Minor set back in lip healing...

It seems our little Mary is unable to catch a break. Last Tuesday I noticed a slight swelling on her upper lip and what looked like a little pimple/blister. It was very small, but Mary would point to it and say "Owww". We had a routine follow up appointment at the plastic surgeons the next week, but something didn't feel right to me. Cory called the surgeon's office and they fit us in that afternoon. Cory wasn't certain anything was amiss, but I insisted that I wanted it checked out in order to catch something before it happened, rather than playing catch up once it already occurred (or as Cory would say, trying to control things I have no control over!).

Anyhow it seems we went a couple days too early because the nurse and plastic surgeon did not see anything wrong yet, and thought that what Mary was feeling was the scar tissue building below her skin which does irritate some children. Mary's "blister" continued to grow over the next couple of days until it finally burst on Saturday morning, which then was actually more comfortable for Mary as the pressure was gone. I am thankful for a good friend who is currently going through this with her daughter, as she was able to provide me some much needed reassurance and cleaning care suggestions, preventing this over protective Mama from going to the local ER in the small little town we were visiting Grandpa and Grandma for the weekend!

At our scheduled appointment today the surgeon and nurse were able to confirm that Mary does indeed have an abscessed internal stitch. For some reason the stitch did not dissolve completely  and the body is now expelling it out. The surgeon did use some tweezers to help dislodge some material, which was not very much fun for poor Mary or her Mama (who really does not enjoy the sight of blood coming from her own child). The plastic surgeon and nurse were very kind to us and very gentle and sweet to Mary. I was worried about this affecting her scarring, which the surgeon said could happen, but was reminded again that Mary will most likely have revision surgery in the next year or so which will correct any effects from this.

Right now we are keeping the area clean by using peroxide and antibiotic cream several times a day. Although the area bothers her, Mary is a trooper and her sunny personality is not letting this get her down. Everyone at the surgeon's office today commented on her spunk and utter joy that she exudes.  
       

Last Sunday...

Today, a week later...

Once again, still lovely and beautiful, but - I just wish she could catch a break.