Can IPL treatments cause rhinophyma?

Question

I have rosacea, and have received 3 IPL treatments recently. In 2 of them the tip parts of my nose were slightly targeted by the laser. I'm worried that IPL can thicken the skin and cause rhinophyma in the long-run: is there any link? I hope not but appreciate your insights/advice.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Physiologically it does not seem likely that IPL treatments will make a rhinophyma worse as it is used to treat Rosacea, the cause of a Rhinophyma. On the other hand it is not strong enough to treat a rhinophyma due to the thickness of this process.

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

As far as I know (and I just did a search of the medical literature) I dont see any cases of IPL causing Rhinophyma. In fact, it is often used as a treatment for Rosacea (which causes rhinophyma).  Most people who get IPL treatments have some temporary redness and swelling but with respect to long term changes, there is no known link that I am aware of.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

No, IPL cannot cause rhinophyma and is actually something we use to help people who suffer from rhinophyma. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Can IPL treatments cause rhinophyma?

Answers (3)

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