Two young women in the United Kingdom have described positive experiences with dermal filler treatments administered to address scarring resulting from cleft lip surgery. Amber Dorgan, 20, from Neath, and Emily Evans, 21, from Carmarthenshire, both report that the aesthetic treatments have enhanced their self-confidence and social engagement. Dorgan receives the treatment free for life through The Welsh Centre for Cleft Lip and Palate, while Evans sought practitioners through private aesthetic clinics after discovering options via social media.
Cleft lip and palate is a congenital condition affecting one in every 700 babies born in the UK. The condition occurs when the upper lip, roof of the mouth, or both fail to fuse properly during pregnancy. Surgical intervention typically occurs when an infant is three to six months old. Beyond the immediate surgical closure, individuals with cleft lip may experience lasting scarring that can affect psychological well-being. Both women reported experiencing anxiety, shyness, and feelings of being different from their peers during childhood due to their scars.
The dermal filler treatment works by reducing the appearance of scars, restoring symmetry, and adding volume to affected areas. The procedure is available through both NHS services and private aesthetic clinics. Summer Rose-Dorland, an aesthetic practitioner who runs a clinic in Somerset and conducts pop-up sessions in Wales, works with the nonprofit organization CleftInject to connect individuals with cleft-related scarring to trained practitioners. According to Rose-Dorland, some practitioners associated with CleftInject offer a majority of treatments at no charge, particularly for initial procedures.
However, concerns have been raised by medical professionals and academics. A psychology academic warned that individuals with cleft lip may be deliberately targeted by the aesthetics industry and left vulnerable to exploitation. Additionally, the aesthetics industry currently operates without regulatory oversight. Dr. Neil Brierley, a consultant cleft and plastic surgeon, emphasized the importance of individuals engaging with NHS teams that provide lifelong support, noting they can offer unbiased opinions to help patients make appropriate decisions regarding treatment options.
Both women and some practitioners advocate for greater awareness and accessibility of these treatments. Both also support increased visibility of people with cleft lip in public spaces, believing this would help younger individuals with the condition feel more accepted.
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