VENOUS LAKE Removal
CLARITY II Laser Technology
​
What is VENOUS LAKE?
A venous lake of the lip is a vascular defect or anomaly that can develop for several reasons. In this condition, dilated veins can present as a small, soft bump or a flat macule or lesion on the lip which are typically dark blue or purple in color. They mostly occur on the lower lip but can also be present on the upper lip.
A venous lake (also known as phlebectasis[1]) is a generally solitary, soft, compressible, dark blue to violaceous, 0.2- to 1-cm papule commonly found on sun-exposed surfaces of the vermilion border of the lip, face, and ears. Lesions generally occur among the elderly.
Venous lakes are small, dark blue to purple slightly elevated papules. These papules are soft and compressible. They commonly appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, lips, ears, neck, and back of the hand of elderly people. These little purple papules are typically asymptomatic, causing no pain or symptoms. They are benign, but often are confused with melanoma therefore they should be evaluated by your doctor.
​
Note that if the venous lake becomes traumatized it may become tender and result in bleeding. Though, the vast majority of venous lakes are asymptomatic so treatment is mostly cosmetic. There are several treatment options to remove venous lakes including light electrocautery, laser ablation, liquid nitrogen cryosurgery, and rarely surgical removal.
Because venous lakes are most likely the cause of chronic sun exposure this is yet another reason to use protection by applying sunscreen before spending time in the sun.
​
