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.