Abstract
Objective: Determine if rhinophyma can be treated with the diode laser, a modality never used before in the United Kingdom for this condition.
Method: A 1470 nm-wavelength diode laser with 220-micron bare fiber was used. The fine diameter fiber allows energy to be delivered in a very small area. The probe is used “freehand” to sculpt the nasal contour to aesthetic requirements using a microscope, as it is not fixed to a rigid hand-piece.
Results: Problems with hemostasis were not encountered, as there is no bleeding or break in the continuity of the skin. Patients were discharged with topical mupirocin ointment (Bactroban; GlaxoSmithKline, Uxbridge, UK) applied under a loose dressing. Patients were followed up on a weekly basis in the outpatient clinic for 6 weeks for inspection of the external nose, decrusting, and application of mupirocin ointment.
Conclusion: Diode laser therapy appears to be an effective method of treating rhinophyma, avoiding postoperative bleeding and associated complications that characterize surgical resection without sacrificing the cosmetic result.
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