Rhinophyma, i.e. swelling of the nose, is an advanced condition of rosacea, which can significantly affect the patient's look and self-confidence. It can be treated with a fractional CO2 laser that can precisely and safely restore the natural shape of the nose and improve the skin quality without a surgery.
What is rhinophyma
Rhinophyma is a skin condition that is manifested by swelling, reddening and coarsening of the nose. It is in fact an advanced stage of rosacea – a chronic inflammatory illness of the facial skin, which causes a red nose and gradual swelling of the tissue.
The sebaceous glands expand, the fibrous tissues overgrow and the soft tissues swell, which leads to enlargement, irregular surface and redness of the nose. This condition is sometimes referred to as a "cauliflower nose".
Rhinophyma typically affects men 50-70 years of age, but it can also affect women, though these cases are very rare. It can gradually deteriorate without treatment.
The causes of rhinophyma:
Rhinophyma develops as an advanced stage of rosacea where long-lasting inflammation leads to the expansion of sebaceous glands, overgrow of the fibrous tissues and gradual swelling of the nasal tissues. It is also prompted by genetic predisposition, vascular regulation disorder, UV radiation, chronic skin irritation and long-lasting untreated or badly controlled rosacea. In the past, red nose swelling was mistakenly associated with alcohol, but this condition has no relation to drinking.
Symptoms of rhinophyma
- Redness of the nose: lasting or periodic redness, which gradually worsens.
- Swelling and coarsening of the nasal skin: the skin becomes thicker, bumpy, sometimes resembling a "cauliflower nose".
- Enlarged pores: the sebaceous glands are enlarged, the nose looks greasy and bumpy.
- Changed shape: the nose can become asymmetrical, enlarged or deformed.
- Increased skin sensitivity: the skin can be painful, hot or burning.
- Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia): fine red veins on the nose and its surrounding area.
- Gradual emergence: the symptoms worsen slowly, mostly in middle-aged or older men (50–70 years of age).
Benefits of CO₂ laser treatment
- precise nose modelling without surgery
- minimal risk of scars or bleeding
- treatment in local anaesthesia
- short healing time
- long-lasting effect and natural look
Who is this treatment suitable for?
We recommend rhinophyma laser treatment to patients who:
- suffer from thickened or coarse nasal skin due to rosacea,
- have an uneven, red or deformed surface of the nose,
- look for a gentle alternative to surgery,
- are not happy with the look of their nose and want to restore its natural appearance,
- are generally healthy, without active skin infections.
The treatment is not performed only for aesthetic reasons – in some cases, it also helps functionally, for example in case of narrowed nasal passages due to excessive tissue swelling.
Procedure for laser removal of rhinophyma
The treatment of rhinophyma is provided by a fractional CO2 laser, which allows precise ablation of swollen tissue in layers, without damaging the surrounding healthy skin. It is a modern treatment suitable for patients with typical symptoms of rosacea such as red, enlarged or bumpy nose. As the laser simultaneously closes small blood vessels, the treatment is gentle, with minimum bleeding and without the need of stitches.
The treatment takes about 20-30 minutes and is performed in local anaesthesia. The patient leaves the hospital immediately after the operation. Small scabs, which develop during the healing, spontaneously fall off. The doctor can model the shape with great precision, which results in a smoother, natural and symmetrical nose.
This treatment is a recommended method for dealing with rhinophyma. It is a safe way to treat rosacea in an advanced stage when the nasal tissues become swollen.
Contraindications
The treatment is not suitable in case of:
- active infection or inflammation of skin in the nose area,
- acute stage of rosacea, herpes infection or eczema,
- use of isotretinoin (Roaccutane) over the past few months,
- blood clotting disorders or the use of anticoagulants,
- pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- untreated diabetes or immune disorder.
The suitability of the treatment is always determined by a dermatologist during an initial consultation.
Recovery after laser treatment for rhinophyma
Immediately after the treatment, the skin can be reddened, slightly swollen and sensitive. The small scabs usually fall off within 1–2 weeks, while complete restoration of the skin takes 4–6 weeks.
We recommend:
- avoiding the sun, solarium, sauna and swimming pool,
- avoiding decorative cosmetics during the healing,
- treating the skin with a regenerative product as recommended by the doctor,
- using a high UV factor (SPF 50+) throughout the year.
After healing, the skin is more even, smoother and lighter. The nose regains its natural shape and colour, without a swollen red tissue.
The effect is long-lasting or permanent, especially with proper skin care and stabilized rosacea.
Price of laser treatment for rhinophyma
The price of laser treatment for rhinophyma depends on the number of treatment repetitions. You will learn the resulting amount during a personal consultation with the doctor.
Price list
Frequently asked questions
What is rhinophyma?
- Rhinophyma is thickening and coarsening of the nasal skin, which originates as an advanced stage of rosacea.
How does rhinophyma develop?
- With long-lasting rosacea, the sebaceous glands become enlarged, the fibrous tissue becomes overgrown and the soft tissues get swollen, which results in a change of the shape.
How to treat rosacea?
- Slight forms can be treated by dermocosmetics, local therapy or measures in the daily routine. The most effective treatment in heavier forms – mainly rhinophyma – is a laser therapy, which can remove the swollen tissue and repair the look of the nose.
What is the price of laser treatment for rosacea?
- The price depends on the scope of damage and the overall area treated by laser. The exact amount is determined by a dermatologist during a personal consultation.
How do I know that I suffer from rhinophyma?
- Rhinophyma is manifested by thickening and coarsening of the nasal skin, redness, enlarged pores and sometimes by a change in the shape of the nose. If your nose gradually becomes larger, uneven or bumpy, you should see a dermatologist.
Is laser rhinophyma treatment painful??
- The treatment is performed in local anaesthesia, so you feel no pain. After the treatment, the skin can be sensitive, a bit like sunburnt, but it will quickly disappear.
Does the treatment leave scars?
- No, the laser ablates the tissue very precisely and without mechanical damage. After complete healing, the surface is usually smooth and without scars.
When can I return to work?
- Most patients return to work within a few days. In case of publicly visible professions, we recommend waiting for 1-2 weeks, until the skin is smooth (healed and the scabs fallen off).
Can rhinophyma return after time?
- In most cases, the result is permanent. However, if the rosacea persists, you should watch the skin and resolve potential new changes with a dermatologist.
