Treatment of Rhinophyma with CO2 Laser

Rhinophyma is a benign and disfiguring tumor of the nose, affecting white old men. It represents the end stage of acne rosacea. Hypertrophy of the sebaceous apparatus and fibrosis lead to an enlarged, erythematous nasal tip with comedones. Treatment modalities include Isotretinoin (Which is not effective on severe rhinophyma), freehand scalpel shave, cryosurgery, electrocautery, dermabrasion, excision and closure with local flaps, and laser resection. This study has been done in department of dermatology, Hope Hospital, University of Manchester, Salford, England from September 1998 to February 1999. 4 cases of rhinophyma were treated as outpatients with CO2 laser after local anesthesia. The cosmetic results of treatment for all patients were satisfactory.