Erbium Yag or Fraxel for Rhinophyma?

I'm beginning to show signs of Rhinophyma. There are a few nodules on one side of nose and some thickening on tip of nose which I absolutely hate. Which of these two lasers, Erbium Yag or Fraxel, would improve my condition? These two seem, from what I have read, have less downtime than the CO2. Thank you for responding. I am on Tazorac and cream antiobiotic. It helps somewhat but my main concern is the thickening on end of nose.

3 answers to “Erbium Yag or Fraxel for Rhinophyma?”

A: Erbium Yag or Fraxel for Rhinophyma?

Michael A. Persky, MD

Hi Barbara, You should treat rhinophyma with CO2 ablative laser.  I have not been impressed by the results of Fraxel re:store or re:pair on rhinophyma. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

A: CO2 or erbium is preferred

William Groff, DO

We have all 3 lasers that you have mentioned in your question, and my 1st choice would be the CO2 laser.  The Fraxel is not designed to target individual nodules, so it is not ideal.  The erbium could be used, but the downtime would be the same as the CO2.  I just submitted some photos of a... more

A: Fraxel and Erbium Laser For Rhinophyma

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Ablative lasers work well for rhinophyma, as this is a proliferative condition of the sebaceous glands of the nose.  In some cases, less invasive and simpler other modalities are used to treat rhinophyma such as CO2 laser, chemical peels, and surgery.

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Yag laser before & after photos

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