NHS and private clinics fill cleft lip scars as regulation lag
Two women in Wales describe how dermal fillers improved their confidence, while experts warn the unregulated aesthetics industry targets vulnerable patients.
By Yasmin Nasser ·
One in every 700 babies born in the United Kingdom has a cleft lip or palate. This congenital condition requires surgical repair, typically when the infant is between three and six months old. While the initial surgery closes the gap, many adults are left with visible scarring that affects their daily lives and self-image.
Amber Dorgan, 20, from Neath, has undergone five operations since birth to correct her cleft lip. She also suffered from hearing and speech difficulties, requiring regular hospital appointments for therapy. Dorgan now receives free dermal filler for life through The Welsh Centre for Cleft Lip and Palate at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. She stated that the treatment has reduced her anxiety and allowed her to be more social. Before the filler, she described herself as shy and often avoided leaving her house.
Emily Evans, 21, from Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire, followed a different path. She had surgery as a baby and again at age 10 to smooth her lips. Evans was discharged from cleft services at 17 and was never offered filler treatment by the NHS. She discovered the option through social media and sought out private practitioners in England and Wales. Evans now works with Summer Rose-Dorland, a clinic owner who runs pop-up clinics in Wales and is part of the non-profit CleftInject.
Rose-Dorland, who qualified as a practitioner four years ago, has completed 20 training courses. She noted that many of her clients struggle with how their scars appear in photos and conversations. Some patients choose private aesthetics clinics over the NHS because they believe they have more control over the final aesthetic outcome. Rose-Dorland supports industry regulation but argues that non-medical practitioners should be allowed to practice if properly trained.
Dr. Neil Brierley, a consultant cleft and plastic surgeon in the West Midlands Cleft Service, emphasized the importance of patients engaging with NHS teams for lifelong support. He warned that filler placement in certain areas can prevent future revisional surgeries. Brierley noted that the entire field of injectables remains unregulated, making it difficult for patients to know in advance if a practitioner follows best practices. He advised patients to inform their cleft teams about any filler treatments to ensure continuity of care.
Dr. Nicola Stock, an associate professor at the University of the West of England, studies the psychological impact of appearance-altering conditions. Her research indicates that a steady increase in adults seeking dermal filler is fueled by marketing on social media. Stock warned that adults with a complex medical history are being deliberately targeted by the aesthetics industry. She expressed concern that these individuals are left vulnerable to potential harm and exploitation.
Experts and clinics are calling for new regulations to govern aesthetic practitioners providing cleft scar treatments. Dorgan believes the treatment should be available to everyone with a cleft lip because it boosts confidence. Evans agreed that more people would consider the option if it were a more well-known choice. Both women said that seeing more visible individuals with cleft lips in the public eye would help young people navigate their own experiences.
