When 68-year-old Gerard McAliece from Kilmacolm, Scotland, began noticing changes in his nose six years ago, he thought it was just part of aging. But as time passed, his nose continued to grow uncontrollably. Soon, it became impossible to ignore — people would stare, and Gerard struggled to eat, drink, or even kiss his wife, Carol. What started as a minor concern quickly took over his life.

Doctors eventually diagnosed Gerard with Rhinophyma, a rare skin condition caused by the overgrowth of tissue and sebaceous glands on the nose. However, when he first sought medical help, his concerns were dismissed as cosmetic. Feeling hopeless, Gerard stopped asking for help — until his wife stepped in. After reading about successful treatments, Carol contacted Ever Clinic in Glasgow, where specialists agreed to take on his case.

Surgeons, led by Dr. Cormac Convery, performed an intricate four-hour procedure to remove the excess tissue and reshape Gerard’s nose. It was the largest Rhinophyma operation the clinic had ever handled. Thankfully, the surgery was a success. For the first time in years, Gerard could eat, drink, and smile without discomfort.

“The result has been fantastic,” Gerard said. “It’s totally turned my life around. Carol says I’m back to being the man I used to be.” Now, Gerard hopes his story encourages others to seek help sooner. “If anyone is in the position I was in,” he said, “don’t wait — just do it.”