Rhinophyma Treatments and Surgery

Rhinophyma is a rare skin disorder where the nose becomes red, swollen and may change shape. It is sometimes called a bulbous nose or phymatous rosacea.

By Andrew Hatfield
Updated: 30th April 2024

Medically reviewed by

What is rhinophyma?

Rhinophyma is a skin condition affecting the nose in which the skin is thickened and the sebaceous (oil) glands are enlarged. The inflammatory skin appears skin coloured or red and often has prominent blood vessels, which may be thin and red (telangiectasia) or larger and purplish in hue (venulectasia). The affected skin may be bulbous, pitted due to prominent pores (which may ooze sebum or contain a scaly plug), and scarred.

The progression of rhinophyma can be gradual (starting at the tip of the nose), or more rapid, depending on the patient. If left untreated, rhinophyma tends to worsen over time and can result in cysts and breathing difficulties.

Untreated rosacea can lead to the nose becoming redder, swollen at the end and gaining a bumpy surface which changes shape. This swelling is because there is a formation of scar-like tissue and the sebaceous glands get bigger.  It is not exactly known what caused rhinophyma.

Rhinophyma treatment  is not routinely available on the NHS it depends  on severity.

Professor Shokrollahi offers private laser rhinophyma treatment which can removes excess tissue,including cysts , so the nose is restored to a natural shape and texture.

During your consultation, Professor Shokrollahi will examine your nose and discuss your condition with you. They will take a history of how your rhinophyma has changed over time, and discuss your expectations after treatment.

If you are concerned about appearance or symptoms caused by rhinophyma persistent you should speak to your GP. You can ask to see one of our Consultant Burns, Laser Plastic Surgeon, Professor Shokrollahi privately without any long delays.

We have launched our laser skin clinic, which offers an effective non-surgical carbon dioxide laser treatment for rhinophyma, which can avoid surgery and minimise scaring.

What treatments are available for Rhinophyma?

Our Consultant Plastic Surgeons specialises in diagnosing and treating symptoms caused by rhinophyma and offer a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments, including:

Which consultants treat Rhinophyma?

Consultants who treat Rhinophyma:

Want to be seen privately?

Whether you have medical insurance or decide to fund your care yourself, we deliver the very best of healthcare in a friendly and safe environment.

You will be offered an appointment at the earliest convenient date for you.

For information about booking appointment you can contact us on 01744 746 425 or enquiries@fairfield.org.uk

The information on this page is for reference only and has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. The information contained on this page should not be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment.