Rhinophyma is diagnosed clinically with erythema, telangiectasias, and thickening of the skin in the nasal region. The lower two-thirds of the nose is affected more than the upper third. There is no specific test for rhinophyma. Diagnostic confirmation is by histology.[1]

Rosacea was divided into four stages by Wilkin in 1994: pre-rosacea, vascular rosacea, inflammatory rosacea, and late rosacea. Rhinophyma belongs to the "late rosacea" stage.[8]

Further refinement of Rosacea in 2002 by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) allowed standardization of rosacea.[9] The diagnosis of rosacea requires the presence of one or more primary features and one or more secondary features.

Primary features

• Transient erythema (blushing)
• Non-transient erythema (persistent redness)
• Papules
• Pustules
• Telangiectasia

Secondary features include:

• Facial skin hypersensitivity (burning or stinging)
• Plaques
• Edema
• Ocular manifestations
• Non-facial involvement
• Phymatous changes

No laboratory or radiographic tests are necessary for this condition. Clinical evaluation of the patient determines the type and grade of rhinophyma. The severity and sub-types of rhinophyma get classified in different ways. 

The first is a division into four clinical variants: glandular, fibrous, fibroangiomatosis, and actinic.[10]

• Glandular rhinophyma: is primarily due to the expansion of sebaceous glands
• Fibrous rhinophyma is due to hyperplasia of connective tissue
• Fibroangiomatous rhinophyma contains fibrosis, telangiectasias, and inflammatory lesions
• Actinic rhinophyma: elastic fibers grow in nodular masses producing disfigurement

An additional severity scale, defined by Freeman et al. in 1970, is also helpful. Beginning with early vascular type, rhinophyma progresses to[11]:

• Moderate diffuse enlargement
• Early localized tumor
• Extensive diffuse enlargement
• Extensive with localized tumor diffuse enlargement

This condition can also be broken down by a grading system into minor, moderate, or major rhinophyma, used by researcher El-Azhary et al. in 1991.[12] Under this system, rhinophyma is[12]:

• Minor when presenting with telangiectasias accompanied by minor thickening of the skin
• Moderate if skin thickening is accompanied by lobules
• Major is appropriate when prominent nodules and nasal hypertrophy are appreciated

The NRS established a standard grading for rosacea and phymatous changes:

Severity level:

• 0: Absent
• 1: Follicles are patulous but no contour changes
• 2: contour change without nodularity
• 3: change in contour with the nodular component

Once the rhinophyma has undergone evaluation, a discusison of options is next. Viable choices always include the possibility of not performing any surgical intervention. In the presence of severity levels 1 or 2, the patient may elect to continue to observe. It is wise to follow these patients by taking clinical photographs, including the chin-up position and the lateral views. 

Management of Rosacea:

While rosacea responds well to treatment, this does not prevent or treat rhinophyma.  Rosacea treatment centers around antibiotics and oral isotretinoin, best utilized in mild to moderate severity. Isotretinoin aids symptom reduction by lowering sebum production and sebaceous gland size. Conversely, topical Retin-A has the potential to worsen rosacea due to enhanced irritation and sensitivity of increasingly erythematous and heavy telangiectatic skin.

Management of Rhinophyma:

Patients must be off oral isotretinoin before surgery as it can prevent reepithelialization.[13] The research proposes that topical metronidazole decreases skin inflammation by inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species opposed to reduction of skin bacteria.[14]  While tetracyclines are known for their bacteriostatic effects, it is their anti-inflammatory properties that benefit rosacea patients but does little for rhinophyma.[14]  Historically, X-ray therapy was utilized in the 1920s as it was shown to decrease sebaceous gland size and promoted atrophy of the pilosebaceous unit. However, this treatment is out of favor due to the causation of secondary skin malignancies.

 Advanced rhinophyma treatment requires surgical measures to remove tissue. The principle aim of surgery is to reduce the hypertrophied sebaceous glands and recontour the nose. Secondarily, techniques are used to promote re-epithelialization of the nose. As rhinophyma occurs in a noticeable central region of the face, surgery requires careful steps[15]:

• Reduction of hypertrophied tissue
• Re-contouring of the nasal region
• Controlling excessive bleeding
• Preventing postoperative complications.

Utilizing multiple modalities during surgery is common. Excisional methods carry an additional advantage of providing a specimen for pathologic evaluation, an option not available in ablative techniques due to complete tissue destruction. 

Excisional Treatment

Full thickness resection with reconstruction via flap or graft: this approach offers benefits of immediate coverage of the open wound, avoids excessive heat damage, and eliminates recurrence risk by removing all pathologic tissue including underlying cancer. However, this approach has fallen out of favor as flaps and grafts risk failure, grafts can have an incomplete skin color match and also require more operative wounds.

