Northern Virginia & Washington DC
Rhinophyma is more than just a cosmetic concern—it’s a medical condition that can impact your confidence, comfort, and even your breathing.
At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute in the Washington, D.C. area, rhinophyma reduction is a focused procedure designed to remove excess tissue, refine the nose’s shape, and restore smoother, more natural-looking skin. Whether your rhinophyma is in the early stages or more advanced, Dr. George Bitar offers advanced surgical and nonsurgical techniques to help you breathe easier, feel more confident, and get back to feeling like yourself again, without the distraction of thickened skin drawing unwanted attention.
Pain Level After Surgery
Moderate-Severe
Anesthesia
Local, Heavy Sedation or General
Duration of Surgery
1 Hour
Scars
None
Final Results
6-12 Months
Return to Regular Work
1 Week
Resume Exercise
4 Weeks
Price Range
Call for Pricing
Rhinophyma, or the red, bulbous nose features commonly seen in older men, is an eminently treatable medical condition. This condition, which is caused by an overgrowth of the sebaceous or oily glands of the nose, is an end result of the common skin condition Rosacea. Rosacea affects approximately 14 million Americans and is characterized by diffuse redness and capillaries of the central zone of the face, including the forehead, nose, eyelids, cheeks, and chin. Bacteria and overactive sebaceous glands also contribute to the formation of pustules and nodules. Over time, untreated Rosacea can lead to the overgrowth of sebaceous glands, particularly on the nose, resulting in the characteristic condition of Rhinophyma.
Optimal treatment of this condition always starts with prevention. Retinoid creams, as well as topical antibiotics like Metrogel,® are the most commonly prescribed medications. Occasionally, oral antibiotics are prescribed during acute breakouts. Additional preventive measures include wearing sunscreen, topical Vitamin C, and avoiding exacerbating foods, alcohol, extreme weather conditions, and stress. The “old wives” tale that excess alcohol consumption causes Rhinophyma comes from the flushing of the overactive blood vessels of the face and nose characteristic of alcohol use. The TrA series typically treats the redness and ruddy appearance of the skin with non-ablative Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments or several different wavelengths of lasers that target the red blood cell components in the skin.
Correction of the bulbous appearance of the nose involves a series of different resurfacing procedures. Dermabrasion, electro-surgery, and laser resurfacing are the most commonly used procedures to smooth the texture of the nose back to its normal state. These procedures are typically done under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia as an outpatient.
For the right patient, Rhinophyma reduction can be an extremely gratifying operation. The advantages include natural-looking results, long-term skin enhancement for a typically challenging problem, and no scarring from the procedure itself. This procedure takes about one hour to complete.
Ideal candidates for rhinophyma reduction are individuals experiencing visible thickening or deformity of the nose due to rosacea. While it most commonly affects men in middle to later life, anyone with advanced rhinophyma who is in good general health may be considered for surgery. Candidates should have realistic expectations and be willing to follow all pre- and post-operative care instructions. If you’ve found that topical or non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief or improvement, this procedure may be a more definitive solution.
An initial consultation is scheduled, during which we discuss the various treatment options available for Rhinophyma and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery. Alternatives may be discussed as well.
Your medical history will be reviewed, and you will be asked to see your medical doctor for a physical check-up and a few laboratory tests to ensure you can undergo the surgery safely. You are given the opportunity to be seen by your own doctor to obtain clearance for surgery. You are asked to stop smoking, if you are a smoker, two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, for the surgery to be performed safely, and for you to have optimal results. You are given the opportunity to speak with patients who have undergone the same surgery you are considering.
We will see you shortly after the surgery (in a day or two, usually). You are seen regularly after your surgery. You are always welcome to return for a follow-up, even years after your surgery, at no additional charge. You will need several products for post-procedure care, and a shopping list will be provided to assist you. Alternatively, procedure kits can be purchased in the office.
The procedure is straightforward and relatively simple. A patient deemed a good candidate for this procedure is given antibiotics and anesthetized in the operating room or office. The nose and surrounding skin are injected with local anesthetic to decrease bleeding and for postoperative comfort. Next, the chosen device is used to peel off the skin and to shape the nose into its final form.
The initial result appears as though that area has been ‘sandpapered”. An occlusive dressing is placed on the raw surface area and used for about a week until new skin regenerates. The skin is pink for a few weeks and then gradually returns to its natural and vibrant appearance. Patients are cautioned to avoid strenuous activity for the first few weeks after this procedure, as the new skin is fragile and is still forming. Maintenance of the result involves the use of topical rosacea treatments, such as retinoids, antibiotic gels, and IPL treatments, to manage the regrowth of capillaries.
