Surgery

[A 14 yr old female.]

I am 14 years old, and I have a scar above my lip, and my nose
is a little crooked. I never get teased and everyone treats me
the same, but I think I'd just feel better after surgery, but the
doctors say I'm too young and I have to wait until I'm done
growing, but he said if I REALLY wanted it he would do it.. Can
anyone fill me in on what would happen in the future if I did
have surgery now?

[Nathan Killam]

I am 22 years old and began having surgeries for my cleft lip
shortly after being born. That was in 1976 and the doctor started
surgeries on my lip at that time. I can't say for sure what would
happen if you had surgery now at 14 other than the fact you are
not done growing yet. My doctor added tissue to my lip to
compensate for my growth and my lip looks great now. I think your
doctor is telling you that he would rather wait until you are
done growing..or to that stage where growth is levelling out.
Keep your chin up and never, ever listen to what others say about
you. You are a true individual and a wonderful blessing from God.
Having a cleft lip is a blessing even though you may not think,
because it makes you more able to see differences in others and
relate yourself to them. God bless you and smile! Sincerely,
Nathan Killam

[aidaharpoo@hotmail.com]

Thank god!! Finnaly there is someone out their who is my age!!
I am 14 turning 15 this year. I can relate to you
completely......please e-mail ASAP @ aidaharpoo@hotmail.com

[Angela]

Well, let's see.... I remember doctors saying something along
the lines that, well... if you have the surgury before you've
stopped growing, then things might heal a little diffrerently and
won't work out quiet right.

[cullymor@bitstorm.net]

Hi! Honey, I know it must be very difficult for you. But what
your doctor is saying about waiting really is for the best. My
name is Christal. I have a daughter named Jamie who is 7 months
old. She was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Her
nose was really flat when she was born. Her lip repair, done at 5
days old, helped her nose some, but it is still a little flat and
crooked. I asked her surgeon when we could have that fixed. He
told us that the best time to have it done was sometime around
her 16th birthday. He proceeded to explain that at 16 the nose
doesn't grow quite as quickly as it did before. Therefore, the
procedure would have a longer lasting effect. We were a bit upset
when he told us this, but it is for the best. Jamie will feel and
look much better when her nose is repaired in its own time. And
just think...16 is just around the corner for you! If you have
any other questions I could answer for you, please let me know by
email. I am more than willing to help as much as I possibly can.
Your friend, Christal cullymor@bitstorm.net

[a person who just want's]

Hello,my name is daniel,and i come from australia. no i don't
get teased at school either. But people who don't know me ask
what happened? what happened? what happened? I get sick of
explaining and want to chat to someone.