Venous Lake: What’s This Blue Spot on My Lip, and How Do I Treat It?

What is a Venous Lake, and How Can it be Treated?

Venous lakes are a dilation of small veins that form a blue or purple growth most commonly seen on the lips. They can also form on the ears and face. While they can be aesthetically displeasing, they are not dangerous.

How Common are Venous Lakes?

Venous lakes are relatively common, particularly in adults over 50 years old who have experienced long-term sun exposure.

Are There Home Remedies for Venous Lakes on the Lips?

Unfortunately, there are no home remedies for venous lakes. Treatment requires destruction of the venules (small blood vessels that connect capillaries to veins) that make up the lesion, which is difficult to achieve with topical treatments or home remedies. Furthermore, an inappropriately traumatized venous lake will cause bleeding or tenderness.

What is the Best Treatment for Venous Lake Removal?

The long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser (ex. GentleYAG)  is the most commonly used modality for successful treatment of venous lakes. Typically the venous lake can be treated with 1-2 sessions, although larger lesions may take more.

Can Venous Lakes Return After Laser Treatment? Is There a Way to Prevent a Venous Lake from Forming?

Yes, venous lake may grow back after treatment, but this can take years. Your body can also make new venous lakes in similar areas. Venous lakes oftentimes form on sun-damaged skin—even though you can’t turn back time and reverse all of the sun damage sustained in the past, being diligent with sun protection can lower the risk of you making additional venous lakes! The lips are often neglected when applying sunscreen, so I like to recommend a lip balm containing sunscreen for extra protection.

Remove Venous Lakes at Aesthetic Solutions

If you are interested in Venous Lake removal in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area, contact our office for more information on treatment.