When most envision the aging process, they anticipate a few wrinkles, some grey hair, and a generally slower pace of life. However, for one grandfather from Scotland, aging brought an entirely unexpected change — a nose that continued to grow.
Gerard McAliece, a 68-year-old resident of Kilmacolm, Scotland, began noticing slight alterations in his nose around six years ago.
Initially dismissive, he chalked it up to the natural process of getting older. Yet, as time progressed, these changes became increasingly difficult to overlook.
He reflected, “It just kept growing and growing and, as much as possible, I tried to ignore it.”
As a retiree, Gerard began to sense the stares of strangers when in public, recollecting, “Yes, people began to stare, and some would turn away, but my view was: this is me. Take me as I am.”
Eventually, the growth ballooned to such an extent that it hung over his mouth, complicating basic activities like eating, drinking, or even sharing a kiss with his wife, Carol.
Gerard shared, “I hadn’t been able to properly kiss her for years.”
Doctors eventually diagnosed him with Rhinophyma, a rare skin condition characterized by the overgrowth of sebaceous glands and connective tissue in the nose. Despite the severity, Gerard initially encountered difficulties in obtaining the necessary assistance.
He noted, “When I went to the doctor, it was a locum that I saw, they asked if I could breathe and I said ‘yes’, and they said: ‘that’s ok 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 as cosmetic.”
It was his wife Carol who finally intervened, reaching out to Ever Clinic in Glasgow after learning about their expertise with other Rhinophyma cases.
Upon meeting Gerard, the team was taken aback by the extent of his condition, and they took immediate action. In a meticulous four-hour procedure led by specialist Dr. Cormac Convery, the surgeons excised the surplus tissue and reformed his nose.
Gerard stated, “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.”
The transformation was, understandably, life-altering.
The grandfather expressed, “The result has been fantastic. It has totally turned my life around. Carol says that I am 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.”
Ever Clinic’s managing director Jonathan Toye commented, “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.
“Dr. Cormac really outdid himself with this case, and the result is outstanding.”
Gerard now hopes his journey will inspire others to seek assistance sooner rather than later, especially if they face challenges similar to those he experienced with the NHS.
“If there is anyone out there in the position I was in, my advice to them would be – don’t wait. Just do it.”
NHS Scotland has been approached for comment.