If you’ve recently had rhinophyma surgery or you’re preparing for it you may be wondering what happens to the skin afterward. While surgery removes excess tissue and reshapes the nose, it often leaves behind temporary redness, surface textural changes, or mild scarring as the skin heals.
This is completely normal. Rhinophyma is a complex condition, and the skin often needs time to settle even after successful debulking or contouring. But this healing phase can raise questions, especially if you want smoother, clearer, more natural-looking skin in the long run.
The good news is that dermatologists have several highly effective ways to reduce redness, minimise scarring, improve skin texture, and refine the final appearance of your nose. From vascular lasers and resurfacing to silicone gels and pigmentation control, expert-led aftercare plays a huge role in your long-term outcome.
In this detailed guide, I’ll explain why redness and scarring occur, what treatments can improve them, what realistic healing looks like, and how a specialist such as those in a trusted Rhinophyma clinic in London can guide you through every step of your recovery.
Why Redness and Scarring Happen After Rhinophyma Surgery
Rhinophyma surgery removes thickened, enlarged sebaceous tissue, reshapes the nose, and restores a more natural contour. But because this condition affects both the skin and the underlying soft tissue, the surface can look irritated or uneven during healing.
The most common post-surgery issues include:
1. Redness (Erythema)
This happens because:
- blood vessels are dilated
- the skin is inflamed from surgery
- capillaries sit closer to the surface
Redness is a normal part of healing but can linger for months without treatment.
2. Surface Irregularities
After tissue reduction, you may notice:
- small bumps
- mild roughness
- visible pores
- uneven texture
Your skin’s surface often needs time and treatment to smooth out.
3. Scar Formation
Although most rhinophyma surgeries focus on avoiding deep scars, the skin may still form:
- fine lines
- small textural dips
- raised areas
- firm scar tissue under the surface
Scar prevention and management is essential during the first months of recovery.
4. Pigment Changes
Skin may temporarily appear:
- pink
- red
- darker (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- lighter (hypopigmentation)
This often settles with time but can be supported with treatment.
How Dermatologists Minimise Long-Term Scarring and Redness
Dermatologists have access to specialised tools that significantly improve rhinophyma post-surgical appearance. Each option targets a specific type of redness, scarring, or pigmentation, improving the skin gradually and safely.
Let’s explore each category.
1. Vascular Lasers to Reduce Redness and Visible Blood Vessels
Vascular lasers are often the first-line treatment for redness after rhinophyma surgery. They target blood vessels without harming the surrounding skin.
Common vascular lasers include:
- Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
- KTP laser
- Nd:YAG laser (low-energy settings)
How they help:
Reduce persistent redness
The laser heats and collapses tiny broken blood vessels responsible for the pink or red tone.
Fade visible surface veins
Many people have thread veins across the nose after rhinophyma treatment; vascular lasers remove these quickly.
Support healthier healing
Less inflammation leads to smoother and more even-textured skin long-term.
Improve overall skin tone
The nose looks more natural and less inflamed as the vessels shrink.
What to expect:
- mild warmth during treatment
- no downtime for most vascular lasers
- 2–5 sessions spaced a few weeks apart
For many patients, vascular lasers make the biggest difference in returning the skin to a normal colour and reducing post-surgery flushing.
2. Skin Resurfacing to Smooth Texture and Improve Scarring
Resurfacing is essential for improving rhinophyma-related textural changes. This includes both surgical resurfacing techniques and energy-based devices.
Most effective options include:
A. Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing
This is the gold standard for improving the rough, bumpy surface that rhinophyma often leaves behind.
Smooths uneven texture
CO2 laser removes the top layers of damaged skin, allowing healthier skin to regrow.
Stimulates collagen
This helps soften scars, reduce dips, and improve firmness.
Refines pore size
Large sebaceous glands can be minimised with CO2 resurfacing.
Creates more uniform skin
The nose looks smoother and more natural.
You may need 1–3 sessions depending on the severity of textural changes.
B. Er:YAG Laser Resurfacing
This is a gentler alternative to CO2. It’s ideal for:
- mild texture changes
- lighter scarring
- patients needing shorter downtime
C. Fractional Laser Resurfacing
This includes fractional CO2 or fractional Er:YAG.
Benefits:
- controlled collagen stimulation
- quicker healing
- can be repeated more often
- great for mild to moderate texture issues
D. Microneedling
Microneedling is helpful when:
- scarring is mild
- resurfacing needs to be gradual
- laser isn’t suitable for your skin type
The small needles trigger collagen production and improve surface smoothness.
3. Silicone Gels and Scar-Care Products
Topical scar treatments shouldn’t be overlooked. They support the healing process and reduce the formation of visible, raised, or firm scars.
How silicone-based treatments help:
- prevent excessive scar tissue
- soften raised scars
- reduce redness
- flatten uneven areas
- improve texture
Silicone gels and silicone sheets are often recommended for daily use during early healing. Dermatologists may pair them with clinical treatments for optimal results.
