Venous Lakes: A Report of 32 Cases Treated by Carbon Dioxide Laser Vaporization

Abstract

Venous lakes (VL) are acquired venous ectasies of the superficial dermal venules, usually observed in older people. Thirty-two adult patients with VL in several localizations were treated by carbon dioxide laser vaporization. Two passes were performed to each lesion within the same session. A continuous and defocused mode, with a power density of 5 W/cm2, was used in the first pass, and a continuous focused mode with the same power density was in the second pass. Photographic controls were performed before and after treatment. VLs were removed, and the smooth surface of the treated area was re-established by a single laser session. Only one case recurred after the treatment. No significant secondary effects were observed. Carbon dioxide laser is a good and safe method for treatment of skin VL. With adequate cautions, excellent cosmetic results can be obtained with a single session of treatment.

A new approach to the management of caliber‐persistent artery: A case report and analysis of previously reported cases

“…They may also vary periodically in size and do not pulsate . Other vascular lesions, such as venous lakes and varicosities, can be seen as asymptomatic elevated nodules or dark blue macules that are well defined, non‐pulsatile, round or oval, and have a flat surface and appear in the lip of elderly patients . Histological assessment has a critical role in differentiating between these lesions and CPLA.…”

Calibre-persistent labial artery: often misdiagnosed as a mucocoele

“…Mucocoeles do not pulsate, may periodically fluctuate in size and are usually more round to oval in comparison with linear CPLA 3 . Venous lakes and varicosities can present as asymptomatic non-pulsatile sharply demarcated, round or oval, dark-blue macules or elevated nodules with a smooth surface in the lower lip of elderly patients 14 . CPLA can be readily differentiated from venous lakes and varicosities when examined histologically by comparing the architecture of the affected vessel, in particular the thickness of the muscular wall.…”

Multiwavelength Laser Treatment of Venous Lakes

“…10 Even though good results were obtained, a laser system based on selective phototermolysis may be preferable to CO 2 lasers to avoid epidermal damage with side effects such as pigmentary or textural changes. 10,12 Local anesthesia was optional in our procedure, but those who refused it showed good tolerance. This may be explained by the epidermal air cooling and the shortness of the treatment, which takes only a few seconds.…”