07/18/2024
Don't Be Fooled by Those Blue Spots on Your Lips!
Have you noticed small, bluish bumps on your lips lately? These might be venous lakes, not lip hemangiomas.
What are venous lakes?
Venous lakes are harmless collections of dilated blood vessels that appear as soft, compressible, dark blue to purple bumps. They're most common on the lips, especially the lower lip, but can also appear on the ears, face, and hands. Unlike lip hemangiomas, which are typically red and more common in children, venous lakes are more frequent in adults and tend to grow slowly over time.
Why should you see a dentist?
While venous lakes are benign, they can sometimes be mistaken for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. A dentist can properly diagnose a venous lake and discuss treatment options if you're concerned about the appearance.
Treatment for venous lakes
Venous lakes usually don't require treatment. However, if they cause discomfort or you'd prefer them removed for cosmetic reasons, a dentist can offer options like laser removal. Similar to hemangioma removal, lasers target and shrink the blood vessels.
If you have any concerns about bumps on your lips or anywhere on your face, don't hesitate to contact our office to schedule a consultation. We can help diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of treatment for you.