improvements last between 12 to 18 months.
The CO2 laser is another specific treatment for rhinophyma. The laser energy targets the thicker skin layers, causing them to shed. This allows healthier skin to reach the surface. At the same time, the precision of the laser allows the facial plastic surgeon to help contour the nose so that it looks normal. The laser treatment takes approximately an hour and requires a recovery period of up to two weeks.
Prior to any rhinophyma treatment, you need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edwin Williams, a New York facial plastic surgeon. The consultation takes about an hour. Read more about how to make the most of your time during this plastic surgery consultation. Dr. Williams has offices in both Albany and New York City. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-742-2797.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.