Although the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it has been associated with a skin disorder known as acne rosacea in which the skin becomes scaly and red. In the past, rhinophyma was mistakenly attributed to excessive alcohol intake, branding the individual who suffered from this condition with an unnecessary negative social stigma. Rhinophyma is most commonly seen in men and was perhaps most famously sported by the late actor, W.C. Fields.
The tissue overgrowth can be dramatic and leave the patient severely disfigured. In the past, treatment options were primarily limited to dermabrasion or simple knife excision. Now with the advent of C02 laser technology, cosmetic results to treat rhinophyma have significantly improved. Dr. Williams employs combined resurfacing techniques to achieve maximal benefit for the patient. The procedure is done as an outpatient in our Albany area surgical center, requires about one hour to perform, and has a 10 to 14 day recovery period.
Combined techniques for facial-skin resurfacing was the topic of one of Dr. Williams’ lectures at the Fifteenth Annual Symposium for Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Williams is also actively pursuing both clinical and basic-science research at Albany Medical College in the area of various laser skin resurfacing and has submitted for scientific publication an article entitled “Combined Resurfacing Techniques: A Systematic Approach” to the International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology.
