What is Rhinophyma?

Rhinophyma is a condition characterized by exuberant enlargement of sebaceous glands located on the skin of the nose. Patients typically have longstanding acne rosacea.

You can consider Rhinophyma to be part of the rosacea disease spectrum, with mild rosacea being on one end and Rhinophyma being on the opposite end.

In its more severe form, patients with Rhinophyma may have a nose that is noticeably enlarged and distorted by the excessive thickening of the skin with prominent pores and papules of varying sizes.

Examples of prominent celebrities afflicted with this condition include: WC Fields, Karl Malden etc..

Although this condition is benign with no malignant potential, it can cause disfigurement prompting patients to seek medical help.

In its earliest form, rosacea is usually managed medically with antibiotics (minocycline etc), metronidazole gel, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and isotretinoin. Once there is disfigurement of the nose as found in Rhinophyma, the changes are permanent and surgical intervention is the more effective form of treatment.

Surgery for Rhinophyma consists of shaving or removing the more superficial layers of the skin along with the enlarged sebaceous glands. The skin is allowed to re-epithelialize afterwards and this leaves a nose with a better contour.

Dr. Sian performs surgical planing for Rhinophyma in the operating room at Clovis Community Medical Center and patients may opt for either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

If you have Rhinophyma and would like to speak to Dr. Sian about your treatment options, kindly call (559) 797-0501 to schedule an appointment.