It was six years ago that Gerard McAliece first noticed that his nose was exponentially growing in size.

Now 68, he initially accepted his condition as his new reality – but things came to a head when he was no longer able to kiss his wife, Carol.

He also became increasingly self-conscious – and was particularly nervous about his grandchildren being judged by peers over his appearance.

‘It just kept growing and growing and, as much as possible, I tried to ignore it,’ Gerard, a retired IBM employee from Kilmalcolm, shares.

‘People began to stare, and some would turn away, but my view was: this is me. Take me as I am.

‘The younger kids were the worst. I mean no harm to them, but they have no guile at that age, and no filters. I used to really worry at my grandchildren’s birthday parties – what do their wee pals think?’

At this point, he decided to seek medical help – but his concerns were initially dismissed.

He recalls: ‘They asked if I could breathe and I said “yes,” and they said: “that’s okay 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 cosmetic.’

Not wanting to appear ‘pushy,’ Gerard initially accepted this answer, noting that he generally didn’t ‘expect things to be done’ for him as there were ‘more important things going on.’

But after Carol recognised that the situation was becoming completely untenable, they decided to contact a private clinic together. It was at this point that doctors diagnosed Gerard with Rhinophyma, a condition that sees patients present with severe swelling, redness and lumps.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, it happens as ‘there is formation of scar-like tissue and the sebaceous glands (which produce oil on the skin) get bigger.’

The guidance adds: ‘The condition is mainly seen in those who have rosacea, a rash that can affect the cheeks, forehead and nose,’ though it notes that the reasons behind it are still not fully understood.

At this point, the tissue on Gerard’s nose had grown so much that it was hanging down over his mouth and obstructing a large part of his face.

And so, Gerard and Carol sought the help of Glasgow’s Ever Clinic after they’d researched similar cases the professionals had treated.

At his first consultation, Gerard instantly felt completely ‘at ease.’ Doctors decided upon a surgery that would remove the excess skin and correct his nose to make it more proportional to his face.

‘They said it was the biggest job 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, although the operation lasted more than four hours,’ he says.

‘I had no idea of time during the surgery and, towards the end, the local anaesthetic was starting to wear off. They gave me a little more.’

Post-surgery, Gerard is over the moon with the results, and says that it’s ‘totally turned’ his ‘life around.’

He adds: ‘Carol says that I’m back to being the man that I used to be. I’m now talking to people, going for a pint and enjoying meals in restaurants, which we haven’t done for years.

‘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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