A grandad’s nose grew so large that it dangled over his mouth, making it impossible for him to kiss his wife.
Many people struggle with body insecurities, whether it’s a feature they’ve always felt self-conscious about or a change that develops over time.
These issues can affect confidence, social life, and even relationships, yet seeking help is often difficult. Some worry they will be judged or dismissed, leaving them to cope alone.
For Gerard McAliece, 68, this struggle became all too real when his nose began to grow dramatically, drawing attention wherever he went.
His condition left him self-conscious and isolated – until, after years of struggling, he finally got some answers.
When did his nose first begin to change?
McAliece first noticed his nose changing around ten years ago and initially accepted it as ‘just another part of life.’
Over time, he became increasingly conscious of how people stared and avoided going out for meals or to the pub with his wife.
“My nose kept growing and growing – I tried to ignore it as much as I could. People began to stare, and some would turn away, but my view was ‘this is me. Take me as I am,’” he said.
“In retrospect, the younger kids were the worst. I mean no harm to them, but they have no guilt at that age, and no filters. I used to really worry at my grandchildren’s birthday parties, ‘what do their wee pals think?’ Are they saying ‘is that your grandad?’”
Struggling with his condition, McAliece initially sought help from his GP, but found little support or guidance.
The doctor’s response left him feeling dismissed, and he didn’t feel encouraged to pursue treatment further.
“When I went to the doctor I saw a locum and they asked if I could breathe and I said ‘yes,’ and they said ‘that’s ok then,’” he recalled.
“After that I didn’t discuss it with my GP because I didn’t think they would do anything about it, as they would deem it as cosmetic. I didn’t push it. I’m not a pushy person and I don’t expect things to be done for me. There are more important things going on.”
The breaking point
The issue finally reached a critical point when McAliece’s nose prevented him from kissing his wife.
“I hadn’t been able to properly kiss her [Carol] for years. She is the one who contacted the clinic for me, the growth was quite a shock to them. 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,” he said.
McAliece’s wife reached out to Ever Clinic in Glasgow, where the medical team described his case as ‘the worst case’ of nose growth they’d ever seen.
The 68-year-old underwent a four-hour operation to reduce the size of his nose and says he is now ‘back to the man that he used to be.’
“The incredible thing was my wife Carol and I hadn’t told the family that I was going in for the procedure. So when they saw me again for the first time, the surprise was complete. They were completely taken aback,” McAliece said.
“The result has been fantastic, it has totally turned my life around. Carol says that I’m 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. If there is anyone out there in the position I was in, my advice to them would be don’t wait. Just do it.”
But what had caused the significant nose growth in the first place?
Finally receiving answers
McAliece’s nose had grown so large due to a condition called rhinophyma, a condition where the nose enlarges and becomes deformed due to overgrowth of sebaceous glands and connective tissue, per the Cleveland Clinic.
It primarily affects older white men and can cause swelling, lumps, and redness. The condition is socially distressing and can lead sufferers to withdraw from public life.
Jonathan Toye, managing director at Ever Clinic, stated: “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. We’ve reached out several times to explore how we might support in managing these cases, but so far there’s been little progress.
“Dr Cormac really outdid himself with this case, and the result is outstanding. We’re so proud of the whole team and hearing Gerard talk about how it’s changed his life has been a proud moment for all of us.”
