Sculpting resection of rhinophyma using the Shaw scalpel. Archives of facial plastic surgery : official publication for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc. and the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies [Arch Facial Plast Surg] Journal article

BACKGROUND: Rhinophyma is a disfiguring disorder of the nasal skin characterized by hypervascularity, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, occluded sebaceous ducts, and dermal fibrosis. It has no known effective medical treatment; however, a myriad of surgical treatments have been reported. We report an effective, efficient, and safe approach to treat this disorder using the Shaw scalpel to surgically sculpt the nose.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using the Shaw scalpel to treat rhinophyma.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 7 male patients (age range, 58-81 years) who underwent primary surgical treatment of rhinophyma with the Shaw scalpel.
RESULTS: A good to excellent outcome was noted in all 7 patients. No perioperative complications occurred. Essentially no blood loss was noted during or after the procedures.
CONCLUSION: Use of the Shaw scalpel as the sole surgical instrument and method is a safe, efficient, and effective means to treat rhinophyma.

Archives of facial plastic surgery : official publication for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc. and the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies [Arch Facial Plast Surg]