What to expect from CO2 laser resurfacing for rhinophyma

Rhinophyma involves enlargement and irregular thickening of the nose, often in the setting of rosacea. CO2 laser energy can vaporise or sculpt excess surface tissue so the contour is more even. The clinician considers the thickness, shape, blood-vessel symptoms, skin tone, and any active inflammation before choosing settings.

The nose may look swollen, red, or uneven immediately after treatment. Tenderness, crusting, and clear fluid can occur while the new surface forms. Contour and colour continue to settle during healing, and rosacea control may still be needed because resurfacing does not address every trigger of facial flushing.

Clean and dress the area only as instructed, and keep hands away from crusts. Sleep with your head raised if recommended to limit swelling. Avoid rubbing the nose, strenuous heat exposure, dusty environments, and unapproved creams until the surface has recovered.

Tell the clinician about blood-thinning medicines, nasal conditions, previous procedures, and rosacea treatments. Use sun protection after the team confirms the skin can tolerate it. Keep reviews so the contour, colour, and healing surface can be checked.

Seek prompt advice for bleeding that continues despite gentle pressure, increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, or a sudden change in the nose shape. Emergency care is needed for breathing difficulty or rapidly expanding facial swelling.

Ask how much tissue is being reshaped, what contour is realistic, how rosacea will be managed, how to protect the healing nose, which medicines need review, and when you can return to work or exercise.