My Cleft Lip Experience

Having a scar on the lips due to cleft lip hasn't really a wonderful experience and hasn't been terrible too. Most kids thought I engaged in fight which led to my lips being wounded.

When I was in Primary class, I had a name sake. When anyone in class wants to describe which Victoria he/she is referring to I will hear them say, either: the one with the scar on her lip or not the one with the scar on her lip. Not like I cared but I remember wishing I knew what my face would have been like without the scar😒

I also remember when a form in my high school was to be filled, there were options for tattoo, scar, physical disability. I will see them look at my face and rush to tick the option with the scar😂😂

I had an encounter with a girl after high school, she came to me and said: 'You look very familiar. This scar on you lips... I am trying to figure your face'. I was so gutted, and I walked away. I did not see the need of her voicing the lip issue out.😏

Not long ago, while I was having my clinic rounds in the hospital as a medical student, a Dr called me and told me that there are ongoing surgeries for cleft lip, and an organization is taking care of it so it is for free. She further said that the plastic surgeon who did mine didn't close a gap well. She asked if I will love to undergo the plastic surgery for my lips.

Then I realized it that my lip is part of my identity, it is what made me unique from other Victorias. It has always been part of me and any correction will make me feel like I have a mask on. I realized I loved my face just the way it.😃

So yes! Feel free to describe me as the Girl with the Scarred Lip😇

(For intending mothers, endeavor to take folic acid at least one month before conceiving to prevent your child from having cleft lip)