What are Venous Lakes?
A venous lake is a type of vein condition commonly occurring on the lips.
A venous lake on the lip looks like a dome-shaped lump that results from a collection of enlarged veins under the skin. They are typically dark purple or blue in appearance.
You are more likely to have a venous lake if:
It is a soft, compressible dark blue bump
It is on your lip, especially your lower lip
You have a history of long-term sun exposure
Are over 50 years of age
Venous lakes are harmless and do not present cause for concern. They can mimic other conditions, such as skin cancer, so it’s essential to have your venous lake evaluated promptly by a qualified health professional.
What Causes a Venous Lake to Form?
Venous lakes typically develop due to sun exposure over time, leading to the dilation of small blood vessels near the skin's surface. Trauma or injury can also contribute to their formation.
Venous Lake Symptoms
Venous lakes are typically painless. However, if the venous lake is large and raised, it can become irritated, itchy, and sore. Venous lakes can bleed easily if traumatized.
Venous Lake Lip Treatment
Venous lake treatment involves specialized aesthetic treatments using laser technology, like the Cutera® Excel V™, which precisely targets enlarged veins.
This vein treatment cauterizes the affected tissue, leading to its breakdown and eventual resolution.
While smaller venous lakes often respond well to a single treatment, larger ones might require multiple sessions for optimal results.
After treatment, a temporary firmness may occur as the body naturally processes the treated area, with visible improvements typically seen within weeks post-healing.
Healing after venous lake treatment typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks. This duration allows the body to break down the cauterized tissue and for visible improvements to emerge.