In the left side of the picture, you can see some scabbing. The lobe is more of a firm cartilage, and is a bit smaller than the right side. No big deal to me. And Cate did not care if they were perfect matches. She still doesn't care! She's just grateful to have an ear! A note to those seeking perfection - the rib cartilage surgery may not be the right choice for you. I want to be completely
If you look closely at her lobe, the imprints/indentations of the stitiching on the right side of the picture are evident. That is where he attached the lobe in surgery #2. Healing continues! All stitches are gone!
The picture on the left shows just how faint her scar is; while the right side shows her wearing some sunglasses! Finally!
The scabbing that you're seeing has been consistent for months at this point. Scarring/incision lines are very faint at this point.
The skin graft is still healing at this point. There is still scabbing. Not much, but it is still present. The elevation hasn't changed much in the last couple months, leaving me to believe the elevation will stay at the current level.
This picture hopefully gives you a great idea of how much elevation remains. It is a bit hard to see with her hair, but it can still be seen. She's looking good!
Can you even believe how much the rib incision scar has healed and faded? It's been about 11 months for the rib scar. It's been 6 months for the skin graft, and it is healing beautifully, too. I did use White Petroleum Jelly - as recommended by our dermatologist.
In the picture on the right, the stitches and scars are no longer noticeable from surgeries 1 & 2. Slight scabbing is still evident on her skin graft. It is surprising that it does take so long to heal.