Achieving Long-Term Success in Recurrent Rhinophyma
Case report describes recurrence-free outcomes at 18 months following treatment for triple-recurrent disease.
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By
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Andrea Surnit
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June 4, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Achieving Long-Term Success in Recurrent Rhinophyma
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Recurrent Rhinophyma |
| Key Mechanisms | Modified deep tangential excision to remove hyperplastic psilosebaceous tissue while preserving adnexal structures. |
| Target Population | Patients with recurrent rhinophyma following prior surgical treatment. |
| Care Setting | Surgical intervention under general anesthesia. |
Key Highlights
- Case report of a 66-year-old male with third recurrence of rhinophyma.
- Modified deep tangential excision showed stable restoration of nasal contour at 18 months follow-up.
- Histopathologic analysis revealed sebaceous gland hypertrophy and mild inflammatory infiltrates.
- Electrocautery used for hemostasis, with no postoperative complications reported.
- Recurrence following adequate primary intervention is generally uncommon.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Preoperative imaging (MRI) to assess soft tissue enlargement.
- Histopathologic evaluation to rule out malignancy.
Management
- Modified deep tangential excision for recurrent cases.
- Cold-steel excision preferred for definitive histopathologic evaluation.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Clinical examination at regular follow-ups to assess for recurrence.
Risks
- Potential for thermal injury from electrocautery despite preservation efforts.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Older male patients with advanced disease.
Fully ablative carbon dioxide laser therapy reported a 4% recurrence rate.
Clinical Best Practices
- Aggressively remove pathologic tissue down to a deep dermal plane.
- Preserve deepest adnexal structures to support re-epithelialization.
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