Rhinophyma Treatment
Rhinophyma is a skin condition that causes the nose to become enlarged, red, bulbous, and bumpy as excess tissue gradually builds up, sometimes affecting the cheeks as well. It tends to worsen over time if left untreated. Once unfairly nicknamed “drinker’s nose,” rhinophyma is not caused by alcohol — it’s associated with long-standing rosacea, though people without rosacea can develop it too. Dr. Erez Dayan offers rhinophyma treatment at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV.
Restoring a nose affected by rhinophyma takes both refined surgical technique and an eye for natural contour — and that’s where Dr. Erez Dayan excels. He has completed extensive research on consistency in rhinoplasty outcomes and authored numerous papers and book chapters on nasal surgery, pairing that nasal expertise with advanced skin-resurfacing technique to remove excess tissue and recontour the nose. A board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Medical Director of Avance Plastic Surgery Institute, he trained in the Harvard Plastic Surgery Program — serving as Chief Resident at Massachusetts General Hospital — before an elite aesthetic fellowship at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, where he was one of only two surgeons selected. Rhinophyma treatment is one of his nose surgery procedures.
What Causes Rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is considered an advanced subtype of rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Over time, ongoing inflammation can cause the oil (sebaceous) glands to enlarge and the underlying connective tissue to thicken, leading to the characteristic overgrowth, redness, and bumpy texture of the nose. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, and while it’s more common in men and in those with long-standing rosacea, it can develop in people without a rosacea diagnosis. Importantly, despite the old “drinker’s nose” myth, rhinophyma is not caused by alcohol use.
“There’s a lot of unfair stigma around rhinophyma, and I want patients to know it’s a medical skin condition, not a sign of drinking. With careful surgical resurfacing, we can remove the excess tissue and restore a natural, healthy-looking nose.” — Dr. Erez Dayan
Rhinophyma Surgery in Reno/Tahoe
Rhinophyma treatment with Dr. Dayan involves surgically removing the excess, overgrown tissue and recontouring the nose to a natural shape, performed under local or general anesthesia. Treatment generally takes about a half-hour to an hour, after which patients return home the same day. Multiple sessions are often necessary, with roughly a week between treatments to allow for healing, and advanced cases may require more extensive surgical work. Because rhinophyma can sometimes recur after treatment, Dr. Dayan examines each case individually and makes tailored recommendations during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinophyma Treatment
Is rhinophyma caused by drinking alcohol?
No. Despite the outdated “drinker’s nose” nickname, rhinophyma is not caused by alcohol. It’s a skin condition associated with long-standing rosacea and chronic inflammation.
What actually causes rhinophyma?
It’s considered an advanced form of rosacea, in which chronic inflammation enlarges the oil glands and thickens the connective tissue of the nose. The precise cause isn’t fully understood, and it’s more common in men.
How is rhinophyma treated?
Dr. Dayan surgically removes the excess tissue and recontours the nose under local or general anesthesia. Treatment usually takes about a half-hour to an hour, and multiple sessions may be needed.
Will rhinophyma come back after treatment?
It can sometimes recur. Dr. Dayan will discuss your individual risk and may recommend ongoing management of underlying rosacea to help maintain your results.
How many treatments will I need?
Many patients need more than one session, with about a week between treatments for healing. Advanced cases may require more extensive surgery, which Dr. Dayan will outline for you.
When should I seek treatment?
Rhinophyma is best treated as early as possible for the best results, since it tends to worsen over time. An early consultation lets Dr. Dayan recommend the most effective approach.
Why Choose Avance Plastic Surgery Institute for Rhinophyma Treatment
- Nasal Surgery Expertise: refined recontouring of the nose by a published rhinoplasty researcher
- Advanced Skin Resurfacing: precise removal of overgrown tissue for a natural result
- Harvard Chief Resident Training: completed the Harvard Plastic Surgery Program at Massachusetts General Hospital
- Compassionate, Stigma-Free Care: treatment that addresses a medical condition with sensitivity
- Individualized Planning: recommendations tailored to the stage and severity of your rhinophyma
Schedule a Rhinophyma Treatment Consultation in Reno/Tahoe
If you’re noticing the redness, thickening, or bumpy texture of rhinophyma, early treatment offers the best results. Contact us at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV at (775) 800-4444 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Erez Dayan. Virtual consultations are also available for patients traveling from out of town.
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