Venous Lake

What is Venous Lake?

Venous Lake, also known medically as Phlebectasis is a dilation of a vein, soft, compressible, dark blue to violaceous in colour. Venous Lakes tend to be isolated and commonly found on sun-exposed surfaces of the vermilion border of the lip, face and ears. These lesions can be flat or slightly dome-shaped. 

What causes a Venous Lake?

The cause of Venous Lakes is still not completely understood. The most likely cause is chronic sun damage to the walls of the superficial veins. This damage leads to the dilation of veins on the surface of the skin resulting in an elevated, dark blue papule. Venous Lakes are common and may affect more than one member of a family, but they are not inherited, contagious or catching. They are benign and more common in men than women.  

How to treat a Venous Lake?

The treatment for Venous Lakes includes high frequency electrical current with a laser, one treatment is usually standard, however if large in size more than one treatment may be required. They are treated to improve the appearance or the area and occasionally to prevent bleeding. The treatment is quick and simple with minor discomfort, involves first using the Laser out of contact at low power for a few minutes for deep penetration into the lesion which is rich in haemoglobin, the (Nd:Yag) or diode with an uninitiated tip is the type of laser offered. After the lesion has absorbed sufficient laser energy, the laser can then be used in contact to open the tissue and remove the remaining dried blood. Procedure can be used on all skin types and treatment is suitable for most people.

After care

Following your treatment, you may experience: A slight reddening and/or swelling of the area. Warmth in the area that has been treated. The area may feel itchy as it heals.

The area with scab as it heals – DO NOT PICK

Following treatment ensure you follow the aftercare advice to avoid unwanted reactions or infections:

• Do not touch the treated area and do not, under any circumstances remove the scabs which will appear.
• Cooling the skin with a moist cloth may comfort the area whenever a burning sensation occurs but excessive cooling may lead to hypo pigmentation.
• Erythema & Oedema are normal post treatment reactions and will disappear after a couple of days.
• Avoid swimming, saunas, steam rooms, facial steaming, facial scrubs, waxing and other beauty treatments until the area has completely healed.
• Please keep out of UV light as much as possible.
• Cover up with hats or parasol.
• The area treated and any areas showing a predisposition to Skin tags should be protected at all times particularly in the summer months. Use SPF 30 minimum
• Avoid using any possible skin sensitizers or irritants such as perfumes, fake tan products or perfumed body lotions around the area.
• Should you have any concerns regarding your treatment please contact the Clinic.