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Venous Lake Treatment
What is Venous Lake?
‘Venous Lake’ is more commonly referred to as a blood blister or a broken blood vessel. The medical term for this is ‘Phlebectasis’.
A venous lake will most commonly appear on the lower lip, where the skin has been exposed to the sun. It has a blue/black/purple colouration and presents as a well defined spot on the lip, usually between 2mm – 1cm diameter. It may be slightly raised and is usually soft and malleable to the touch. They are more common as patients get older
Venous lakes are caused by a problem in the blood vessel which causes blood to pool rather than flowing away. Over time, the vein becomes enlarged or dilated as blood continues to gather.
Having a venous lake is nothing to worry about in medical terms. However, it is always worth getting it checked and diagnosed properly just in case.
The NHS tends not to treat venous lake, as it is classed as a ‘cosmetic issue’ in that it is not medically harmful. However, many patients dislike the look of them and would like to get rid of them. The good news is that our London clinics can offer treatment which can be quite effective.
Laser treatment for venous lake
Venous lake can usually be treated with laser. This treatment delivers energy to target the problem capillaries, vessels or veins in order to damage and destroy them. The problem veins will shrink, shrivel up and then disappear; leaving blood to flow normally through deeper, healthier vessels and veins which are not so visible at the skin’s surface.
There is usually no anaesthetic required, as we simply use a numbing cream to ensure treatment is comfortable.
While one session should make a difference, 2-3 sessions (4-6 weeks apart) are generally advisable for full results.
We offer this service at our London clinics, with experienced doctors and surgeons. In most cases the venous lake can be treated at the same appointment and you can resume normal daily life straight afterwards.
After treatment, the venous lake will heal like a blister up to 10 days afterwards, leaving the skin looking clear and normal.
Laser treatment options
Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centres offer a variety of laser treatment options, depending on the nature of the condition being treated:
- Laser thread vein treatment using Harmony XL Pro laser machine is available at our Harley Street and Putney clinics. This option uses advanced technology for a gentle and effective treatment
- Micro-cautery laser is also available at all of the company’s skin treatment centres
For larger venous lakes, we may occasionally recommend surgical removal due to size. This treatment is also offered by our skilled and experienced doctors and surgeons.
Prices for laser venous lake treatment start at £350. Call Cosmedics today on 0207 386 0464 to see how we can help.
Treatment Benefits
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Before and after photos
Lip Venous Lake Treatment Costs
| Thread Vein Removal costs per session | Cost |
|---|---|
| Consultation | £75 * |
| Facial thread vein removal | from £350 |
| Venous lake treatment | from £350 |
Thread Vein Consultation
The cost of consultation with our doctors is £75. This is redeemable against the cost of treatment carried out on the same day.
Prices are a guide to the costs and the exact price can only be determined once the doctor has examined you in person.
Call 0207 386 0464 OR email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk for advice and help.
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FAQ's
Venous Lake Treatment FAQ: Questions & Answers
Venous lakes are thought to be associated with sun exposure. A blood vein or vessel becomes dilated and blood pools, creating a darker ‘spot’ visible externally.
Venous lakes are isolated blemishes and are not infectious, so they won’t spread like warts can. However, you may develop further lesions independently if your skin is damaged and the veins are susceptible. You may also find that venous lake can grow quite large.
Venous lake are not infectious, so you don’t need to worry about spreading them to someone else.
The lip and in particular lower lip are most common, but venous lake can also appear in other areas of the face and also on the ears. They do tend to be areas that have had more sun-exposure.
No, venous lake itself is completely benign. It is not a cancerous condition. However, it is important to have it correctly diagnosed.
Laser venous lake treatment is considered to be very safe, but it is important to choose a provider who is medically trained and experienced with the treatment.
No scarring or other complications were reported in clinical study Bekhor, Philip (11 Sep 2006). “Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment of venous lakes: report of a series of 34 cases”. Dermatologic Surgery. 32 (9): 1151–4. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32253.x. PMID 16970696
All our clinics have the necessary equipment and all our doctors/surgeons are fully trained in cryotherapy techniques.
However, we tend to recommend laser treatment for venous lake in the vast majority of cases, as it offers excellent results and a comfortable treatment experience.
Yes, we can offer surgery where required. We may recommend surgery for particularly large venous lake blemishes.
However, laser treatment is preferable in the vast majority of cases, as it offers excellent results and a comfortable treatment experience. It also leaves no scar.
Research shows that Nd:YAG laser is effective, with 94% success rate after treatment.
Source: Bekhor, Philip (11 Sep 2006). “Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment of venous lakes: report of a series of 34 cases”. Dermatologic Surgery. 32 (9): 1151–4. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32253.x. PMID 16970696.
No, it is very unlikely that venous lakes will get better on their own, as they are due to irreversible damage to veins/vessels.
