Laser removal of angiomas and venous lakes on the lips
Updated: Oct 11
A red, purple or bluish lesion on the lip can have different causes. Angiomas and venous lakes are vascular changes, but the diagnosis should be confirmed by a doctor before removal.
Laser is one treatment option for selected vascular lesions of the lips. The approach depends on their type, size and depth; freedom from pain, scarring or prolonged recovery cannot be guaranteed.
These photographs show individual comparisons from the clinic's archive. Images alone cannot confirm the diagnosis, procedure count, timing or another patient's expected outcome.
What are angiomas and venous lakes?
The term angioma is used for different vascular lesions. Their appearance and treatment vary; the colour of a spot alone is not enough to establish its diagnosis.
A venous lake is a soft blue or purple spot or small bump caused by a dilated venous vessel. It is often found on the lower lip in middle-aged or older adults. Its exact cause is not known.
A confirmed venous lake does not usually require removal. Treatment can be discussed for appearance, discomfort or repeated trauma. A changing lesion or uncertain diagnosis needs medical assessment first.
Even a small lip lesion can be noticeable and cause discomfort. The treatment decision follows diagnosis and discussion of the patient's expectations.
Laser treatment may reduce a vascular lesion, but pain, swelling, crusting, colour changes and scarring are possible. The doctor selects pain relief and aftercare according to the method and treatment area.
Potential benefits and limitations of laser treatment
Some coagulation methods do not need an incision; other laser procedures may involve tissue removal.
Treatment can be directed at a selected area, but damage to surrounding tissue cannot be ruled out.
Healing depends on the method and treatment extent; one recovery time does not fit all patients.
Scarring and skin colour changes are possible and cannot be fully excluded.
The response and need for repeat treatment are assessed individually; a lesion may persist or recur.
Treatment protocol at Dr. Uskov’s clinic
Consultation and diagnosis. The doctor examines the lesion; dermoscopy and further investigations are used when indicated. An uncertain diagnosis is clarified before cosmetic removal.
Planning. Treatment options, expected benefit, risks and pain relief are discussed; the doctor selects the device and settings.
Procedure. The effect depends on the selected technology, and possible local reactions are explained.
Care and recovery. The doctor gives individual advice on protecting the treated area, sun protection and care according to healing.
Laser technologies and individual treatment selection
Dr Alexander Uskov's clinic uses a broad range of laser systems with different wavelengths, alongside other medical devices and technologies. Laser methods are central to our practice; the treatment protocol developed by Dr Uskov is adapted to the individual case, and other methods may be considered where appropriate.
Technology is selected according to the diagnosis, expected benefit, limitations and the patient's interests. Access to several methods does not mean that every patient needs combined treatment or that a particular result can be guaranteed.
An individual approach to each patient
The number of procedures and possible repeat treatment depend on the diagnosis, size, depth and response. A session count is assessed individually rather than promised in advance.
The result depends on the lesion's size and depth, the patient's age and the characteristics of the affected blood vessels.
The doctor develops an individual plan and discusses the expected benefits, risks and possible need for follow-up treatment.
A bit of history
Bean W. B. and Walsh J. R. published Venous lakes in AMA Archives of Dermatology in 1956. It is a classic publication about this condition.
Bean and Walsh (1956): the original Venous lakes publication. PubMed.
Nammour et al. (2020) retrospectively assessed different laser procedures for vascular lesions of the lips, with 12 months of follow-up. They evaluated scars, recurrence and patient satisfaction. Their findings do not determine every patient's outcome or guarantee freedom from scars.
Nammour et al. (2020): study of vascular lip lesions. PubMed.
Paasch et al. (2022): S2k guideline on skin laser therapy, including vascular lesions. PubMed.
DermNet: clinician-authored information on venous lakes, diagnosis and treatment options. Read.
Booking a consultation
Whether laser treatment is suitable is decided after examination. A consultation allows discussion of alternatives, prognosis and possible risks.
To find out whether laser treatment is right for you, book a consultation at Dr. Uskov’s clinic. At the appointment the doctor will carry out diagnostics, explain the prognosis and choose the optimal treatment option.
