Home Dermatology Treatments Advanced Skin Treatments Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma Treatment

Has thickened, uneven skin changed the shape of your nose? Rhinophyma treatment can reduce excess tissue and help restore a more natural nasal contour.

At rtwskin in Tunbridge Wells, Dr Fatima Ahmed will assess your skin, explain what improvement is realistic and recommend a suitable treatment.

Book a Rhinophyma Consultation

Treatment
from £900

Your final treatment cost is confirmed after consultation.

About the Treatment

Treats:

Thickened nasal skin, uneven texture and tissue overgrowth

Anaesthetic:

Local anaesthetic

Treatment Time:

Approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the extent of treatment

Risks:

Redness, swelling and crusting; possible infection, scarring or skin colour changes

Downtime:

Allow for visible healing over several weeks; redness may last longer

Duration:

Results can last for years with proper care

Procedure Type:

Outpatient laser resurfacing or combined technique

Aftercare:

Gentle cleansing, prescribed ointments, sun protection

What is rhinophyma?

Rhinophyma is a progressive skin condition affecting the nose, characterised by thickened skin, irregular surface texture and visible enlarged pores. Over time, tissue overgrowth can change the shape of the nose and, in more advanced cases, restrict airflow around the nostrils.
It is a form of phymatous rosacea, in which the skin and oil-producing glands become enlarged. Other rosacea symptoms may be present, although not everyone has a previous rosacea diagnosis.
Alcohol is not a direct cause of rhinophyma. The condition should not be taken as a sign of excessive drinking.
For flushing, facial redness and other rosacea symptoms, see our rosacea treatment page.
Which areas can it treat?
Nasal tip: reduce thickening and excess bulk.
Nasal bridge: refine an uneven contour.
Nasal sides: address overgrowth affecting shape and symmetry.
Nostrils: reduce excess tissue around the openings where it causes obstruction.
Surrounding skin: consider the transition to adjacent skin when planning the result.

Who is rhinophyma treatment suitable for?

Treatment may help if thickened nasal skin is changing your appearance or affecting breathing through your nostrils. At your consultation, we assess the changes and discuss what you would like to improve. If redness is your main concern, rosacea treatment may be more appropriate.

We also review your medical history, medicines and any factors that could affect healing. An active infection may mean postponing treatment; poor healing or a history of raised scars may require a different approach.

Let us know when booking if an area is changing quickly, bleeding or failing to heal. It needs assessment before treatment, and further investigation may be necessary.

How we treat rhinophyma

We remove excess thickened tissue in a controlled way, a process called debulking, while preserving healthy skin as far as possible.

CO₂ laser is used for thicker, deeper areas of overgrowth and helps control bleeding. Erbium laser removes finer surface layers with less residual heat, allowing further smoothing. The two may be combined where both reshaping and surface refinement are needed.

For larger areas of overgrowth, we also use a scalpel to remove excess tissue before refining the shape with laser treatment.

Benefits of rhinophyma treatment

Treatment can reduce the bulky appearance of the nose and create a smoother surface with more balanced contours. Where excess tissue obstructs the nostrils, removing it may also improve breathing comfort.

These changes can help people feel more comfortable in photographs and everyday social situations. The aim is an improvement that suits your nasal shape, with realistic expectations about what can be achieved.

Consultation and treatment plan

1. Consultation and assessment

We examine your skin and discuss your concerns, medical history and previous treatment.

2. Your treatment plan

We explain the recommended method, likely result, recovery, risks and cost so you can decide whether to proceed.

3. Preparation and anaesthetic

You receive preparation instructions. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the treatment area.

4. Treatment day

Excess tissue is removed and the nasal contour refined. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis.

5. Aftercare and follow-up

You receive guidance for looking after your skin, with follow-up to check healing.

Recovery and aftercare

Healing varies with the amount of tissue removed and the depth of treatment. These stages are a guide; we will explain what to expect for your procedure.

Days 1–3

The treated skin is usually red, swollen and tender, and may ooze slightly. Follow the cleansing, ointment and dressing instructions provided by the clinic.

Days 4–7

Crusting or gentle peeling may develop. Allow this to come away naturally without picking or rubbing.

By Week 2

Some superficial areas may have healed, while deeper treatment can take several more weeks. Check with us before restarting make-up or your usual skincare.

Over the next month

The shape becomes clearer as swelling settles. Pinkness or redness fades gradually and may remain for several months.

