Management of mild to moderate rhinophyma with a radiofrequency

OBJECTIVE: Rhinophyma is characterized by an enlarged, bulbous, and red nose resulting from the enlargement of the sebaceous glands beneath the surface of the skin on the nose. Its etiology remains unclear. Treatment of the disease is controversial. In this study, we discussed the treatment of rhinophyma by radiofrequency in 5 patients. CLINICAL REPORT: We presented 5 patients with rhinophyma. The patients' median age was 57.4 years. A radiofrequency unit was used in cut/coagulate mode at 10 U. A 0.38-in loop electrode was placed ensuring symmetry until the nose's shape was re-created. All patients achieved a good cosmetic result, which was defined as a near-to-normal nasal contour without clinical scarring or minimal scaring. CONCLUSIONS: Rhinophyma is a disease that can badly deform the nose and can be treated by radiofrequency. We described radiofrequency treatment of large rhinophymas with good aesthetic outcomes.