Hard bump on lip from puncture

[max829]

A few years ago I was swimming in a crowded pool and got elbowed in the face, which caused one of my teeth to puncture my lip. Ever since, I have this condensed ball in my lip that sort of has a white stripe. I recently got fed up with it, and was wondering if there is a way to get rid of it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Silicon gel is the treatment for thick scars. The gel comes packaged as a sheet about 3 inches by 4 inches and it is applied on the hypertrophic scar. The treatment works slowly and will require at least 2 months before the results will be noticeable. Dermabrasion is a procedure in which the surface of the epidermis of the skin (the stratum corneum) is removed by abrasion (sanding).

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[max829]

Thank you for your input. I think the only reason it is still there is because I get really insecure about it and try and quell it via biting. Can you tell me exactly what silicon gel sheeting and dermabrasion are?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This bump after injury to the lip can be due to hypertrophic scar of the lip. Hypertrophic scars are red bump like scars but do not grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound  and they often improve in appearance after a few years. Treatment options include silicon gel sheeting, steroid injections, dermabrasion, collagen injections and laser resurfacing. You can discuss these treatment options with your dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.