Brisbane and Gold Coast-based cosmetic clinic Angel Aesthetics has launched a new pro bono clinic to treat cleft lip using ground breaking non-surgical methods, as founder Sylvia Crouch hopes to make the treatment more accessible to all Australians. The specialised procedure involving precise injection of dermal fillers will allow those with a cleft lip to receive a minimally invasive treatment, receiving over $1000 worth of services completely free of charge. 

A cleft lip describes a gap in between the lip and nose, where the tissue has not joined. Cleft lips form during pregnancy, presenting in around 1 in 800 babies each year in Australia (healthdirect.gov.au, 2021). Some children have this repaired when they are young, however, they are often left with noticeable scarring and lip asymmetry. Other patients are not able to have this surgery and will receive treatment for the first time at Angel Aesthetics. 

After a thorough consultation with one of Angel Aesthetics highly experienced nurses, a personalised treatment plan is mapped out, with consideration of existing scarring and the nature of each individual’s lip tissue. This method prevents scarring and lip asymmetry, common side effects of surgical treatments, and also reduces patient recovery time. Patients are provided with numbing cream to ensure they are comfortable during the procedure. 

For patients that have already had surgical correction, the Angel Aesthetics nurses use a cannula in the lips to break up the scar tissue where necessary, which allows further tissue expansion and correction of any asymmetry. Those who have not had surgery will receive dermal filler to reduce asymmetry. After 4 weeks, the dermal filler has integrated into the patient’s tissue, at which point the patient can be rebooked for an additional treatment of dermal filler after 6 months if necessary. 

Tahnee Johnson was born with a cleft lip, which was surgically corrected when she was a child. She was left with scarring and asymmetry in her lips, but has had these corrected at Angel Aesthetics via their new pro bono service. Speaking of the positive difference the treatment has made to her self esteem, she said: “Sylvia is the lip queen. For years I never wore lipstick because I almost had no top lip and it was just not even enough to even wear lipstick. I spent so long looking for the perfect injector that could make my lips look natural. When I finally worked up the nerve to go see Sylvia, she was the most caring person I could have asked for. What she was able to create for me and make me feel, I can’t even put into words or thank her enough… I can finally wear lipstick and I now have a top lip that matches my bottom. Thank you Sylvia.” 

Registered Nurse Sylvia Crouch, founder of Angel Aesthetics Clinic and Angel Aesthetics Institute, finds the pro bono services to be the most rewarding aspects of her role, stating that: “As medical professionals, we feel strongly that we shouldn't be profiting from a patient that suffers from a congenital issue that wishes to enhance their appearance and help them to feel more confident.” 

Sylvia has a number of limited slots a year for such patients to be treated annually. If you are interested in being placed on the waiting list, email info@angelaestheticsclinic.com.

For more information, head to: www.angelaestheticsclinic.com.au