Two young women in Wales have turned to dermal fillers to address scarring left by cleft lip surgery, reporting significant improvements in their self-confidence. Amber Dorgan, 20, from Neath, and Emily Evans, 21, from Kidwelly, both describe how the treatments helped them overcome social anxiety and insecurities stemming from their visible scars. Dorgan, who underwent five operations as a child and faced bullying, now receives free lifelong filler treatment through The Welsh Centre for Cleft Lip and Palate at Morriston Hospital. She credits the procedure with allowing her to be more social and confident, stating she previously felt too nervous to leave the house.
Evans, a stay-at-home mother who had two surgeries during her childhood, was discharged from cleft services at age 17 without being offered filler treatment. After discovering options through social media, she sought out aesthetic practitioners in England and Wales. She noted that while some people value their unique appearance, many others feel pressured to conform to societal standards of perfection. Both women agree that greater visibility of individuals with cleft lips in the public eye would benefit younger generations dealing with the condition.
Despite the personal benefits reported by patients, experts have raised serious concerns about the lack of regulation in the aesthetics industry. Dr. Nicola Stock, an associate professor at the University of the West of England's Centre for Appearance Research, warned that adults with cleft lips are being "deliberately targeted" by the sector. Her research suggests that the explosion in popularity of dermal fillers, fueled heavily by social media marketing, leaves individuals with complex medical histories vulnerable to potential harm and exploitation.
Summer Rose-Dorland, an aesthetic practitioner who works with the non-profit CleftInject, highlighted the scarcity of qualified practitioners in Wales. She noted that many clients struggle with their scars, often altering their posture or avoiding photos to hide them. While some practitioners offer treatments free of charge, particularly for first-time patients, Rose-Dorland advocates for industry regulation to ensure safety standards are met. She emphasized that her training includes medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, yet the field remains largely unregulated.
Dr. Neil Brierley, a consultant cleft and plastic surgeon in the West Midlands, stressed the importance of engaging with NHS teams before seeking private aesthetic treatments. He warned that filler placement could complicate future revisional surgeries and prevent certain operations from being possible. Brierley noted that while individuals are entitled to their choices, the absence of regulations makes it impossible to know in advance if a practitioner is following best practices. He urged patients to inform their cleft teams about any treatments to ensure unbiased advice and safe long-term care.
Sources: BBC News UK.