A venous lake is a dark lesion, generally found on the lip, ears, or face, appearing blue or purple in color. They are more commonly found in patients over the age of 50, and are believed to potentially be linked to long-term sun exposure, but the cause of this skin condition is uncertain. These lesions occur when tiny blood vessels dilate, causing blood to pool in the affected area. Venous lakes can sometimes be confused with certain forms of skin cancer, but the difference can be detected by the highly trained, experienced dermatologists at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center. If your doctor is concerned that the lesion may be cancerous, a biopsy may be necessary.
Treatment Options for Venous Lake
The Vbeam® Laser is the most commonly used treatment and has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to treat venous lakes. Multiple treatment sessions may be necessary in order to achieve optimal results. Most patients are seen for three to five treatment sessions, generally six weeks apart.