Venous Lake Treatment

Dr. Amir Bajoghli and the Skin and Laser Dermatology Center of McLean and Woodbridge, Virginia now offer the latest in treatments for a condition known as “venous lake”.

Venous lakes are relatively common lesions caused by dilation of tiny blood vessels. These commonly occur on the lower or upper lip but can be seen anywhere on the head and neck region. Venous lakes can be seen in any age group, but more commonly in adults that have long term exposure to the sun or trauma to the area.

Venous lakes are dark blue to purple, soft, smooth and have well-defined edges (spots, dots and bumps on the lip). Although not usually painful, these can be irritating, unsightly, and can bleed.

Long pulse Nd-YAG (GentleYAG) and Pulsed Dye (VBeam Perfecta) lasers are the treatments of choice. A laser will target the lesion with a precise wavelength of light and destroy it with minimal effect on the surrounding area. A laser treatment generally will cause little to no permanent scarring with minimal chance of lesion recurrence. In some cases, the treatment area may take a few days to completely heal following the laser treatment.

Dr. Bajoghli provides the laser treatment for this vein malformation in the office (outpatient) without the need for hospitalization. Utilizing the laser to remove a venous lake is quite simple, nearly pain free, and only takes a few minutes. The healing process varies according to the depth of the lesion.

Patients notice an immediate improvement after the venous lake treatment.

What causes venous lakes?

Venous lakes are relatively common lesions caused by dilation of tiny blood vessels.

Where do venous lakes commonly occur?

These commonly occur on the lower or upper lip but can be seen anywhere on the head and neck region.

Who is most likely to develop a venous lake?

Venous lakes can be seen in any age group, but more commonly in adults that have long term exposure to the sun or trauma to the area.

What treatment methods for venous lakes are there?

Long pulse Nd-YAG (GentleYAG) and Pulsed Dye (VBeam Perfecta) lasers are the treatments of choice. A laser will target the lesion with a precise wavelength of light and destroy it with minimal effect on the surrounding area. A laser treatment generally is extremely effective with minimal chance of lesion recurrence. In some cases, the treatment area may take a few days and rarely longer to completely heal following the laser treatment

What is the process for laser treatment of venous lakes?

The provider and skin care expert provides the laser treatment for this vein malformation in the office (outpatient) without the need for hospitalization. A topical numbing cream may be applied to the area prior to treatment. Utilizing the laser to remove a venous lake is quite simple, nearly pain free, and only takes a few minutes. The healing process varies according to the depth of the lesion.

How quickly will I see results?

Patients notice an immediate improvement after the venous lake treatment. It may take a few days to weeks to see the full effects of treatment.

What are the potential side effects of the laser treatments?

Some swelling, bruising, and crusting may occur after treatment, though it usually subsides within a few days to weeks after treatment. Extra Strength Tylenol as directed is recommended to minimize pain after the procedure. Additionally, patients may apply ice to the treatment area to reduce the possibility of swelling. A full list of potential side-effects and risks will be discussed at the time of consultation and treatment.