Which Co2 Laser is Best for Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma is currently thought to be a severe form of acne rosacea. There is bulbous enlargement of the nose with a ruddy complexion & numerous pits along the surface. The sebaceous glands of the nose increase in size & number with each surface pit being the mouth of a gland. Although the disease is benign superficial skin infections are characteristic with drainage of foul smelling material. In the early stages accutane may help shrink the sebaceous glands but could... more

Rhinophyma is a form or dramatic sebaceous gland overgrowth, leading to lobulated growths on the nasal dorsum and tip (ie WC Fields).  There are a number of ways to address this problem surgically, which can include excision and cautery, cautery loop, Dermabrasion, and CO2 laser.  I personally prefer to use a combination of excision, cautery and Dermabrasion.  Both the Ultrapulse and Fraxel are very good lasers; the Ultrapulse is a totally ablative CO2 laser and the Fraxel... more