Partial-thickness tissue removal: this method preserves the pilosebaceous unit. By only excising superficial tissue and retaining the underlying adnexal structures, reepithelialization occurs by secondary intention. It can be done with a standard scalpel and disposable razor blade, making this method cost effective. Difficulties of this method include risk of scarring with unintentional removal of the sebaceous unit and achieving hemostasis for a clear visual field. Use of electrocautery is often necessary to control bleeding and add additional nasal refinement.[16] Use of a heated Shaw scalpel for partial thickness excision can lower the heavy bleeding seen in cold scalpel excision. Operating at 160 to 200 degrees C, it provides bulky tissue reduction and thermal energy for hemostasis. Risks of heated scalpel excision include mild scarring, burns, and potential for slight nasal alar collapse.

Cryosurgery excisions: this is no longer widely performed. While its benefits entail relatively low intraoperative pain and lack of cartilage damage, this procedure often requires more than one visit with additional risks of scarring, dyschromia, and difficulty in contouring the nose.

Dermabrasion: dermabrasion is used primarily as an adjuvant treatment post bulk removal to allow for precise nasal contouring.[5]

Ablative treatment

Many different ablative approaches are options in treating rhinophyma:

Electrosurgery: this approach can both coagulate and cut using a wire loop or epilating needle.

Electrocautery: heat is utilized from an outside source, while electrosurgery uses radiofrequency electricity to generate heat within the tissue. Both methods have proven beneficial to provide a nearly bloodless cost-effective procedure.[4] Caution is necessary when employing these methods, especially when cauterizing large blood vessels, as thermal energy can heat surrounding tissue and underlying cartilaginous tissue producing texturization of the skin, high risk of post-operative scarring, and necrosis.

Coblation: "cold ablation" is an ablative method driven by radiofrequency to excite electrolytes within a conductive medium. Charged ions form a field used to de-epithelialize tissue at low generated temperature (less than 90 degrees C) decreasing thermal damage risk.[17]

Laser treatment

Early treatments were with the argon laser: although selective coagulation of capillaries is possible, the depth of destruction of tissue is not predictable.

CO2 laser treatment has the ability to both cut and vaporizes the skin. Utilizing a 10600 nm wavelength, the laser is primarily absorbed by water, allowing for a lower depth of penetration with the ability to reach up to .5mm beyond the visibly burned layer. As the laser is obliterating the sebaceous glands, sebum gets expressed, which serves as a surrogate depth marker as squeezing of the skin during surgery without apparent sebum excretion indicates an appropriate stopping point to avoid scaring. It requires less thermal energy compared to electrocautery and electrosurgery, allows for a bloodless surgical field, necessitates simple post-operative care, and has an overall low scarring risk. The surgeon can utilize CO2 laser along with bulk scalpel removal for more precise contouring. Initial scalpel reduction before using the CO2 laser also allows tissue for histopathologic assessment. Common disadvantages include hypopigmentation, dilated pores due to the destruction of prior sites of follicular cysts and fibrosed sebaceous glands, expensive equipment cost, and lengthy procedure time. Complete reepithelization takes approximately three weeks.[17][18] The Er: YAG laser is an alternative laser option. Operating at the ideal wavelength for water absorption, 2940 nm, it has a smaller heat damage zone of fewer than 50 micrometers allowing for a reduced time to reepithelialization of only 1 to 2 weeks. However, it can only provide minimal hemostasis.[19]

Other lasers with a successful track record include the diode laser (808 nm), the Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm) and the KTP laser (532 micrometers). 

Plasma and Radiofrequency: more recently, we have had success using Helium plasma in combination with radiofrequency: this is a unique energy-delivery mode which causes instantaneous heating but also instant cooling in tissues. Whereas bulk heating for more than 152 seconds is needed to a temperature of more than 65 degrees centigrade when using other devices like radiofrequency or ultrasound, helium plasma-RF energy raises tissue temperature to 85 degrees C within 0.044 seconds with the minimal transmission of heat to surrounding tissues; this allows us to ablate the nodules on the nose sequentially with little bleeding. The healing is similar to that seen after the CO2 laser.[20] Redness and pinkness of the skin can take longer to abate than seen with the CO2 laser.

Non- surgical Treatments undergoing research

Fibrotic cytokines TGFb1 and TGFb2 are proposed to play a role in the skin thickening seen in rhinophyma. Payne et al. have researched the in vitro outcomes of the anti-estrogen medication tamoxifen on fibroblasts with TGFb2 production and secretion in cultured rhinophymatous skin. Results included both decreased fibroblast function and TGFb2 down-regulation. Thus far, this medication has also demonstrated fibrosis inhibition in Dupuytren contracture.[21]

Despite the unique look of rhinophyma, it can be mimicked by other conditions increasing the importance of biopsies. Keffe et al. reported an assumed rhinophyma later pathologically diagnosed as entirely composed of basal cell carcinoma.[22] Basal cell carcinoma is suggested to develop in 3 to 10% of rhinophyma patients and can easily hide within the deformed nodular skin. Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous adenoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and angiosarcoma have also been histologically diagnosed within rhinophyma. Sarcoidosis, lymphoma, metastatic lung cancer, and granuloma eosinophilicum have all posed clinical similarities to rhinophyma.[2]

In areas with endemic leishmaniasis, any patient presenting with progressive swelling of the nose resembling rhinophyma should arouse suspicion of having the Leishmania parasite. Diagnosis is via a smear and a PCR test. Treatment is generally with intramuscular meglumine antimoniate.[23]

Short term results of surgical treatment of rhinophyma provide patients with an improved cosmetic appearance. Few long-term studies show the probability of recurrence. One follow up survey of 52 patients receiving CO2 laser treatment within the past five years showed all responders verified that the "beneficial response from laser treatment had been maintained."[18] An additional study analyzing recurrence of rhinophyma post shave excision showed that 47% of 21 patients, with a mean, follow up time of 13.2 months, reported a slow recurrence of rhinophyma.[19] Recurrence is potentially due to the maintenance of the pilosebaceous unit during partial excisions combined with a relapse in condition. More data is necessary to draw further conclusions.

