Rhinophyma
in Houston, TX
Do you look in the mirror and see an enlarged, red and bumpy nose and nasal tip? Do you shudder that some look at you as having “Whiskey Nose,” “Winer’s Nose,” or “Potato Nose?” If you have been diagnosed with Rhinophyma, a skin deformity due to advanced rosacea, there is a solution for you! Triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Russell Kridel, is a well-known expert on Rhinophyma treatment using CO2 laser therapy. His successful results can be life changing.
What Is RHINOPHYMA?
Rhinophyma is a skin disorder that causes the nose, particularly the nasal tip, to enlarge and become red, bumpy and bulbous. Rhinophyma is a disfiguring nasal deformity due to the proliferation of sebaceous glands and underlying connective tissue. It develops as the end-stage of Rosacea that has been left untreated or non-reactive to treatments.
The appearance of Rhinophyma starts with facial flushing and telangiectasia (small dilated blood vessels), progressing to fibrosis (nasal skin thickening) and sebaceous gland hypertrophy.
It occurs predominantly in males over the age of 50. Those who have fair skin, a family history, or frequent sun exposure without proper skin protection are at an increased risk of developing Rosacea – the precursor to Rhinophyma.
Rhinophymas has often been associated with alcohol abuse, however, no causal link between Rhinophyma and alcohol has been substantiated.
In the early stages of development, patients traditionally seek treatment from their dermatologist. Oral medications, antibiotics, or topical treatments are the initial treatment recommendations. However, when the Rhinophyma deformity advances or is left unchecked medications are no longer effective and surgery is the appropriate treatment.
Am I a good candidate for RHINOPHYMA?
Ideal candidates for Rhinophyma treatment are patients in good health with no active facial skin infection. If you notice changes in the color, size, and shape of your nasal tip, it is advised to get treated as soon as possible as Rhinophyma treatment is easier to treat in the initial stages.
WHY SHOULD I SELECT DR. Kridel or Dr. Delaney for my rhinophyma treatment?
Very few cosmetic surgeons in Houston successfully perform Rhinophyma surgical treatment. Dr. Russell Kridel is a recognized expert in laser treatments, including CO2 laser. He is one of the first aesthetic surgeons in Houston to use CO2 laser and has published numerous scientific medical journal articles on his successful surgical techniques and results with CO2, both fully ablative and non-ablative. Dr. Sean Delaney was fellowship-trained by Dr. Kridel and utilizes the same surgical technique for Rhinophyma. The depth of skill and experience with fully ablative CO2 for Rhinophyma and the superior quality patient care by Dr. Kridel and Dr. Delaney is unmatched in the greater Houston area.
What can I expect from a RHINOPHYMA Consultation at FPSA?
Our Rhinophyma consultations are quite comprehensive, you can expect to be with us for about an hour. When you first arrive, an FPSA Team member will take your photograph, review your medical history, and review patient information forms with you.
During your consultation, Dr. Kridel or Dr. Delaney will complete a thorough evaluation of your nose and will ask you to share what you would like to see changed. He will also review your medical history and discuss a tailored treatment plan for your specific concerns. You will have the opportunity to share all your questions and concerns with him during your consultation. In addition, one of our patient concierges will accompany you every step of the way as your guide throughout your consultation. Your concierge will review before and after photos, educational materials, and provide you with an estimate for your individualized treatment plan and answer any other questions you may have prior to booking your surgery.
What IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?
Immediately following surgery, the treatment area will be red and splotchy for a week or so. Following our recommended post-operative care regimen is important, including careful wound management and moisturizing ointments aid recovery.
Most patients are fully recovered with great results after 3 weeks, although recovery period will vary by patient.
Procedure
What is the surgical technique that dr. kridel and dr. delaney use for rhinophyma?
Surgery is the definitive treatment for Rhinophyma, involving excision of hypertrophic tissue with re-contouring of the nasal region. There are two primary steps involved in the surgical treatment:
- Debulking of the skin with the Ellman Radiofrequency unit is completed to remove skin that has thickened due to the progression of rhinophyma. This ablation is used to destroy affected tissue through cauterization with heat. In some cases, patients with Rhinophyma also experience the growth of cancerous cells known as basal cell carcinoma. During the surgical treatment, Dr. Kridel or Dr. Delaney will take a biopsy if indicated.
- CO2 Laser is the final step of surgery. Dr. Kridel and Dr. Delaney use CO2 laser for tissue ablation and precise nasal contouring with reduced scarring risks and to seal the wound to promote healing.
The surgical treatment takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the severity and is performed with IV Sedation at our AAAAHC accredited in-office surgical facility or under general anesthesia at Kirby Glen Outpatient Surgical Center.
Before Surgery
What DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE SURGERY?
With any surgical procedure, it is necessary to avoid any medications or supplements that may thin the blood two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery. For most Rhinophyma patients we recommend antibiotics prior to surgery. Our clinical staff will review instructions relating to medications and supplements at your pre-operative appointment.
Dr. Kridel and Dr. Delaney do not operate on patients who smoke, chew tobacco, vape or take illicit drugs prior to or at the time of surgery, as these activities have a detrimental effect to the healing process. Surgery can be cancelled if drug tests prior to surgery indicate usage.
We recommend that patients avoid alcohol for two weeks prior to and after your surgery. You should maintain a healthy diet and avoid salt, fatty foods and processed sugar. It is also very important to avoid significant sun exposure.
When is my pre-operative appointment?
Your pre-op appointment will take place two to three weeks before your surgery. We strive to make this appointment as stress free as possible. At this appointment, you will receive pre-operative and post-operative instructions, review and sign consents, take pre-operative photos, and make final payment. You will also receive the list of any recommended prescriptions.
CAN RHINOPHYMA COME BACK?
Successful surgical outcomes can last more than 10 years. However, there is a potential for recurrence of Rosacea, that left unchecked, can lead to recurrence of Rhinophyma.
To help maintain your surgical results we recommend that patients use sunscreen, hats and maintain a healthy skincare regiment and continue to follow up with a dermatologist.
WHAT IS THE COST?
Dr. Kridel and Dr. Delaney tailor treatment plans specific to every patient. We will provide a detailed estimate of your treatment plan at the in-person consultation. The cost of the in-person consultation is $200. Rhinophyma treatments range from approximately, $8,000- $9,000 with Dr. Kridel and $7,000- $8,000 with Dr. Delaney depending on the complexity and includes Surgical Fees, OR, and Anesthesia.
Does insurance cover surgery?
Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, improvement in the Rhinophyma is considered cosmetic by insurance companies.
Fully Accredited
On-Site Surgical Facility
Dr. Sean Delaney, Dr. Russell Kridel and Team FPSA provide patients with an exceptional surgical experience at our AAAHC accredited on-site operating facility. Our patients enjoy the comfort, ease and convenience of having surgical and medical aesthetic procedures in our beautiful practice environment. Facial Plastic Surgery Associates’ operating room has been certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation by this highly regarded, independent organization ensures that our in-office operating room meets the highest quality of standards and safety. This accreditation is similar to the process completed for out-patient surgical facilities associated with hospital systems.
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