Rhinophyma is a cosmetically deforming disorder characterized by nodular
hypertrophy of the nasal soft tissue. Treatment of
rhinophyma usually consists of
laser ablation or surgical excision for correction of the associated tissue
deformity. We describe 6 patients with mild to severe
rhinophyma who were treated with a dual-mode
erbium:YAG (
Er:YAG) laser, which provides the advantages of controlled ablative energy for tissue reduction and excellent intraoperative hemostasis. Outcome measures included patient satisfaction, clinician observer ratings, and an assessment of complications, including
scarring, pigment abnormalities, and postoperative
bleeding. All patients were satisfied with their outcomes, and no complications were detected during follow-up. All treatment outcomes were rated as very good to excellent at a 3-month follow-up visit. The flexibility of the dual-mode
Er:YAG laser provides both controlled ablation and hemostasis, making it an ideal
laser for the surgical treatment of
rhinophyma.