Comparison of carbon dioxide laser and electrosurgery in the treatment of rhinophyma.

Cosmetic results of rhinophymas treated with carbon dioxide laser or electrosurgery were compared in six patients 2-5 years after surgery. Although the results were comparably good the use of the carbon dioxide laser proved to be more time-consuming and less convenient. Scar formation was observed in both patient groups equally and was related to the depth of tissue removal, independent of the instrument used.