Usually, in our society, people believe that reaching the age of 75 is itself a milestone. Any years lived beyond that are often seen as a “bonus.” While opinions may vary, if someone at that age expresses interest in cosmetic surgery, they’re often met with ridicule—both the patient and the surgeon may be judged.

But what if your nose had been changing for over 20 years—thickened, disfigured skin accumulating day by day, hiding the natural shape of your nose? What if you had lived with this growing deformity, accepting it as your fate with no hope for a cure? And then, one day, you discover someone with a similar condition who underwent a treatment and now looks normal—wouldn't you chase that same possibility, regardless of your age?

Exactly. Age is never a barrier to the basic human desire of looking presentable. This is not about enhancing beauty; it’s about restoring normalcy to a severely distorted appearance. As plastic surgeons, we understand this desire—sometimes even more than the patient’s own family—and we always respect it.

With that in mind, I’d like to share a recent case where we treated a 62-year-old gentleman with rhinophyma.

Rhinophyma, often referred to as the “potato tumor” of the nose, is caused by overactive sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. These glands enlarge over time, making the nose appear bulky and misshapen. No medication can stop their growth. Without surgical intervention, the nose continues to distort, severely affecting the person's facial appearance.

For plastic surgeons, rhinophyma surgery is fairly straightforward. We carefully shave off the excess tissue until we reach normal skin. The treated surface is then smoothed using either a carbon dioxide laser or radiofrequency cautery. The skin usually heals on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. During this healing phase, daily dressing changes are necessary.

The 62-year-old patient we treated had a moderately deformed nose and came from a tier-2 city, over 150 kilometers away from Ahmedabad. Just one month after surgery, his nose began to look nearly normal. When he visited his nearby village, his results caught the attention of a 75-year-old man with a more severe case of rhinophyma.

For this elderly man, the transformation he witnessed felt like a miracle. He had long believed there was no treatment for his condition. Encouraged by the results and supported by his family, he reached out to us. Within a few days, he came prepared with the necessary investigations and was ready for surgery—with a strong hope for a cure.

When we asked him if he would like us to remove other facial skin lesions—like tags, warts, and irregular patches—his response was simple: “Do whatever you think is right. I’m sure it will only make me look better.”

We proceeded with the surgery. We shaved the large rhinophyma and treated other superficial skin irregularities using radiofrequency ablation. He stayed at the hospital for two days and was discharged with clear instructions for aftercare and dressing changes.

When he came for a follow-up visit 1.5 months later, it was a moment of joy for both him and our team. His facial appearance had dramatically improved. But more than that, his entire body language had changed. Even his photos reflected the transformation.

Inspired by his journey, I felt compelled to write and share this story, because age should never limit someone’s chance to regain confidence and dignity through medical care.

Conclusion

This incredible saga of a patient who is 75 years of age is one that proves your age should not be a reason to stop you from regaining your confidence and well-being. At Cutis Hospital, our belief is everyone should feel great about themselves, independent of their age. It is our privilege to provide life altering changes in the form of plastic and cosmetic surgery to whoever needs it.

Having trouble with rhinophyma or any issue? Don't wait.
Contact our experienced team at Cutis Hospital, Ahmedabad, for consultation and discover safe, effective plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures to restore appearance and confidence.