When his nose began to grow uncontrollably, Scottish grandad Gerard McAliece thought it was just aging. But soon, it became impossible to ignore — the once small change turned into a life-altering condition that left him hiding from the world.

“It just kept growing and growing,” said Gerard, 68, from Kilmacolm. “I tried to ignore it, but it took over my life.” The growth made simple things difficult — eating, drinking, even kissing his wife, Carol. “I hadn’t been able to properly kiss her for years,” he admitted.

Doctors later diagnosed him with rhinophyma, a rare skin condition that causes the nose to thicken and enlarge. After years of struggling to find help, Carol reached out to Ever Clinic in Glasgow, where specialists performed a four-hour surgery to reshape his nose. “It has totally turned my life around,” Gerard said. “Carol says I’m finally back to being the man I used to be.”

Clinic director Jonathan Toye praised the successful operation, calling Gerard’s case “the most advanced we’ve ever seen.” Now, Gerard hopes his story inspires others. “Don’t wait,” he urged. “If something feels wrong, get help — it might just give you your life back.”