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.
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.