4. Pigment-Correction Treatments
Some patients experience hyperpigmentation or lingering pinkness long after the surface has healed. Dermatologists often use pigment-correcting treatments to even out colour and improve confidence.
Options include:
Topical retinoids
These increase cell turnover and fade discolouration.
Azelaic acid
Helps with rosacea-related redness and pigmentation.
Pigment-suppressing creams
Ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, or arbutin help lighten dark areas.
Chemical peels
Superficial peels (glycolic or lactic acid) can brighten the skin over time.
Pigment control is especially important in darker skin types where discolouration lasts longer without targeted support.
5. LED Light Therapy to Reduce Redness and Inflammation
LED red-light therapy is a gentle but effective way to reduce inflammation and support long-term skin healing.
Benefits include:
- calming redness
- supporting collagen repair
- improving skin tone
- reducing post-procedure sensitivity
It is often used between stronger treatments to maintain progress.
6. Post-Surgery Skincare Routine Recommended by Dermatologists
Proper skincare after rhinophyma surgery makes a huge difference in long-term healing.
A typical dermatologist-led routine may include:
1. Gentle cleanser
Avoid scrubbing or exfoliation.
2. Hydrating serum
Restores moisture and barrier strength.
3. Non-greasy moisturiser
Supports healing without clogging pores.
4. Anti-redness ingredients
Niacinamide is especially helpful.
5. Silicone gel or sheet
For scar prevention.
6. High SPF sunscreen (factor 50+)
Skin is vulnerable to pigmentation after treatment.
7. Retinoids (after healing)
Used later to help smooth texture.
Dermatologists create a personalised routine based on your skin type and severity of post-surgery changes.
7. When to Start Redness and Scar Treatments After Rhinophyma Surgery
Timing matters. Dermatologists never rush into laser or resurfacing treatments until the skin has stabilised.
Typical timeline:
Weeks 1–4: Early healing
Focus on:
- wound care
- moisturisers
- sun protection
Avoid lasers or resurfacing.
Months 1–3: Treating early redness
Vascular lasers can begin.
Months 3–6: Texture refinement
CO2 laser or fractional resurfacing may be introduced.
Months 6 onward: Final refinement
Pigment correction and deeper resurfacing can continue if needed.
This gradual approach gives you the safest path to smoother, more even-toned skin.
How Dermatologists Create a Personalised Treatment Plan
Every case of rhinophyma is different. Some people have more redness, others have more scarring, and others have both. Dermatologists evaluate your skin carefully before designing a tailored plan.
Your plan may include:
- vascular lasers for redness
- resurfacing for texture
- chemical peels for pigmentation
- silicone gels for scars
- LED therapy for inflammation
- medical skincare maintenance
- yearly follow-up treatments
The goal is always a natural, non-operated appearance.
If you’re unsure where to start, it’s worth booking a consultation at a specialist Rhinophyma clinic in London where dermatologists can evaluate your skin and create the right plan for you.
Final Thoughts: Clearer Skin, Smoother Recovery
Recovering from rhinophyma surgery can feel like a long journey, especially when redness, texture changes, or mild scarring continue to settle in. But with the right dermatological care, you can dramatically improve how your skin heals and how your nose looks over time. From vascular lasers and resurfacing to pigment correction and silicone-based scar care, today’s treatments are designed to refine, restore, and help your skin achieve its best possible result.
Every patient heals differently, which is why expert guidance makes such a difference. A specialist team can assess what your skin needs at each stage whether that’s reducing persistent redness, smoothing bumps, or evening out pigmentation and personalise a plan around your goals.
If you’re considering Rhinophyma clinic in London, you can get in touch with us at the London Dermatology Centre for tailored advice and a long-term approach that supports clearer, healthier-looking skin.
References:
1. Aleisa, A. & Aljasser, M.I., 2022. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Pathogenesis and management. Dermatopathology, 9(2), pp.215–223. https://www.mdpi.com/2296-3529/9/2/28
2. Majid, I., 2009. Microneedling therapy in atrophic facial scars: An objective assessment. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2(1), pp.26–30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2884808/
3. Alster, T.S. & Lupton, J.R., 2001. Lasers in dermatology: An overview of CO₂ resurfacing for scar and texture improvement. Dermatologic Clinics, 19(3), pp.453–466. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11430106/
4. Ponomarev, I.V., Topchiy, S.B., Klyuchareva, S.V. & Pushkareva, A.E. (2019) ‘Rhinophyma treatment by copper vapor laser with the computerized scanner’, J Lasers Med Sci., 10(2), pp. 153-156. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6499565/
5. el-Azhary, R.A., Roenigk, R.K. & Wang, T.D. (1991) ‘Spectrum of results after treatment of rhinophyma with the carbon dioxide laser’, Mayo Clin Proc., 66(9), pp. 899-905. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1921499/