Rhinophyma is a rare skin condition affecting the nose. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Rhinophyma is a progressive skin disorder characterized by the enlargement and reddening of the nose. It’s considered a severe form of rosacea, primarily affecting older men. Symptoms include a bulbous, swollen nose with visible blood vessels and thickened skin. While the exact cause remains unclear, factors like genetics, alcohol consumption, and chronic inflammation may contribute. Treatment options range from topical medications to surgical interventions.
What Is Rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is a type of rosacea that causes the enlargement and growth of the nose’s sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands). It can be disfiguring, and it typically affects men more than women.
The nose can become bulbous, thickened, and reddened, and significant rhinophymatous growths can occur. Considerable nose enlargement can also occur, creating a nasal obstruction that causes difficulty breathing. The appearance of rhinophyma may cause psychological distress and affect self-esteem and quality of life.
Rhinophyma Treatments:
For patients with rhinophyma, the typical best treatment options are surgical or laser treatment, and often a combination is used. Experienced surgeons can reshape and contour the nose to help reduce disfigurement while improving function, often restoring the patient’s ability to breathe normally. These treatments can safely be performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.
As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with them. Choosing a surgeon is an important decision. Understanding your surgeon’s training, experience, and prior results is important. Please see our before-and-after images of our patients’ results.
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