Bulbous nose appears to be from skin (not cartilage - help)? Would CO2 laser help?

Question

Some days, I like my nose, other days not so much. I hate front photos because it looks really fleshy sometimes. However i've been to see two nose surgeons and both have acted shocked when I say I want my tip more refined - one said 'your cartilage is already close together'. My nose often looks better when weather is cold. Background info: I have rosacea, i'm 22 years old. Is there something that would help make my skin shrink more to my nose frame, think skin out etc? Co2 laser? Please help!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question K_19.
I am sorry to hear about your situation. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is an
outstanding treatment that can address multiple aspects of aging in a single
treatment. Rosacea is a common condition characterized by the appearance of redness typically in the central face. Rhinophyma is a condition that can occur with rosacea characterized by thick bulbous skin on the nose. It is difficult to make an assessment without photographs. Rhinophyma can be treated with Nd:YAG lasers with short pulse widths as well as fractional CO2 or Erbium lasers. Please consult with a doctor for
specific recommendations. Good luck!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Co2 will only help if you have thickened skin called rhinophyma, due to rosacea. Though not impossible. Your age of 22 is somewhat young. I suggest a face to face consult with a Plastic surgeon who does both surgery and lasers - they will guide you as to whether you will benefit from a procedure or not. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim

Bulbous nose appears to be from skin (not cartilage - help)? Would CO2 laser help?

Answers (3)