If you’ve noticed enlarged, shiny, yellowish bumps on your nose, you may have sebaceous hyperplasia. Although people of all ages can be affected by the condition, it’s most prevalent in those middle-aged and older. It affects men more than women.
Hard working glands
There are glands in the skin known as sebaceous glands, which secrete oil called sebum. They’re normally associated with oily hair and skin. They have the important job of keeping skin from becoming dry and irritated, but can sometimes work overtime, causing various conditions, one of which is sebaceous hyperplasia. The condition mainly affects the nose, forehead and cheeks.
Challenging but positive outcomes
Rhinoplasty is not skin surgery. It’s meant to sculpt nasal bone and cartilage. Those with sebaceous hyperplasia on their noses tend to have thicker skin, making rhinoplasty a bit more challenging, although very doable with good outcomes. Since patient situations are different, rhinoplasty, too, is individualized.
A different take on surgery
The surgical strategy will more than likely change for those who have thicker skin on their noses (those with sebaceous hyperplasia usually have this). In this case, the surgeon may focus on contouring the nose rather than literally changing its size. Your surgeon may also be able to thin out or “de-fat” the under surface skin of the nose. Whatever your situation, a specialist in rhinoplasty like Dr. Oakley Smith, will be able to give you the answers for your particular situation.
Get an idea beforehand
With the help of computer imaging, patients with different conditions will get a picture of what surgery might do for them. Seeing what you’re likely to get post surgery will help you decide how to proceed. Since people with sebaceous hyperplasia particularly want to see improvements in the tips of their noses after surgery, computer imaging is an important part of the surgical process.
What you might consider prior to surgery
Your dermatologist may suggest Accutane. As with all medications, there are risks. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Accutane can thin out the skin and calm angry sebaceous glands. You’ll have to wait at least six months after taking Accutane to have any kind of surgery.
If you have sebaceous hyperplasia and are considering rhinoplasty, call Dr. Oakley Smith’s office to set up a consultation. After he examines you, he will tell you what you’ll be able to expect from surgery.