Excision of rhinophyma with high-frequency electrosurgery.
BACKGROUND
Rhinophyma is an uncommon progressive disfiguring process of the lower nasal region that most commonly affects middle-aged white men. It is characterized by painless hyperplasia of the sebaceous and subcutaneous tissues, in the end stage, resulting in a bulbous nodular telangiectatic nose. Surgical modalities of treatment include electrosurgery, laser ablation, dermabrasion, cryosurgery, scalpel excision, and others.


OBJECTIVE
We present two patients with rhinophyma who were treated with the Ellman Surgitron using high-frequency current.


METHODS
Two patients with significant rhinophyma and associated subcutaneous abscesses underwent excision with the Ellman Surgitron using high-frequency electrosurgery with a wire loop. The sebaceous hypertrophy was shaved down to the level of the normal skin surface.


RESULTS
This technique provided a quick, efficient, bloodless operative field with a good cosmetic result and pain-free postoperative recovery. Photographs were taken at regular intervals to document the healing process.


CONCLUSIONS
The Ellman Surgitron uses high-frequency current to achieve a bloodless field in the treatment of rhinophyma. This enabled efficient and quick removal of hypertrophied tissue with a good cosmetic result and an essentially pain-free recovery. This radiofrequency device is well suited for the outpatient setting and offers advantages over the other modalities used to treat rhinophyma.
Aferzon
Mark
M
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822, USA. aferzon@hotmail.com
Millman
Brad
B
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012224:Rhinophyma / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome