Treatment of a neglected case of rhinophyma: A case report

Abstract

In this study we report our experience with a gravely neglected case of rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is a disorder characterized by hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands, mononuclear infiltration and fibrous tissue deposition in the nasal skin. Clinically, the disorder manifests itself as disproportionate enlargement and severe disfigurement of the nose. As for the treatment, excision with cold knife, dermatome, dermabrasion, cauter knife and ultrasound blade, and reconstruction with skin graft, flap or secondary intention has been described in the literature. Presented in this study is a neglected and oversized case of rhinophyma. The hypertrophic mass sizing 7x6x3 cm has been excised from the supraperichondral plane. A similiar lesion with the size of 8x6x2 cm was attached to the main mass via a cutaneous pedicle on the left alar region. Resultant defect was reconstructed via a full thickness cutaneous graft harvested from the inguinal region and healed uneventfully. Along with this case report, available treatment alternatives were reviewed and their indications interpereted.