Acellular dermal matrix for rhinophyma: Is it worth it? A new case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION: nasal reconstruction after rhinophyma surgery could be challenging. In the last decade, some authors proposed the use of dermal substitutes, but only few case reports have been described throughout the Literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: we described a new case of severe and disfiguring rhinophyma treated by total excision and a two-step reconstruction by using acellular dermal matrix and subsequent full-thickness skin graft. Despite an overall improvement of the nasal shape and a good functional recovery were observed after 12 months of follow-up, the aesthetic outcome was not satisfactory and the patient required further surgical revisions. DISCUSSION: the use of ADMs in rhinophyma poses some important aspects to be discussed. The resorption rate of the matrix and retraction rate of the skin graft make the final thickness of the neodermis unpredictable. Moreover the location of phymatous lesions and the extent of the surgical removal may strongly impact the final aesthetic outcome, often leading to a multistep procedure and patient dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: although we believe that ADM represents a simple and reliable alternative for surgical reconstruction after rhinophyma, basing on our clinical experience we suggested some important tips and tricks in order to avoid surgical revisions, and both surgeons and patients should be aware about the potential drawbacks of this technique.