Kanye West today sparked alarm after appearing to sport a growth in the center of his upper lip.
The bump comes just weeks after the controversial rapper underwent experimental dental surgery to have an $850,000 (£670,000) titanium denture installed.
In an Instagram Story, Ye filmed himself walking through an airport with his wife Bianca Censori, 29.
In addition to showing off his Bond villain-style teeth, social media users spotted a “bubble”-shaped bump on his upper lip. Fans asked what was “wrong” with West’s lip.
Although they do not want to speculate, experts explained today that lumps with similar shapes can be caused by an allergic reaction or herpes (HSV). Others suggested that the titanium implants themselves could be to blame.
The controversial rapper showed off his shiny new teeth last month, reportedly replacing them all with $850,000 (£670,000) titanium dentures. In an Instagram Story, Ye pointed the camera at him, showing off his metal teeth and a visible “bubble” bump on his upper lip, while walking through an airport with his wife, Bianca Censori, 29. .
Social media erupted at the sight of the growth, quickly speculating what could have caused it. In the clip posted Monday, the Grammy-winning music artist revealed the bump while addressing backlash from social media users who said he was giving his Australian model wife too much space on his social media page.
While they are painful or uncomfortable, they often resolve on their own naturally within a few days.
Dr Praveen Sharma, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association and specialist in restorative dentistry, told MailOnline: ‘One of the most common causes of lip lumps is herpes infection.
‘These can also arise from physical trauma or an allergic reaction.
‘Sometimes they are painful or uncomfortable, but often they are harmless and go away without treatment.
“Blocked minor salivary glands in the lip can also appear as swellings that can sometimes change size during meals, when more saliva is produced.”
HSV type one, transmitted by up to 70 percent of people, is typically transmitted by oral-to-oral contact. It usually causes cold sores and blisters in the mouth.
Type two, which is less common, is primarily transmitted sexually and usually causes genital herpes.
Dr Sharma added: “If the lump persists for more than two or three weeks, or if you are concerned, have it checked by your dentist to rule out cancer.”
‘Common risk factors for lip cancer include prolonged sun exposure, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.
“As with all cancers, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the outlook.”
Karen Coates, registered dental nurse and spokesperson for the Oral Health Foundation, said: “One of the possible causes of a lump like this on the lip is some type of dental trauma.
“This could happen in a variety of ways, including pressure from catching the lip, an old piercing, a sports injury, or an injury from teeth moving in the mouth.
“Occasionally, implant-supported prostheses can move, causing trauma to the surrounding tissues.”
In the clip posted on Monday, tThe Grammy-winning music artist revealed the bump while addressing backlash from social media users who said he was giving his Australian model wife too much space on his social media page.
An excess on West’s upper lip has been visible in many photographs over the years.
But the growth seen on her Instagram Story looks plumper than previously captured.
Dr Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, told MailOnline that recent dental work can cause growths.
Pyogenic granulomas (small, raised, red bumps on the skin) “can occur after dental work,” he said.
Likewise, mucoceles, or harmless inflamed cysts, “are common and are small, mild swellings that result from trauma to the salivary glands,” he said.
An excess on his upper lip has been visible in many of Kanye’s photos over the years. But the growth seen on his Instagram story looks plumper than previously captured. Pictured is Kanye attending the Los Angeles Mission’s annual Thanksgiving event in November 2021.
Just a few weeks ago, Kanye showed off his new metallic smile in an Instagram post, in which he compared his appearance to that of iconic James Bond villain Jaws. However, sources close to the star say the 46-year-old hasn’t actually “replaced” his teeth and that his striking titanium smile is simply an expansive denture.
An exclusive photo obtained by DailyMail.com shows off West’s fancy new dentures, which a source says are “more expensive than diamonds.”
“Although it is impossible to give a definitive diagnosis, there is a good chance that lesions may occur on the lips,” he added.
“Any unusual lump on the lips or mouth should be evaluated by a dentist or doctor to make sure it is nothing to worry about.”
Just a few weeks ago West showed off her new metallic smile in an Instagram post, in which she compared her appearance to the iconic James Bond Shark villain.
Grills/grillz are decorative coverings for the teeth, usually made of a base of gold or another precious metal that can then be left plain or inlaid with jewels such as diamonds.
While most examples are caps that can be attached and removed from the tooth or teeth as needed, some are attached directly with a special dental adhesive.
But the flashy look is not without risks.
Dentists believe the devices risk becoming a “plaque trap”, while a build-up of bacteria could lead to “cavities, bad breath and gum disease”.
The glue used to insert the ‘grids’ could contain harmful chemicals that will cause further damage to teeth and gums, they also warn.