Surgical management of rhinophyma: Report of eight patients treated with electrosection

BACKGROUND. Rhinophyma is the end stage of rosacea, affecting almost exclusively male patients, characterized by a progressive deformity in nasal shape. Depending on the extent of the deformity, rhinophyma may distort the appearance of those affected and patients may become psychosocially disabled. OBJECTIVE. To present the results of electrosurgical technique of sequential delamination with a slightly damped current in rhinophyma. METHODS. Eight healthy male patients affected by moderate to severe rhinophyma were recruited. A radiofrequency electrosurgical unit was used in the cut/coagulate mode at 40 W (3.8 MHz) to remove thin layers of tissue until the nose shape was re-created. RESULTS. All patients achieved acceptable cosmetic results. Cutaneous reepithelialization was achieved at day 14 after surgery. Erythema subsided within 4-8 weeks and healing was complete with minimal scar formation by 8-10 weeks. None of the patients developed hypertrophic scarring and hypopigmentation was minimal. CONCLUSION. Electrosection is as effective as laser treatments and less expensive. Although living in a laser era, electrosurgical remodeling of the nose is a good alternative for the treatment of rhinophyma.