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I have this dark blue/purple lesion on my lip that keeps getting bigger. I went to see the dermatologist and she said that it's a venous lake. She said it was nothing I had to worry about. Does anyone else have one or know of someone who does? If so, what was your/their treatment?
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I am the 57 year old that has posted a few times here. I had my last laser treatment a week and a half ago, completely healed after one week and it continues to fade in color. I believe the type of laser is called Candela. They have changed the wave length the last two times and it is finally making a difference. This last treatment was the first time that it doesn't fill up and throb when bending over like it has in the past (and as the other anonymous stated). Mine is also very deep and they have said difficult to treat but they do believe it is treatable. My last cycle was the fourth time and the last two have made the difference. I can actually cover it now with lipstick!
May 19, 2010 - 12:38pmThis Comment
The V Beam laser that I was treated with is also made by Candela, but the company makes a few different types of lasers, so I'm not sure which you are being treated with. Perhaps I got too easily discouraged when I didn't see results after 2 treatments at 2 different wavelengths. Like you, I ran out and got new lipsticks and lip glosses right after my lip healed post-surgery. For now, they cover the venous lake when it rears its unsightly head, but I will likely seek treatment again soon, before it gets large again.
May 20, 2010 - 6:06amThis Comment
Interestingly enough, I too was discouraged after two treatments. When I went in for my third treatment I told them I thought I was just throwing good money after bad so they offered the next treatment free of charge. They also changed the wave length and depth of the laser (not sure of which Candela one it is, I will ask and post at a later date). It was after this treatment that progress was made. I decided then to go back for my fourth treatment and like I said in my earlier post, it is now working. I guess they have hit upon the right combination of 'zapping.' At any rate, my insurance has never paid for it. Luckily science has improved and what once cost me $200 8 years ago is now $75 per treatment.
May 20, 2010 - 9:03amHolly
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I just called my Dermatologists office and was told it is the V-Beam laser manufactured by Candela.
May 20, 2010 - 9:16amHolly
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Thank you so much for the additional info. I will consider laser treatment again, since the surgery didn't offer lasting results. I only wish the V Beam was covered by insurance as my surgery was! Oh well..
May 20, 2010 - 1:23pmThis Comment
I am a 57 year old female and have had one on my lip for about 30 years! I had one laser treatment about 8 years ago to no avail. Recently I have had a new laser treatment that is finally showing some improvement. I will have my 4th treatment this week. They can surgically remove it but said it would scar. The laser treatment is minor and disappears quickly within about a week even though it blisters. You must take care to keep it sunscreened. It takes about a month for the full effect to be seen. They are very difficult to remove so require several treatments depending on how large and how deep they are. As far as being worried about it, as long as you have seen a Dr. to verify it is a venous lake, you shouldn't worry. Yes, mine got bigger and bigger over the years so I would get it taken care of in short order before it gets too difficult to treat.
May 2, 2010 - 9:39pmThis Comment
Anon - Thanks for this very helpful information, especially the tip about using sunscreen. I hope you'll get back in touch after you have the fourth treatment and let us know your results. I bet you've learned a lot in dealing with this for 30 years!
May 3, 2010 - 5:10pmTake care, Pat
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Well Pat it wasn't so bad at first but slooooooowly just got worse. I'm hoping that this treatment will work. I've read other websites about laser treatment and some say that there can be scarring but so far so good with mine. The last treatment I had they changed the depth and strength and it made a difference. It bruises instantly but it's not painful, to me anyway. It's almost like being snapped with a verrrrry small rubberband. I will keep you informed indeed. Oh and the sunscreen, they can't stress it enough when I leave the office. They ask if I have any with me and to be sure to always wear it so I put it on under my lipstick now.
May 3, 2010 - 11:44pmThis Comment
Hi all -
Here are some resources to assist you. First a reference with a comprehensive overview of the causes and treatments: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1085199-overview
- The American Academy of Dermatology has a physician search feature:
http://www.aad.org/findaderm/
- The Vascular Disease Foundation website has a physician search feature:
http://www.vdf.org/resources/findspecialist.php
Most likely you will first need to find a physician in your area and then investigate further to find out that physician's experience and track record in treating a venous lake. Good luck to all. Pat
April 19, 2010 - 5:40pmThis Comment
Yes I too have a Venus Lake spot on my lower lip. Apparently this can be inherited as both my Aunt and Grandmother have the same thing. My Aunt had her's surgically removed, but it ended up coming back. Not too sure what I want to do about mine, but I would like to get rid of it.
April 18, 2010 - 6:34pmThis Comment