What is a Rhinophyma?
There is a form of acne called Acne Rosacea which affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the nose and sometimes other facial areas like the chin and cheeks.
Slowly over time the nose skin and subcutaneous tissue grows which can produce an enlarging nose. The nose enlargement can be very significant and produce an unsightly deformity.
In the early stages this acne can be treated conservatively by a Dermatologist.
In the later stages, the enlarging nose can be reduced in size by removing this excess tissue surgically.
This procedure is covered by Alberta Health Services.
OPERATION:
A photograph of the face is taken the morning of surgery.
The surgical plan is again reviewed with the patient at this time.
The surgery is done either under General Anaesthesia or Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.
The excess tissue is removed from the nose and the bleeding is cauterized.
A special gauze dressing and Vaseline is applied to the nose. The patient reapplies the Vaseline daily for 10 days.
The gauze is removed at 10 days. The patient continues to apply Vaseline for up to 6 weeks. It may take 6 weeks for all of the the scabbing to fall off and for the skin of the nose to completely heal.
At 6 weeks after surgery, the patient returns to Dr. Giuffre’s office. The pre-operative photos will be given to the patient and Dr. Giuffre will assess the result with the patient. At this time, the nose will still have some swelling and firmness to the tissues.
THE FOLLOWUP:
How often do I need to come back for a checkup after the surgery?
Postoperative visits include:
24 hours to remove the nasal packing
10 day visit to remove the gauze
6 week visit to review the early result and photographs
a one year anniversary visit
If there are any patient concerns, Dr. Giuffre provides his home phone number for patient's direct access.
After the 6 week visit, if there are any future requests for an appointment, they are made directly with Dr. Giuffre office and an expedited visit is arranged.
Risks:
With any surgery there are surgical and anesthetic risks.
Aside from the rare risks of an anesthetic event, some of the general and specific surgical risks for this procedure would include:
Scarring: this is an open technique where the skin slowly heals over the treated area.
This can take up to 6 weeks.
Minor bleeding
Swelling and bruising which can last 7-10 days
Discomfort
Contour asymmetry
Pigmentation abnormalities
Prolonged redness (erythema while the nose heals)
Time off work (at least 2 weeks) and exercise
I no longer have access to my original surgeon. What can I do?
For cosmetic or reconstructive concerns, patients are invited to contact Dr. Giuffre's office (780-428-7737) for an appointment.
Dr. Giuffre does not require a referral.
There is no charge for the consultation.
financing:
Is the treatment of Rhinophyma covered by Alberta Health Services (AHS)?
Treatment for Rhinophyma is a medically covered procedure. There is no cost to the patient. The procedure is done most commonly as a Day Surgery Procedure at a city hospital under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.