Our office will provide a comprehensive post-operative plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The plan will outline what to expect postoperatively, including estimated recovery time, pain management, garments or dressings, and anticipated activity level. For your safety, we require that an adult stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery and drive you to your next day follow-up visit. With most facial procedures, you will be instructed to limit activity for the first week or two, which could include restrictions on driving, prolonged travel, and flying. Additionally, we recommend that you refrain from exercise until cleared by your physician, typically around four weeks post-surgery. You are asked to refrain from smoking for a minimum of two weeks. To optimize healing, we recommend that you eat a high-protein diet. You should anticipate a variable degree of bruising and swelling, as with any surgical procedure; light make-up may be used to cover bruises starting a week after surgery. We also offer scar creams at an additional cost to optimize results.
To promote healing and minimize complications, you will be seen in a series of post-op appointments, including the day after surgery. These appointments will continue throughout the first year after the procedure to make sure you are healing as planned. For your added convenience, you also have direct access to Dr. Bitar’s cell phone number, should you need to reach him outside of office hours. The final post-operative visit, one year after surgery, is one of our favorites, as the results are fully apparent, and we love seeing our patients happy. You are always welcome to return and visit us, even years after your surgery.
At our practice, we’re proud to be one of the few in the area offering Elixir MD, a cutting-edge LED-based device specifically designed to accelerate healing after cosmetic surgery. Elixir MD stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances circulation, dramatically shortening recovery time and improving surgical outcomes. This advanced technology sets our practice apart, offering patients a faster, more comfortable healing experience with visibly better results.
At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in providing our patients with the best possible surgical experience, emphasizing patient safety while striving to optimize surgical results. This process includes comprehensive pre-operative preparation and patient education, the development of a personalized operative plan, and a thoughtful post-operative care regimen that emphasizes patient comfort and promotes recovery.
The Institute has adopted several strategies to further ensure patient safety. We are selective and only offer surgery to patients whose overall health and lifestyle choices allow for healing and facilitate recovery. To minimize risk, we require a comprehensive preoperative assessment that includes a thorough history and physical examination, as well as targeted laboratory tests.
We operate at accredited hospitals and surgery centers that have demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of care, employing board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses. We adhere to well-established surgical principles designed to ensure patient safety and have developed policies and protocols to minimize the risk of infection. Dr. Bitar is committed to continuing education, honing their skills, and introducing new techniques, always with the aim of improving safety and surgical results.
We emphasize patient safety in our peri-operative care plan, advocating early mobilization, optimizing nutrition, and providing detailed care instructions. After surgery, patients are seen in our office frequently and early, starting the day after their procedure, and a staff member is available around the clock for any questions or concerns. Our entire team is dedicated to our patients’ well-being, and every measure is designed to minimize potential complications, promote a comfortable and rapid recovery, and optimize surgical outcomes.
Our commitment to excellence and exceptional patient care is in every step of your doctor-patient experience. Dr. George Bitar, based in the Washington D.C. area, is a distinguished, board-certified plastic surgeon who stays on the cutting edge of advancements in cosmetic surgery and technology to deliver the best possible results. With a blend of artistry and meticulous surgical technique, he achieves beautiful and natural results for our patients. We provide a high level of patient safety, and our experienced and caring staff will be with you every step of the way. Our institute offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical options, including skin care, injectables, and lasers, as well as in-office and hospital procedures, providing a versatile approach tailored to individual patient needs. Your aesthetic goals are our top priority, and each procedure is carefully customized to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
The cost of a rhinophyma reduction procedure in Fairfax, VA, and the greater Washington, D.C. area ranges from $7,500 to $10,000.
During your consultation at the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, you’ll receive a personalized quote that reflects the complexity of your case and your specific treatment plan.
If you’ve been living with rhinophyma and are ready to take the next step toward clearer, more confident skin, scheduling a consultation with Dr. George Bitar in the Washington, D.C. area is the best place to start. Dr. Bitar brings over two decades of expertise, along with a thoughtful and meticulous approach that prioritizes both aesthetic goals and overall health. Our team is here to answer your questions, guide you through your options, and make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Call us today at (703) 206-0506 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
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“Natural beauty but doing a little somethin’ somethin’ to make beautiful features pop is what the Model Lift™ accomplishes.”
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Dr. George Bitar
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