Background:
Rhinophyma is a dermatologic condition that can lead to severe disfiguration and psychological distress. Many
therapies, both medical and surgical, have been reported, but few with acceptable and reproducible cosmesis. Objective: We assessed the efficacy of
erbium-doped
yttrium aluminium garnet (
Er:YAG) laser resurfacing as a treatment modality for
rhinophyma of all degrees. Design, Setting, and Participants: Eleven Caucasian male patients were classified into categories of mild, moderate, or severe
rhinophyma and were treated at the University of Rochester Medical Center with a dual mode Er:YAG fully ablative
laser. Measurements: Severity was graded as mild, moderate, or severe, based on the degree of distortion of normal anatomy. Results: The
Er:YAG laser allowed for increased ablative precision, a decreased risk of complications, shorter downtime, and improved outcomes compared to currently available treatments. Conclusion: Our results suggest
Er:YAG laser resurfacing is an effective treatment modality, with low risk and excellent, reproducible cosmetic outcomes, for patients with
rhinophyma of any severity.