Rhinophyma
A calm guide to rhinophyma, a thickening of the nose skin linked to rosacea, and the approaches a doctor may consider.
- Registered medical practitioner
- Standardised 3D imaging
- A written, personalised plan
What is rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is a form of rosacea in which the skin of the nose gradually thickens and becomes uneven. It belongs to the phymatous subtype of rosacea and tends to develop slowly over years.
The nose may enlarge, with a bulbous or nodular shape, visible pores and prominent blood vessels. It is far more common in men than in women, and usually appears in middle age or later.
Rhinophyma is a medical skin condition. Dr Marie-Claire will assess how advanced the changes are, because the approach depends on the stage.
What causes rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma develops from long-standing rosacea of the nose. The tissue changes involve several layers of the skin.
Enlarged oil glands
The sebaceous glands of the nose enlarge and produce more oil, which contributes to thickening and visible pores.
Ongoing inflammation
Long-term inflammation from rosacea is thought to drive changes in the skin over time.
Fibrous tissue build-up
In later stages, fibrous tissue accumulates, which gives the nose its firm, nodular and uneven texture.
Blood vessel changes
Dilated blood vessels often accompany the thickening and add to redness over the nose.
Genetics and sex
Family history of rosacea and male sex are associated with rhinophyma, though the reasons are not fully understood.
Factors associated with rhinophyma
Rhinophyma sits on a background of rosacea, so the same triggers may worsen flares in the early stages.
- Long-standing, untreated or poorly controlled rosacea
- Male sex, which carries a higher likelihood
- Fair skin and a family history of rosacea
- Sun exposure and heat for some people
- Age, with changes typically appearing in middle age or later
Stages and patterns of rhinophyma
Rhinophyma is often described by what is happening in the skin, and many people show more than one pattern.
Early, glandular changes
The skin becomes oilier and pores become more prominent. Redness and visible vessels are usually present.
Fibrous thickening
The skin thickens and takes on an uneven, lumpy contour as fibrous tissue builds up.
Fibroangiomatous form
Thickening combined with prominent blood vessels, producing a nodular nose that is also red.
Actinic form
Sun-damaged skin changes combined with thickening. Any changing or unusual area on the nose needs a skin check.
How is rhinophyma treated?
The approach depends on how advanced the changes are. Dr Marie-Claire will assess your nose and skin, discuss the options in consultation, and refer you on where a surgical option is more appropriate. Individual results vary.
Skin health and rosacea care
Managing the underlying rosacea, protecting the skin from the sun and using a gentle routine form the foundation of care, particularly in earlier stages.
Discover moreAblative laser resurfacing
Ablative laser resurfacing is one recognised approach for smoothing the surface of thickened nose skin in some cases. More advanced changes may be better suited to surgical care, and Dr Marie-Claire refers where appropriate. Whether it is suitable depends on the stage, and Dr Marie-Claire will assess this in consultation.
Discover morePrescription treatments and surgical referral
Prescription treatments, where appropriate, are discussed in consultation. Advanced rhinophyma may need surgical treatment, and Dr Marie-Claire does not perform surgery, so she refers you to a suitable colleague.
Frequently asked questions
Can rhinophyma be treated without surgery?
In some cases, yes. Early changes may be managed with rosacea care and prescription treatments discussed in consultation, and ablative laser resurfacing is one recognised non-surgical approach for thickened skin. More advanced or bulky rhinophyma may need surgical treatment. Dr Marie-Claire will assess your nose, explain which options are realistic, and refer you on if surgery is more appropriate.
Is rhinophyma caused by drinking alcohol?
No. Rhinophyma is a form of rosacea, and research has not shown that alcohol causes it. The idea is a long-standing myth. Alcohol can make flushing worse for some people with rosacea, which is why it is sometimes listed as a trigger, but rhinophyma itself arises from changes within the skin, and it can affect people who drink little or none.
Who gets rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is far more common in men than in women and usually appears in middle age or later. It tends to occur in people with long-standing rosacea, often with fair skin or a family history. Not everyone with rosacea develops it, and earlier assessment of rosacea gives more time to discuss management options.
Where can I have rhinophyma assessed in Melbourne?
Dr Marie-Claire assesses rhinophyma at her studio in St Kilda, Melbourne. She will examine the nose, discuss how advanced the changes are and outline the options. She does not perform surgery, so if a surgical approach is better suited she refers you to an appropriate colleague. Treatment is planned only after consultation.
Should I have a skin check for changes on my nose?
Yes. Any new, changing or irregular area on the nose should be checked, because skin cancers can occur on sun-exposed skin and sometimes sit within thickened tissue. Dr Marie-Claire can advise whether a lesion needs a skin cancer check or biopsy before any other treatment is considered, and refer you for one where needed.
Treatments that may be considered
Every plan starts with an assessment. Individual results vary.
UltraClear laser
A fractional fibre laser that may be considered for skin texture, pigmentation and scarring after assessment at a St Kilda consultation.
Discover more
Skin health
A tailored daily skincare regimen and sun protection plan, based on an assessment of your skin in St Kilda.
Discover moreRelated conditions
Important information
All medical and aesthetic procedures carry risk. Suitability, risks, recovery and expected outcomes are discussed in a private consultation with Dr Marie-Claire before any treatment is planned. Consultations are not available to anyone under 18. Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
Treatment is planned only after a full consultation, and options are discussed after assessment, only where clinically appropriate.
Start with a consultation.
Dr Marie-Claire will assess your skin, talk through your options and explain the risks before any treatment is planned.