A 68-year-old grandfather, Gerard McAliece, struggled for years as his nose grew so large it covered part of his mouth. The condition left him feeling embarrassed and withdrawn. Over time, he avoided social events and even simple outings with his wife because of the attention and stares he received.
McAliece first noticed changes about ten years ago. At first, he tried to ignore them. When he sought medical advice, he felt his concerns were dismissed because he could still breathe normally. As a result, he did not pursue treatment further.
The situation became deeply personal when he realized he could no longer properly kiss his wife. That moment became a turning point. His wife contacted a private clinic in Glasgow, where doctors described his case as one of the most severe they had seen.
He underwent a four-hour operation to reduce the size of his nose. The surgery was successful, and he says the results have transformed his life. He now feels confident, social again, and able to enjoy time with family and friends.
Doctors later confirmed he was suffering from rhinophyma, a condition that causes the nose to enlarge due to thickened skin and tissue. It most often affects older men and can lead to emotional distress if left untreated.
McAliece now encourages others not to ignore symptoms or suffer in silence, but to seek help early.