What to expect from electrosurgery for rhinophyma

Rhinophyma involves enlargement and thickening of the skin of the nose. The clinician marks the areas to refine, cleans the skin, and numbs it locally. Electrosurgery uses electrical energy to remove or smooth selected tissue while controlling small blood vessels. The exact depth and pattern depend on the nose’s shape and the amount of thickening.

Afterward, the nose can be red, swollen, tender, crusted, or moist as new surface skin forms. Colour changes may persist after the surface closes. Electrosurgery changes the excess tissue but does not necessarily control the underlying rosacea tendency, so ongoing skin treatment may still be discussed.

Use only the cleanser, ointment, dressing, and pain relief recommended by the clinician. Protect the area from rubbing, picking, heat, and direct sun during healing. Avoid applying cosmetics or active skincare until the treating team says the surface is ready. Keep planned reviews, particularly if the area was extensive or breathing through the nose feels different.

Ask for prompt advice if bleeding continues, pain sharply increases, swelling spreads, or the wound develops pus or an unpleasant odour. Fever, spreading redness, breathing difficulty, or swelling that obstructs the nostrils needs urgent assessment. Do not remove a dressing or crust forcefully when checking the area.

Ask how much tissue is expected to be reduced, what dressing routine to follow, how to protect the nose from sun, when work or exercise can resume, and how rosacea will be managed afterward.