Cleft lip filler 'boosts confidence' - but expert warns of exploitation risk

Brierley said the lack of regulations around injectables and cleft dermal fillers was also concerning.

"I know that there are a number of organisations, various world colleges and specialist societies [which] are trying to bring in regulation in line with government but at the moment the entire field is unregulated, he said.

"There will be many excellent practitioners out there, but it will be impossible to know in advance if there is someone who isn't following best practice."

Dr Nicola Stock is an associate professor whose work focuses on the psychological impact of appearance-altering conditions such as a cleft lip.