The Multimodal Laser Treatment of Rhinophyma: clinical and psychological implications

Abstract

Background: Rhinophyma is a benign condition of the nose, characterized by its enlargement in the lower 2/3, with a bulbous appearance, purple-red tint, dilated pores and a rough surface. The treatment of choice for this pathology was based on the use of the multimodal laser, which contributed to the improvement of the patients' quality of life. Methods: the present study was conducted on a number of 6 male patients, with different levels of severity and with Fizpatrick II and III type skin. For their treatment the following were used: Cutera Xeo vascular NdYag laser, Cutero Xeo LimeLight laser, program A (vascular), Cutera Pearl Fractional laser. Results: We found that methods such as drugs, radiofrequency or dermabrasion didn’t give optimal results. Therefore, after a classification of patients with mild, moderate and severe forms, we have applied the treatment according to these 3 forms of rhinophyma, based on the principle of the “subunit method”. Our treatment has been reduced to two methods: multimodal laser treatment and surgical treatment. Conclusions: In mild and medium forms we considered sufficient multimodal laser treatment, a combination of NdYag, ErYag and intensely pulsed light, while in severe forms only surgical treatment brings optimal results. All patients were satisfied with the treatment, with responses ranging from increased self-esteem and social comfort to a better quality of life.