Keep the area clean, use the recommended aftercare products and protect healing skin from the sun. We will advise when to resume your usual activities. Contact the clinic promptly if pain or redness increases, you notice discharge or you are concerned about healing.

Results, risks and recurrence

The final appearance develops as the skin heals. Some visible pores, unevenness or redness may remain, and further refinement is sometimes needed.

Alongside temporary redness, swelling and crusting, possible risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, scarring and changes in skin colour. Your individual risks are discussed before treatment.

Results can last for years, but rhinophyma can recur and further treatment may be needed. Removing excess tissue does not treat every aspect of rosacea; ongoing rosacea care may still be appropriate.

Side view of the nose before and after rhinophyma treatment at rtwskin

Before / after

Rhinophyma treatment in action

These examples show results achieved after one rhinophyma treatment at rtwskin. The amount of improvement and number of procedures needed vary between patients.

Rhinophyma treatment in action after result

Before After

Before picture of a female patient with rhinophyma and rosacea on the nose prior to laser treatment at rtwskin clinic in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

After picture showing smooth nose contours and successful rhinophyma laser reduction for a female patient at rtwskin clinic in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Before After

Rhinophyma treatment cost

Treatment category	Price per treatment
Mild rhinophyma	£900
Moderate rhinophyma	£1,800
Severe rhinophyma	£2,500

The first follow-up consultation is included in the treatment.

The extent of the changes and the treatment required determine your final price, which is confirmed after consultation.

Consultation: £175

See what our clients say

Don’t take our word for it… read some of the feedback received from clients

across the UK

Dr. Fatima made sure I felt comfortable and calmed my nerves when I went for a mole check and removal. Dr. Fatima provided an easy, pleasant experience and was lovely – I would recommend her to everyone! Thank you!

Anca
All the staff here are excellent. Professional, friendly and extremely knowledgable. I highly recommend.

N McKie
Dr Fatima is a super kind, caring person and fantastic doctor! I always contacted her when I had any skin issues. I definitely recommend her! Everything works brilliantly from booking appointment to the end of treatments.

HG

Read our reviews

Why choose rtwskin?

At rtwskin, treatment combines assessment of your skin with a choice of laser and tissue-removal techniques, followed by guidance through recovery. Our before-and-after photographs show examples of work carried out at the clinic.

“My aim is to reduce the excess tissue while keeping the result in proportion with the rest of your nose.” — Dr Fatima Ahmed

Book a rhinophyma consultation

If changes to your nose are affecting how you feel, we can help you understand your options. Book a consultation to discuss treatment, recovery and the likely cost.

Book a Rhinophyma Consultation

MEET OUR TEAM

Meet your treating doctor

Rhinophyma consultations and treatment are provided at our Tunbridge Wells clinic.

Dr. Fatima Ahmed
MBBS, DPD (UK)

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Financing your purchase

We’ve got you covered, as we have finance options available for people with varying circumstances. rtwskin believes that you shouldn’t have to pinch your pockets to be able to purchase our products. You can pay in affordable monthly instalments to better suit your needs and budget.

To help you purchase from rtwskin, we have partnered with Kandoo, a regulated credit broker to offer all our customers a range of highly flexible finance options. Kandoo is a comparison service that searches to find you the best Personal Loan option that’s right for you.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the early signs of rhinophyma?

Early changes can include more noticeable pores, small bumps and gradually thickening nasal skin. Redness alone does not confirm rhinophyma.

Can women develop rhinophyma?

Yes. Rhinophyma is more common in men, but women can also develop it.

Is rhinophyma treatment painful?

Local anaesthetic numbs the area. The injection can be uncomfortable, and some soreness is expected afterwards. We will advise on suitable pain relief.

How long does rhinophyma take to heal after treatment?

Healing usually takes several weeks, depending on the depth of treatment. Redness can last longer than surface healing; see the recovery guide above.

How many treatment sessions might be needed?

One procedure may be sufficient, as in the examples shown here. More extensive changes may need staged treatment or later refinement.

Can rhinophyma come back after treatment?

Yes. Treatment removes excess tissue, but further overgrowth is possible. Additional treatment may be needed in future.

When should I contact the clinic about rhinophyma?

Book an assessment if your nose is becoming thicker, uneven or persistently swollen. Mention rapid changes, bleeding, a non-healing sore or restricted nasal airflow when arranging your appointment.

What causes a bulbous nose?

A nose can look bulbous for different reasons. Rhinophyma is one possibility when the skin gradually thickens and the pores become more visible, often in people with rosacea. An assessment is needed to confirm the cause.