An alternative micrographic method for decreasing bleeding and recurrence in the treatment of rhinophyma.

ABSTRACT

Rhinophyma is a subtype of rosacea which develops at the advanced stage of rosacea and is characterized by an excessive enlargement of the sebaceous glands. Its etiology is not well-defined beyond the following usual suspects vitamin deficiencies, stress, hormonal factors and the Demodex folliculorum mite. Carcinoma may develop in rhinophyma patients. The first surgical process for rhinophyma was applied by Daniel Sennert in 1629. The ideal surgical method for treatment of rhinophyma is still unclear and controversial. Massive bleeding makes a controlled excision of the mass impossible, which contributes to the recurrence of rhinophyma. In this case, we combined trichloroacetic acid (TCA 45%) with dermabrasion, a treatment which hasn't been reported previously. Our method was suggested by the Mohs micrographic surgery technique, which employs serial excisions.