Do you have a bulbous mass or growth on your nose that has developed over a long period of time? It may even have transformed the shape of your nose entirely? If so, you may have a skin disorder called rhinophyma.
Although typically not painful, rhinophyma can be quite uncomfortable, and can cause stress and anxiety due to its unsightliness. At The Plastic Surgery Clinic we can restore the shape of your nose by surgically removing your rhinophyma.
Rhinophyma is a dermatological skin condition that primarily affects the nose, causing it to grow larger and bulbous, or to appear red and bumpy, or a combination of both. The exact cause of rhinophyma is not entirely known, though research indicates that it’s a condition that can occur when a severe case of rosacea called phymatous rosacea is left undiagnosed and untreated.
Rhinophyma tends to grow over several years and eventually develops into a large mass most commonly at the tip of the nose. In the early stages of rosacea you might have red blotchy skin develop on the cheeks and nose, have sporadic flushing in the face, your skin may feel sensitive, or you may even develop red bumps.
Rhinophyma is usually characterized by a growth that gradually causes the nose to appear bulbous and misshapen, you may also notice many oil glands, enlarged pores, your skin may appear red, and you may notice areas where the skin has become thicker, rougher, or waxy in appearance.
The following images are presented for educational purposes only and should be interpreted subjectively. They do not represent the opinion or view of any patient regarding their result, and they are not intended to suggest the result that may be achieved by any other patient. The images are presented as factual guidelines and merely represent results that have been achieved by others. No two patients are alike and no two results are necessarily alike. Only a personal consultation with your surgeon can provide you with a reasonable expectation of the results you may achieve from any specific procedure.
Rhinophyma is a condition that is more common in men than in women. It can be particularly prevalent in men between the ages of 50 and 70, and more often in individuals with fair skin. Rhinophyma is often genetic, and you may be more susceptible to it if there is a family history of the condition.
Rhinophyma typically occurs when rosacea is undiagnosed, untreated and as a result becomes severe. Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes inflammation of the skin, making the skin red and blotchy, typically on the cheeks or nose. In some cases red bumps similar to pimples can appear.
As a result, rosacea can often be mistaken for acne or another skin condition, leaving the rosacea undiagnosed and opening up the possibility for it to become severe. This is when we often see rhinophyma develop.
In order to diagnose whether you have rhinophyma, you will have an in person consultation with one of our expert surgeons. Your surgeon will most likely be able to diagnose your rhinophyma with a physical examination and your medical history. In rare cases, a skin biopsy may be required.
Rhinophyma can be treated surgically in patients with fair skin. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, though with more severe cases, it can also be performed under general anesthesia or under light sedation.
Surgery takes on average 30 minutes and involves removing the thickened skin from the nose. Your surgeon will then apply a protective dressing, which should be worn for approximately 24-48 hours. You will also need to apply an ointment for a few weeks following surgery until the wound heals.
You can expect your skin to look burnt or red in the treated area for about 7-10 days, but otherwise you should be able to return to work and most activities following your surgery.
The cost of the surgical removal of rhinophyma is dependent on the complexity of your case. You will receive a firm quote once you have had your complimentary consultation with one of our surgeons.
If left untreated it is possible for rhinophyma to come back even following surgery. There are however things that can be done in order to prevent recurrence. A good at home skincare routine to reduce the overproduction of oil or sebum is probably the best way to prevent rhinophyma from recurring, as well as the regular use of sunscreen.
Other preventative strategies include reducing instances that can increase blood flow to the face and trigger rosacea. This would include avoiding certain foods, drinks, and highly strenuous exercise. That said, because the exact cause of rhinophyma is unknown, there is to date no singular known way to prevent its recurrence.
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One patient's experience...My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
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You’ll arrive on the day of surgery fully prepared and confident in your outcome, because your surgeon is internationally recognized as a leader in their field. You will wake up slightly groggy and a bit uncomfortable, and head home soon after.
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
Via RATEMDS.
We see every patient the day after surgery. Most find their discomfort extremely manageable, thanks to the pain relief pump. Our post-op nurse will walk you through every step of your recovery and answer all your questions.
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
Via RATEMDS.
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