Good cosmetic outcomes are possible using fractionated ablative carbon dioxide laser therapy for mild-to-moderate cases of rhinophyma, according to research published online Oct. 5 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.

(HealthDay)—Good cosmetic outcomes are possible using fractionated ablative carbon dioxide laser therapy for mild-to-moderate cases of rhinophyma, according to research published online Oct. 5 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.

Kathryn L. Serowka, M.D., of the University of California in Irvine, and colleagues reported treatment of mild-to-moderate rhinophyma in five patients using aggressive parameters with fractionated ablative laser therapy.

The researchers found that all of the patients, who had relatively mild-to-moderate signs of rhinophyma, tolerated the well. Reepithelialization and self-limited edema and erythema occurred at four to seven days. No adverse events were reported. Patients and physicians observed improved appearance without the typical scarring caused by most other treatments.

"We were able to demonstrate good improvement in texture, color, and size of mild-to-moderate rhinophyma treated with ablative fractionated ," the authors write.

Two authors disclosed financial ties to medical device companies.