Hi everyone,
I had my 8th operation just less than a month ago. I had it done at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge by Dr Ahmad (who also did my nose job). I was allowed to go home the next morning, although it could have been a day operation (but I nearly fainted so they kept me in just incase!)
WHAT THEY DID
They took tissue, skin and fat from my hip scar (from my bone graft) and put this in my lip. This was to make it fuller and so I have more of a pout. They cut the corners of my mouth so I had stitches there…
They also re-did my lip scar to make it neater and then took some some cartlidge from my nose (on a whim!) and put it under my scar so that when it heals, it wouldn’t heal with a dent, as some scars tend to do.
RECOVERY I woke up and felt fine! Obviously a little bloody on my face and I had a big bandage on my hip. I tried to sit up to use the loo and had a bit of a funny turn and nearly fainted, but I was just trying too much too soon! I should have just laid there and let the anaesthetic ease off. Gave mum a bit of a scare to say the least. Anyway…
Lip:- Obviously I was very swollen. It’s a good idea to try and sleep upright as much as possible (which is good advice for all face operations I think!) The swelling worsened over the days, but that was to be expected. My lip is looking good, my profile looks much better! It could do with being a little plumper on my cleft side still, but that’s something that could be done in the future if I want it done (not sure if I’m that bothered about it now, although I was a bit disappointed when I noticed it! But the rest looks great, so I can’t complain).
Hip:- I got the bandage taken off about a week after my operation. It’s a little longer than it was before, but it’s very neat. It was quite lumpy all along, but he assured me this would smooth over, which it has.
HOME
I went home the day after my operation. Sent back with anti-biotics and paracetamol. Ask for some mouthwash too - they should give you some. Corsodyl I think it’s called. They also give you some cream/vasaline stuff - MAKE SURE YOU USE IT. It’s called Polyfax. Keep the corners of your mouth lubricated especially to avoid ripping like me! (See below!)
STITCHES OUT
Got the stitches on my lip scar and my actual lip taken out 6 days after my operation. It doesn’t hurt. The stitches in the corners of your mouth dissolve.
COMPLICATIONS
After about 2 weeks I noticed a hole in the corner of my mouth where I’d ripped the stitch (probably from laughing or being greedy). I rang the ward and got it stitched up a day or two later under local anaesthetic. The injection did sting (everyone said it wouldn’t) but then it was okay. I was really paranoid for ages (up until a few days ago) that it wasn’t healed up still and the hole was back, but they’ve assured me it’s fine. It has been a big worry to be honest, but all is well now.
EATING/DRINKING
Soups and straws! It was a bit hard eating, but tiny bits of bread and butter was what I lived off for a few days. Didn’t take long for me to get on the chocolate though. I recommend using tea-spoons for at least a week and drinking from straws cause it’s too hard with anything else.
TEETH
It’s still hard to clean my teeth properly because of having the hole in the corner of my mouth restitched. I’m still using a toothbrush for ages 6 months, but if it wasn’t for the little hole, then I’d be brushing normally.
I’m really glad I had it done! Not sure if I want another one though, it’s just too much hassle, 8 is enough for me right now I think. We’ll see…
But I’d really recommend this operation to anyone considering it. Message me if you’ve got any questions!
Liv xxx
