Removal of rhinophyma with the carbon dioxide laser: a preliminary report.

Surgery is the generally accepted treatment for rhinophyma. Problems associated with standard therapy include moderately profuse hemorrhage impairing accurate removal, and some difficulty in providing smooth demarcation between the rhinophyma and the surrounding tissue. Four patients with rhinophyma have been successfully treated with the carbon dioxide laser. Satisfactory cosmetic results were achieved in all cases with excellent hemostasis and minimal morbidity. Complete healing takes three to four weeks, which is similar to conventional methods.