1 in 700 UK babies born with cleft lip now seeking dermal filler

Dermal filler for cleft lip scars is becoming a common request among adults in the UK, according to recent research. The condition affects approximately one in every 700 babies born in the country. While surgery to close the cleft typically occurs between three and six months of age, many patients later seek additional aesthetic procedures to address residual scarring and asymmetry.

Amber Dorgan, 20, from Neath, received free lifetime dermal filler through the Welsh Centre for Cleft Lip and Palate at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. Dorgan underwent five operations as a child and attended regular speech and language therapy appointments. She stated that the treatment allowed her to feel more social and confident in public. Before receiving the filler, she described herself as shy and anxious about leaving her home.

Emily Evans, 21, from Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire, had two surgeries, one as an infant and another at age 10. Evans was discharged from cleft services at 17 and was not offered filler by the NHS. She found a private practitioner in Somerset who occasionally runs pop-up clinics in Wales. Evans noted that finding qualified providers in her region was difficult before discovering this option.

The practitioner, Summer Rose-Dorland, works with the non-profit organization CleftInject. The group helps adults with cleft scarring find aesthetic providers who understand the medical condition. Rose-Dorland stated that some associated practitioners offer initial treatments free of charge. She qualified as a non-medical practitioner four years ago and has completed 20 training courses since.

Dr. Neil Brierley, a consultant cleft and plastic surgeon in the West Midlands, advised patients to consult their NHS teams before using private injectables. He explained that filler placement in specific areas could limit future surgical options. Brierley noted that the field is currently unregulated, making it difficult for patients to verify a practitioner's adherence to best practices before treatment.

Dr. Nicola Stock, an associate professor at the University of the West of England, warned that the aesthetics industry is deliberately targeting adults with cleft lips. Her research suggests that social media marketing has driven a steady increase in demand for these treatments. Stock said patients are often left vulnerable to potential harm and exploitation without clear industry guidelines. She recommended that anyone considering the treatment contact their local NHS cleft team or the Cleft Lip and Palate Action charity for guidance.

Both Dorgan and Evans said that greater visibility of people with cleft lips in public life would help younger patients. They agreed that more individuals would likely choose the treatment if it were a more well-known option.