When most people think of getting older, they picture a few wrinkles, maybe some grey hairs, and a slower pace of life. But for one Scottish grandad, the passing years brought something much more unexpected — a nose that wouldn’t stop growing.
68-year-old Gerard McAliece from Kilmacolm, Scotland, first noticed subtle changes in his nose about six years ago.
At first, he brushed it off, thinking it was just part of ageing. But as time went on, the changes became impossible to ignore.
He said: "It just kept growing and growing and, as much as possible, I tried to ignore it."
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The retiree started to notice people staring when he was out and about, recalling: "Yes, people began to stare, and some would turn away, but my view was: this is me. Take me as I am."
But over time, the growth became so large that it dangled over his mouth, making it hard to eat, drink, or even show affection to his wife, Carol.
Gerard revealed: "I hadn’t been able to properly kiss her for years."
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Doctors eventually diagnosed him with Rhinophyma, a rare skin condition caused by the overgrowth of sebaceous glands and connective tissue in the nose. Despite how severe it had become, Gerard initially struggled to get help.
He explained: "When I went to the doctor, it was a locum that I saw, they asked if I could breathe and I said ‘yes’, and they said: ‘that’s ok then’. After that, I didn’t discuss it with my GP as I didn’t think they would do anything about it, as they would deem it as cosmetic."
It was wife Carol who finally stepped in, contacting Ever Clinic in Glasgow after reading about their work with other Rhinophyma patients.
When Gerard met the team, they were stunned by how bad his condition had become, and they didn’t hesitate. In an intricate four-hour operation led by specialist Dr Cormac Convery, surgeons removed the excess tissue and reshaped his nose.
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Gerard said: "They said it was the biggest job that they had ever tackled and that it was going to be a real challenge, but that, hopefully, they would be able to do it in one session, which they did."
The results were, of course, life-changing.
The grandad added: "The result has been fantastic. It has totally turned my life around. Carol says that I am back to being the man that I used to be. I am now talking to people, going for a pint and enjoying meals out in restaurants, which we haven’t done for years."
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Ever Clinic managing director Jonathan Toye said: "Gerard was easily the most advanced case of Rhinophyma we’ve seen at Ever Clinic. Unfortunately, he struggled to find the help he needed through the NHS, and we see this far too often.
"Dr Cormac really outdid himself with this case, and the result is outstanding."
Gerard now hopes his story will encourage others to seek help sooner rather than later, especially if they’ve been let down by the NHS like he was.
"If there is anyone out there in the position I was in, my advice to them would be – don’t wait. Just do it."
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NHS Scotland has been contacted for comment.
Ben Williams