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Introduction

Mucocele: Imagine you have a tiny water balloon in your mouth. That's kind of what a mucocele feels like. It's a small, bluish bump usually found inside the lower lip, although it can appear elsewhere in the mouth. A mucocele happens when a small salivary gland, which produces saliva or spit, gets blocked or injured. Instead of releasing saliva into your mouth, it gets trapped and forms this bump.

Fibroma: Now, think of a fibroma as a tiny, soft lump or bump, often the same color as the inside of your mouth. It's essentially an overgrowth of tissue, kind of like a skin tag but inside your mouth. It might happen if you accidentally bite the inside of your cheek or lip or if something irritates the inside of your mouth for some reason.

Surgical removal

Sometimes, these bumps go away on their own, but other times they don't. If they're causing discomfort or just bothering you because of how they look, your surgeon can remove them. The process is straightforward. They numb the area around the bump with a local anesthetic (so you won't feel a thing) and then remove the bump. It's a quick procedure, and you can usually get back to your normal routine in no time.

In essence, while these bumps aren't usually harmful, if they're bothering you or if they're persisting, it's a good idea to have a chat with your surgeon about them.

What to expect after surgery

After your surgical procedure, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to take care of yourself. It's common to experience some swelling, discomfort, or mild pain afterwards. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Local Anesthesia: If you were given local anesthesia, the numbness usually wears off within a few hours. Be careful not to bite your cheek, tongue, or lips while they're numb to avoid injury.
  2. Pain and Swelling: Some pain and swelling are typical after surgery. Use the medications as instructed, and you can also apply a cold pack to the affected area to help reduce swelling.

Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions or if you feel something isn't right. They're there to help ensure you heal properly and comfortably.

More instructions can be found below.

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