Fractional Ablative Erbium: YAG Laser Resurfacing of Rhinophyma

Abstract
Background: Management of rhinophyma can be chal-lenging. There are numerous approaches for treating rhino-phyma. Fractional laser resurfacing has been recently proposed as a treatment modality for rhinophyma.
Aim of Study: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fractional ablative 2,940-nm erbium: YAG laser in the treatment of rhinophyma.
Patients and Methods: Eight patients with mild to moderate rhinophyma received 4 successive monthly treatments with a fractional 2,940-nm erbium: YAG laser. Clinical assessment scores and patient satisfaction surveys were obtained at 3- month follow-up. The final assessment took place at 6 months to detect recurrence.
Results: Cosmetic results were evaluated as excellent or very good in 75% of patients. Patient satisfaction scores paralleled the physician assessment scores. All of the patients tolerated the procedure well with healing time at 2-5 days. None of the patients had post-operative complications. One patient experienced recurrence.
Conclusion: Fractional ablative erbium: YAG laser is an efficient treatment alternative for patients with mild to moderate rhinophyma who are unable or unwilling to endure the pro-longed post-operative recovery and the high incidence of adverse effects associated with ablative lasers and surgical procedures.