Common complications of surgical treatments include scarring and prolonged healing time. The nasal tip and alae have the highest scarring risk as the cartilage resides closer to the dermis.[21] Use of heated scalpels, ablation therapy, or laser treatments additionally risks thermal damage that can induce additional scaring, burns, and skin texturization. Inadvertently deep excisions complicate wound healing as the underlying adnexal structures are necessary for reepithelialization.[16]  Care should be taken not to perforate the nasal cartilages when using any of the excision techniques.

Classic post-operative care for the excisional methods described here include applying antibiotic ointment, vitamin A and D ointment, and petroleum jelly to promote healing and moisture retainment. Non-adherent dressings and hemostatic agents can be utilized for 7 to 10 days to promote continued hemostasis, reduce infection risk, and accelerate wound healing. The literature reports the use of specialty dressings including calcium alginate, oxidized cellulose polymer saturated with fibrin sealant, and xeroform petroleum gauze with microfibrillar collagen or triple antibiotic ointment.[24][25] Fibrin glue after dermabrasion has been reported with satisfactory healing outcomes.[26] Finally, reports of sprayable skin technology employed the processing of autologous cells into a cell suspension and applied below an occlusive dressing to speed up the reepithelialization process.[27]   

Patients should receive counsel on proper management of early-stage rosacea as well as phymatous rosacea. While progression to rhinophyma is not preventable, adequate management can lessen symptoms to reduce the psychological burden. More pertinent to the earlier stages of rosacea, patients should learn to avoid certain stimuli to decrease vasodilatory skin flushing and persistent erythema. Patients should avoid the following: environmental stimuli such as extreme hot and cold temperatures and sunburns, emotional stimuli from excessive stress and anxiety, physiological stimuli such as caffeine and alcohol in addition to spicy foods and heavy exercise, and exogenous stimuli including chemical peels and other facial irritants. Due to increased transient epidermal water loss, moisturizer use is of increased importance in these patients. Regular sunscreen application is also essential to avoid disease exacerbation from sunburns and prevent increased production of free oxygenated radicals that can lead to rosacea aggravation. Patients who have progressing rosacea can additionally start a topical metronidazole treatment that has proved effective in moderate-severe rosacea to assist in reduction of papules and pustules. Additionally, oral tetracyclines, or erythromycin in intolerant patients, provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Patients with phymatous rosacea should be advised on the utility of oral isotretinoin to ameliorate the growth of sebaceous gland hypertrophy and reduce superficial blood flow. Patients should understand that surgical treatment is necessary for tissue debulking, and there is a possibility of disease recurrence after tissue removal.[28]

Rhinophyma is considered the final and most severe stage of acne rosacea, primarily affecting white males over the age of 50.

Hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands and underlying connective tissue is the pathologic basis of this condition.

Diagnosis of rhinophyma is possible clinically. However, biopsies are necessary as neoplasms can appear similarly.

Treatment of acne rosacea does not prevent rhinophyma development. Definitive treatment requires surgery composed of excisional, ablative, or laser methods.

In the less severe stages of rosacea, dermatologists can help optimize the treatment of this condition. Upon reaching the point of requiring surgical treatment the advantages and disadvantages of the necessary procedure(s) require a consult with experienced plastic surgeons, ear nose and throat (ENT) surgeons, or dermatologists who are trained to perform these procedures.  Depending on the surgical treatment, anesthesiologists are necessary for adequate sedation and pain control during the time of operation. Pathologists can be employed to analyze biopsy specimens to rule out malignancy. Nurses are an integral part of the team for post-operational monitoring while in the healthcare facility. Lastly, pharmacists play a role in confirming the proper antibiotic coverage to prevent postoperative infection.

The National Rosacea Society Expert Committee updated its guidelines in 2017 on standard classification and pathophysiology of rosacea. Last updated in 2002, current guidelines were developed after an assessment of articles from peer-reviewed journals and expert advice to guide practitioners on proper investigations, aid in the diagnosis, and provide treatment recommendations [Level V].[29] No current consensus exists on the ideal surgical treatment as the option chosen largely depends on the combined decision of the patient and provider based on cost, disease severity, and experience of the provider. 

In summary, rhinophyma requires an interprofessional team approach, including physicians, specialists, specialty-trained nurses, and pharmacists, all collaborating across disciplines to achieve optimal patient results. [Level V]