Laser treatment for rhinophyma
A systematic review
Keywords:
Rhinophyma, Management, Laser CO2, Er:YAG, Systematic reviewAbstract
Background & objectives: Rhinophyma is a severe subtype of rosacea that leads to significant cosmetic and functional issues, greatly affecting patients’ quality of life. Traditional surgical options for rhinophyma, though effective, often come with drawbacks such as scarring and long recovery times. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and patient outcomes of laser treatments for managing rhinophyma. Methods: A thorough search across four databases identified 400 relevant publications. After removing duplicates using Rayyan QCRI and screening for relevance, 55 full-text articles were reviewed, with 8 studies ultimately meeting the criteria for inclusion. Results: Of the 8 studies, 5 were case series and 3 were retrospective cohort studies. Four studies focused on CO2 lasers, showing positive aesthetic improvements, high levels of patient satisfaction, and minimal side effects. Er:YAG lasers, discussed in three studies, were noted for their precision, lower complication rates, and quicker recovery times compared to CO2 lasers. One study explored a combination of both lasers and reported effective outcomes with minimal bleeding and improved cosmetic results. Conclusion: CO2 and Er:YAG lasers appear to be safe and effective alternatives to surgery for treating rhinophyma, with both techniques offering high patient satisfaction and fewer complications.
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