Sculpting resection of rhinophyma using the Shaw scalpel.

BACKGROUND

Rhinophyma is a disfiguring disorder of the nasal skin characterized by hypervascularity, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, occluded sebaceous ducts, and dermal fibrosis. It has no known effective medical treatment; however, a myriad of surgical treatments have been reported. We report an effective, efficient, and safe approach to treat this disorder using the Shaw scalpel to surgically sculpt the nose.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using the Shaw scalpel to treat rhinophyma.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 7 male patients (age range, 58-81 years) who underwent primary surgical treatment of rhinophyma with the Shaw scalpel.

RESULTS

A good to excellent outcome was noted in all 7 patients. No perioperative complications occurred. Essentially no blood loss was noted during or after the procedures.

CONCLUSION

Use of the Shaw scalpel as the sole surgical instrument and method is a safe, efficient, and effective means to treat rhinophyma.