Achieving Long-Term Success in Recurrent Rhinophyma
Case report describes recurrence-free outcomes at 18 months following treatment for triple-recurrent disease.
By
Andrea Surnit
June 4, 2026
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. Related Resources & Content
