Rhinophyma (Alcoholic Nose Reshaping) in Troy & Novi, MI

Rhinophyma is a common nasal skin problem that is mistakenly assumed to be due to excessive alcohol use. It is really a problem of sebaceous hyperplasia of the skin and has little to do with alcohol intake. Most affected patients have varying degrees of enlargement of the nasal skin with bumpiness, redness and irregularity to the skin as well as multiple sebaceous cysts. There are multiple ways treat this problem. One is to excise the skin and replace it with a skin graft. However the cosmetic result is generally poor with obvious surgery performed to the skin. The second was to tangentially excise the skin with a surgical blade and reshape the nose. This is effective but has a great deal of blood loss associated with it as well as a long protracted healing time. At our plastic surgery centers in Troy & Novi Michigan our ideal approach is the use of a loop cautery to literally reshape and carve out the new nasal shape from the rhinophyma tissue. This has little to no bleeding, takes 3-4 weeks to heal and usually gives an excellent cosmetic result.

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What is Rhinophyma?

Rhinophyma is the most advanced stage of Rosacea, which is a chronic skin disease that affects the face and specifically the nose. Rhinophyma, meaning “nose growth” in Greek, is characterized by an abnormally large, thickened, bulb-shaped red nose caused by the growth of the oil-producing glands under the nose skin. In advanced cases, it can lead to difficulties in respiration and diminution of the visual field. Men are more prone to developing this type of disease than women.

The causes behind rhinophyma are not clear but many factors like the excess of steroid hormones, vitamin B deficit, parasitic mites residing in the hair follicles and oil-producing glands of the nose, and even chronic alcoholism can lead to what we call the “Whiskey Nose” or “Alcoholic nose”.

Rhinophyma can become a significant social problem for those afflicted. Each year, thousands of patients undergo this particular procedure to help restore the loss of self-esteem, pride and aesthetic confidence that is often associated with this disorder. Some of our patients elect to undergo rhinoplasty plastic surgery/ nose reshaping at the time of this procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rhinophyma Plastic Surgery

Where is the rhinophyma surgery treatment performed?

The rhinophyma treatment is performed at our fully accredited surgical out patient facility in at either our Troy or Novi, Michigan location.

Is anesthesia used for rhinophyma surgery?

Rhinophyma treatments may be performed with a local anesthetic, which may be combined with sedation.

How long does the actual rhinophyma treatment procedure take to perform?

Rhinophyma surgery typically only takes about one hour to perform.

What is the recovery like after rhinophyma surgery?

Combined resurfacing techniques for the treatment of rhinophyma typically have a ten to fourteen day recovery period. During this time, patients may experience some swelling or redness of the skin. Ointment is worn continuously during this time.

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As a best in class plastic surgeon, Dr. Gowda provides highly personalized and comprehensive care. His philosophy regarding the physician/patient relationship is based on trust and has earned him one of the most respected reputations in South East Michigan. The top rated plastic surgeon uses the latest techniques to provide the most natural-looking results possible for your Rhinophyma plastic surgery procedure.

For more information about Rhinophyma plastic surgeryor to schedule a consultation with Mune Gowda, MD, FACS please contact our plastic surgery practice: