Rhinophyma Treatment · Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Rhinophyma Treatment in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
CO2 laser contouring for a thickened, enlarged or bulbous nose, usually as a single procedure under local anaesthetic. Every rhinophyma procedure here is performed by specialist dermatologist Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD.
Specialist consultations from $395 · No referral needed to book · Procedure priced after assessment and confirmed in writing · Medicare may apply · See fees
A dermatologist-led clinic, founded by Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD, who teaches laser to dermatologists and registrars. Rhinophyma contouring here is performed by Dr Mitch himself, never delegated.
Meet Dr MitchRhinophyma Treatment at a Glance
Rhinophyma Before and After Photos
Two patients of DERM Skin Specialists, both published with consent. The video plays automatically; tap the photo to see it larger.
BeforeAfter 12 weeksIndividual results vary. Results depend on the thickness of the tissue, your skin type and how you heal, and pinkness can take months to settle fully. All procedures carry risks; see the risks section below.
Send Us Photos of Your Nose
Want to know which rhinophyma treatment suits you and roughly what it costs? Fill in a short form, then reply to our text with a few photos. We'll be in touch ASAP about the right consult and a price guide.
Photo tips: front, both sides and one from below, in normal room light with no filters.
Photos help us guide you but don't replace a consultation. Price guides are estimates; your exact costs are confirmed at your consult. For adults 18 and over. Photos are stored securely by our messaging provider, Podium, which may store data outside Australia.
Can Rhinophyma Be Treated?
The short answer: yes. Established rhinophyma is treated by physically removing the extra tissue and reshaping the nose, most often with a CO2 laser. Creams and tablets help the rosacea behind it, but they rarely shrink a nose that has already thickened. For most people, rhinophyma treatment is a single procedure with 1 to 2 weeks of active healing.
Rhinophyma is the thickening of the skin of the nose that can develop with rosacea. Oil glands enlarge, the skin grows thicker and lumpier, and over years the nose becomes larger, redder and more bulbous.
At DERM Skin Specialists in Mount Gravatt, we treat rhinophyma as a medical condition, not a cosmetic one. Dr Mitch uses fully ablative CO2 laser to contour the nose, removing excess tissue layer by layer to restore a more natural shape. He performs every rhinophyma procedure himself.
We see patients from across Brisbane's southside, including Holland Park, Carindale and Sunnybank.
A one-off, with real downtime
What Results Can You Expect From Rhinophyma Treatment?
The aim is a smaller, smoother nose with a more natural outline, not perfect skin. The point isn't to polish the skin; it's to treat a progressive condition and restore a more normal contour. Most people get a long period of improvement from a single treatment. Occasionally a second, smaller procedure is considered to refine the shape.
The bulk comes off on the day. The surface heals over 1 to 2 weeks, and the nose keeps settling for several months as swelling and pinkness fade.
What the research says. In a review of 124 people treated with CO2 laser for rhinophyma, results were rated good to excellent in 118, and the result seen at 3 months held up over the long term (British Journal of Dermatology, 2009). A 2025 study of 11 men with moderate to major rhinophyma found 92% were highly satisfied and more than half breathed more easily through the nose afterwards (Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 2025). Both studies looked back at past patients at one centre, mostly fair-skinned men, so they can't predict your result.
What Is Rhinophyma, and What Causes It?
Rhinophyma is a form of rosacea that affects the nose. The oil glands and the connective tissue of the nose overgrow, so the skin becomes thick, firm and uneven. Pores look larger, the surface can become lumpy, and the tip and sides of the nose slowly enlarge. Small visible blood vessels and redness are common.
The exact cause isn't known. It is linked to rosacea and is much more common in men, usually from their 40s onwards. It can occur in women, but rarely.
Rhinophyma tends to progress slowly if it isn't treated. In some people the extra tissue narrows the nostrils and affects breathing, one reason it is treated as a medical condition.
Dr Mitch on Rhinophyma Surgery
"I see rhinophyma as a medical problem, not a cosmetic one. It creeps up over years. Most men don't talk about it, but they hear the comments, and it chips away at confidence."
"A lot of patients don't realise it can be managed very well."
From Dr Mitch's rhinophyma page.
Is Rhinophyma Caused by Alcohol?
No. The old nicknames, such as "drinker's nose", are wrong and unfair. Rhinophyma is linked to rosacea, not drinking, and plenty of people with it drink little or no alcohol.
Alcohol can make rosacea flushing worse, along with heat, sun, spicy food and hot drinks. Cutting back on your own triggers helps the redness, but it won't shrink thickened tissue.
The stigma is one reason many people put off seeing anyone for years. You don't need to explain anything at your consultation; we'll focus on what can be done.
Rosacea triggers to watch
- Sun exposure, all year in Brisbane
- Heat, hot showers and hard exercise in the heat
- Alcohol, especially red wine
- Spicy food and hot drinks
- Harsh scrubs and irritating skincare
Earlier is easier
What Are the Early Signs of Rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma builds slowly, and it is easier to manage when it is caught early. These are the signs that rosacea is starting to affect the shape of the nose.
Early
Persistent redness, visible small vessels, oily skin and larger-looking pores. The nose may feel slightly firmer, but the shape hasn't changed. Controlling the rosacea is the priority.
Moderate
The skin is clearly thicker, with an uneven, orange-peel or bumpy surface. The tip of the nose starts to look rounder or more bulbous.
Severe
Lumps and lobes of tissue change the outline of the nose, which may droop at the tip or narrow the nostrils. This is where laser contouring makes the biggest difference.
Shape first, then the rosacea
How Is Rhinophyma Treated? Laser, Surgery and Medical Options
Treatment usually has two parts: removing the extra tissue to restore shape, and keeping the underlying rosacea under control.
CO2 Laser Contouring
Our main treatment
- For moderate to severe rhinophyma
- Removes excess tissue and reshapes the nose
- Seals small blood vessels as it works
- Local anaesthetic nerve blocks
- Usually a single procedure
- Always performed by Dr Mitch
Surgical Shave
Sometimes combined
- Excess tissue is shaved or cut away
- Can remove a lot of bulk quickly
- Recovery can be longer
- The final contour can be less predictable
Rosacea Care
Before and after
- Prescription treatment from our dermatologists
- May slow early rhinophyma and reduce oiliness
- Limited effect once the nose has thickened
- Vascular laser for leftover redness and vessels
Laser or Surgery for Rhinophyma: Which Is Better?
Both remove the extra tissue. The difference is control. A fully ablative CO2 laser vaporises tissue in thin layers, so Dr Mitch can sculpt gradually and stop at the right depth. The laser also seals small blood vessels, which keeps bleeding down on a part of the face with a rich blood supply.
Traditional surgery, such as shaving or cutting away tissue with a blade, can remove bulk effectively. The recovery can be longer, and the final contour can be less predictable than resurfacing. In some very large noses, an initial shave followed by laser to refine the shape is the better plan. We'll talk through the pros and cons for your nose.
Some clinics use an erbium laser, which also removes tissue in layers but seals vessels less. Dr Mitch uses CO2 for rhinophyma; our erbium laser is used for other resurfacing. More on erbium laser.
When treatment may not suit you
- Your rosacea is flaring and not yet controlled
- You can't take 1–2 weeks for healing and reviews
- You have an active skin infection or cold sore
- You smoke heavily or have a condition that slows healing (we'll discuss)
- Your nose is only red, not thickened: vascular laser may suit better
What Happens at Your Rhinophyma Procedure?
From your first visit to your final review, here is what to expect at our Mount Gravatt clinic.
Your Rhinophyma Consultation
Dr Mitch confirms the diagnosis, checks for anything that needs a biopsy and explains what result is realistic for your nose and skin type. You get a written quote and a patient coordinator to organise your dates.
Procedure day
The nose is numbed with local anaesthetic nerve blocks, with additional pain relief options if you need them. Dr Mitch then contours the nose with the CO2 laser, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour. You go home the same day with a dressing and aftercare plan.
Healing reviews
We see you on day 1, 5, 7 and 14 to clean the nose and check for infection, with further reviews if needed. Later reviews check the final shape and any leftover redness.
Does Rhinophyma Treatment Hurt?
You'll feel the local anaesthetic going in, which is the most uncomfortable part for most people. After that, the nose is numb and you should feel pressure, warmth and the sound of the laser rather than pain.
The nose is numbed with local anaesthetic nerve blocks around the nose, plus numbing to the skin. Additional pain relief options are available on the day if you need them. If you're anxious about the procedure, tell us at your consultation and we'll plan your pain relief with you. Plan for someone to drive you home.
Pain afterwards is usually mild once the anaesthetic wears off, more like a sore graze for a few days. Simple pain relief is usually enough, and we'll tell you what to use.
Rhinophyma Recovery Day by Day
A typical recovery after CO2 laser contouring. Yours depends on how much tissue was removed and how your skin heals.
- Day 0. The nose is raw and oozing under ointment and a dressing.
- Days 1 to 5. Swelling and oozing peak, then start to settle. Gentle cleaning and ointment several times a day. Reviews on day 1 and day 5.
- Days 5 to 14. New skin grows over the surface and crusting clears. Reviews on day 7 and day 14. This is the active healing phase.
- Weeks 3 to 4. Most people look socially normal. The nose is pink and smooth, and makeup or tinted sunscreen can help.
- Up to 6 months. Background redness slowly fades and the shape keeps settling.
Most people take 1 to 2 weeks off work. Avoid sun, heat, swimming and hard exercise while the nose heals, then use SPF 50+ daily.
Before an event. Allow at least 4 to 6 weeks, and ideally 3 months, before a wedding, photos or travel. Many Brisbane patients book in the cooler months.
When to Call Us After Rhinophyma Surgery
- Increasing pain, heat or swelling after the first 2 to 3 days
- Yellow crusting, pus, a bad smell or a fever
- Bleeding that doesn't stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
- Blisters or clusters of sores, which can be a cold sore flare
- An area that isn't healing, or is getting thicker
Call 07 3487 1414. Outside hours, see your GP or go to an emergency department.
Rhinophyma Surgery Risks, and How We Reduce Them
All procedures carry risks. Here are the main ones after rhinophyma treatment and what we do about each.
Common, Short-Term Side Effects of Rhinophyma Surgery
- Swelling, oozing and crusting. Expected in the first 1 to 2 weeks. We review you on day 1, 5, 7 and 14 and give you a clear aftercare plan.
- Redness that lingers. Common for weeks and sometimes up to 6 months. Vascular laser can help if it persists.
- Some bulk left behind. Dr Mitch errs on the side of caution with depth. A second, smaller procedure is occasionally considered.
- Spots and tiny white bumps. Common while the skin heals. Gentle aftercare helps, and we treat them if needed.
Less Common Rhinophyma Surgery Risks
- Infection, including cold sore flares. Tell us if you get cold sores; we'll plan for it. Regular cleaning and reviews catch problems early.
- Scarring. Uncommon. Careful depth control and following aftercare reduce the risk.
- Lighter or darker patches of skin. More likely in olive and darker skin. We discuss your skin type and plan settings and sun protection around it.
- Rhinophyma returning. It can slowly come back over years. Ongoing rosacea care helps keep it away.
Olive and darker skin. The risk of colour change after deep laser is higher in olive, Asian, Middle Eastern, Indian and darker skin, and most published studies only include fair skin. Tell us if you tan easily or have had marks after cuts or past treatments.
If something doesn't heal as expected, you come back to us. Dr Mitch reviews any complication himself.
Does Rhinophyma Come Back After Treatment?
Results usually last a long time, but rhinophyma can slowly return over years, because the rosacea that caused it is a long-term condition. In a 2025 study following 16 people for an average of 15 months after CO2 laser, most kept their result, some had partial relapse and 8% had full recurrence by about 2.5 years (Lasers in Medical Science, 2025).
That's why we look after the rosacea as well as the nose. Our dermatologists, Dr Emily Shao, Dr Benny Yau and Dr Mitch, manage rosacea with prescription treatment where needed, before and after your procedure. More on rosacea.
Redness and visible vessels left after healing can be treated with the DermaV vascular laser, usually by our nurses with dermatologist review. More on DermaV.
How Much Does Rhinophyma Treatment Cost in Australia?
A specialist consultation with Dr Mitch starts from $395. Rhinophyma treatment is priced on assessment, because the cost depends on:
- How severe the rhinophyma is and how much tissue needs removing
- Whether laser alone or laser plus a surgical shave suits your nose
- The pain relief your plan needs
- Your healing reviews and aftercare
- Whether any Medicare rebate applies
After your consultation you get a written quote with the total cost, before you book. That's the number worth comparing between clinics, along with who actually performs the procedure and how often you'll be seen while you heal.
Honest advice. If your nose is mainly red rather than thickened, we'll tell you, and a less invasive option such as vascular laser may be enough. See our fees.
Is Rhinophyma Covered by Medicare?
Sometimes, in part. The Medicare Benefits Schedule includes item numbers for treating rhinophyma of a moderate or severe degree with CO2 or erbium laser, and for surgical shaving of rhinophyma. If your rhinophyma meets the criteria, you may get a partial Medicare rebate on the procedure fee. Mild rhinophyma may not qualify.
The rebate covers only part of a private specialist fee, so there is still an out-of-pocket cost. Dr Mitch confirms whether you're eligible at your consultation, and your written quote shows the expected rebate and the gap.
Private health. Private health insurance generally doesn't cover procedures done in the clinic rather than in hospital.
Bring to Your Rhinophyma Consultation
- A GP referral, for a Medicare rebate on the consultation
- Your Medicare card
- A list of your medicines and allergies
- Older photos of your nose, if you have them
Your dermatologist
Your Rhinophyma Dermatologist: Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD
Specialist Dermatologist · Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Dr Mitch assesses every rhinophyma patient and performs every CO2 laser contouring procedure himself, from assessment to the final laser pass. He also reviews you while you heal.
- Medical and laser dermatologyTreats rhinophyma as a medical condition, with the rosacea managed alongside
- Teaches laser to dermatologistsLectures on laser protocols and safety in Australia and Asia
- Fellowship training in laser surgeryPlus complex scarring and cutaneous oncology
Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Rhinophyma Treatment in Mount Gravatt
DERM Skin Specialists is at 2/1437 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, about 15 minutes' drive from the Brisbane CBD, with free parking onsite. Patients come from Upper Mount Gravatt, Mansfield, Wishart, Eight Mile Plains and across Brisbane's southside. If you live outside Brisbane, call us and we'll plan your consultation, procedure and reviews together.
Common Questions
Rhinophyma: Common Questions
Can rhinophyma be cured?
The thickened tissue can be removed and the nose reshaped, often for many years. The rosacea behind it is long term and needs ongoing care.
Can rhinophyma go away on its own or without a procedure?
No. Thickened tissue doesn't shrink on its own. Rosacea treatment can slow early changes, but restoring the shape needs a procedure.
Will creams or tablets shrink my nose?
Rarely, once the nose has thickened. Prescription rosacea treatment helps redness and oiliness, so it's often used alongside laser.
How long does the laser procedure take?
About 45 minutes to an hour, plus time for the anaesthetic to work. You go home the same day.
Is rhinophyma treatment done under general anaesthetic?
Not here. It's done in our clinic under local anaesthetic nerve blocks and numbing, with additional pain relief options if you need them.
How much time off work will I need?
Most people take 1 to 2 weeks off, which covers the active healing phase and your early reviews.
When will my nose look normal?
Most people look socially normal by about 3 to 4 weeks. Background pinkness can take up to 6 months to fade fully.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually one. Occasionally a second, smaller procedure is considered to refine the shape, depending on severity and how you heal.
How long before an event should I book?
Allow at least 4 to 6 weeks, and ideally 3 months, so swelling and pinkness have time to settle.
Who performs rhinophyma treatment at DERM Skin Specialists?
Dr Mitch Robinson, a specialist dermatologist (FACD), performs every rhinophyma procedure. It is never delegated to a nurse.
What does rhinophyma treatment cost in Brisbane?
A specialist consultation starts from $395. The procedure is priced on assessment, and you get the total cost in writing before you book. See fees.
Does Medicare pay anything towards rhinophyma laser?
It may. Medicare has item numbers for CO2 or erbium laser treatment of moderate or severe rhinophyma, and for surgical shaving. The rebate covers only part of the fee, and we confirm eligibility at your consultation.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed to book. A valid referral, usually from your GP, is needed for a Medicare rebate on your consultation.
Does private health insurance cover rhinophyma surgery?
Generally not for procedures done in the clinic rather than in hospital. Check with your fund.
Do women get rhinophyma?
Yes, but rarely. It is far more common in men, usually from middle age, and is treated the same way.
Can rhinophyma affect breathing?
It can, when thickened tissue narrows the nostrils. Some people breathe more easily after contouring.
Can a skin cancer hide in rhinophyma?
Rarely, a skin cancer can develop in thickened nose skin. Dr Mitch examines the nose carefully before treatment and will biopsy anything that looks unusual. More on skin checks.
Is a bulbous nose always rhinophyma?
No. A large or rounded nose can simply be its natural shape. Rhinophyma is thickened, often red and uneven skin, diagnosed by a dermatologist.
Find Out What Can Be Done for Your Nose
Book a consultation with Dr Mitch. He'll confirm the diagnosis, explain what result is realistic, talk you through the recovery and give you a written quote, including any Medicare rebate, before you decide.
Not ready to book? Send us photos first for a consult and price guide.
Clinical content overseen by Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD (AHPRA MED0001946771). Updated October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. All procedures carry risks; suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.