Dr. de Clermont-TonnerrePlastic Surgeon

PARIS 16TH & PONTOISE (95)

Rhinophyma

Surgical treatment of the bulbous nose — Paris 16th & Pontoise

Rhinophyma is a severe form of rosacea that deforms the nose, giving it a thick, red, and nodular appearance. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre offers precise surgical treatment — dermabrasion, CO₂ laser, or excision — to reshape the nose and restore a harmonious contour.

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STEP BY STEP

Procedure overview

  1. 01

    Consultation

    Clinical assessment of the rhinophyma (extent, thickness, skin type). Discussion of the appropriate technique and expected result. Pre-operative photographs.

  2. 02

    Pre-operative assessment

    Blood tests. Anaesthetist consultation. Mandatory 15-day reflection period before any aesthetic procedure.

  3. 03

    Procedure

    Local or general anaesthesia depending on extent. Scalpel dermabrasion, CO₂ laser, or electrosurgery to remove excess tissue and reshape the nasal surface. Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.

  4. 04

    Immediate recovery

    Protective dressing for 7 to 10 days. Redness and peeling are normal during the first few weeks. Time off work: 7 to 14 days depending on activity.

  5. 05

    Definitive result

    Assessment at 3–6 months. Dermatological follow-up recommended to maintain the result long-term.

In practice

DURATION
30 min to 1h30
ANAESTHESIA
Local or general
HOSPITAL STAY
Day surgery
TIME OFF WORK
7 to 14 days
DEFINITIVE RESULT
3 to 6 months
REIMBURSEMENT
Possible (medical criteria)

Advantages

  • —Visible and lasting result
  • —Technique adapted to each case
  • —Natural healing by re-epithelialisation
  • —Possible Social Security reimbursement
  • —Marked improvement in quality of life

Risks

  • —Prolonged redness (several weeks)
  • —Hypertrophic scar (rare)
  • —Recurrence if underlying rosacea is not medically treated
  • —Insufficient correction requiring a touch-up
  • —Transient dyschromia

Expected results

The nose regains a smooth contour and natural proportions. The red, nodular appearance gradually disappears as healing progresses. The result is assessed at 3–6 months and can be significantly improved by ongoing dermatological treatment of the underlying rosacea.

Résultats

Avant / Après

Rhinophyma

Photos de patients du Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre, partagées avec leur accord. Les résultats varient selon les individus et leur morphologie.

Before and after rhinophyma — surgical treatment of the nose — Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre Paris

Frequently asked questions

What is rhinophyma?+
Rhinophyma is a severe form of rosacea affecting the nose. The skin becomes thick, irregular, red, and nodular, giving the nose a characteristic bulbous appearance. It most commonly occurs in men over the age of 40. Treatment is surgical — rhinophyma cannot be cured by creams or medication alone.
What surgical technique is used?+
Depending on the extent of the condition, Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre uses scalpel dermabrasion, CO₂ laser, or electrosurgery. These techniques remove the excess fibrotic tissue and reshape the surface of the nose to restore a harmonious contour. In most cases, a single session is sufficient.
Are there scars after the procedure?+
The nose heals by re-epithelialisation (natural surface healing). Scarring is minimal because the techniques used preserve the deep sebaceous glands that allow skin regrowth. The final result is assessed at 3–6 months.
Is rhinophyma treatment reimbursed?+
Treatment of rhinophyma may be partially reimbursed by French Health Insurance when performed for a functional reason or in cases of severe rhinophyma that obstructs breathing. A personalised quote and prior agreement are established at the consultation.
What is the recovery like?+
After the procedure, the nose is protected by a dressing for 7 to 10 days. Redness (erythema) and peeling are normal during the first few weeks. A return to everyday activities is possible within a few days. Strict sun protection is essential for 3 months.
Can rhinophyma recur?+
Partial recurrence is possible if the underlying rosacea is not treated medically. Regular dermatological follow-up with appropriate medical treatment (topical antibiotics, low-dose isotretinoin) helps maintain the result over time.
Can rhinophyma treatment be combined with rhinoplasty?+
Yes, in certain cases a functional or aesthetic rhinoplasty can be combined with rhinophyma treatment in a single surgical procedure. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre assesses this possibility at the consultation depending on the patient's anatomy and wishes.
What is the cost of rhinophyma treatment?+
The fee varies depending on the extent of the rhinophyma and the technique used. A detailed quote is systematically provided at the consultation. Partial reimbursement by French Health Insurance is possible based on medical criteria. Contact the practice for an initial enquiry.

Patient testimonials

★★★★★

“I had been suffering from significant rhinophyma for years, which was a great source of self-consciousness. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre performed a remarkable procedure. The result is natural and my quality of life has radically changed.”

Michel

★★★★★

“Excellent care for my rhinophyma. The doctor explained the technique and recovery very clearly. A remarkable result from the very first week after healing.”

François

See also

Rhinoplasty→Facelift→Mole removal→Keloid scars→

Consult Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre

Paris 16th practice — 56 avenue Victor Hugo, 75016 Paris
Clinique Sainte-Marie — Osny (95)

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