Venous Lake
Treatment
A benign but visible dark blue or purple papule on the lip, ear, or face — cleared with the Candela Nordlys® Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser at 86INK in South Tulsa. Most venous lakes resolve completely in a single session.
Clinically guided by Leisha Lawson, FNP-C.
Why Choose This Treatment?
FDA-Cleared Nd:YAG
Nordlys® 1064 nm is specifically FDA-cleared for benign vascular lesions including venous lakes.
Often 1 Session
The majority of venous lakes resolve completely after a single Nd:YAG treatment.
Zero Downtime
No incisions, no stitches, no recovery time — return to your day immediately.
Precise & Safe
Selective photothermolysis targets only the dilated vessel, leaving surrounding tissue intact.
What Is a Venous Lake?
A venous lake (phlebectasis) is a benign, soft, dark blue or purple papule caused by the dilation of a small superficial venule. Most commonly found on the lower lip, ears, and face, they are not cancerous and do not cause pain — though they may bleed if traumatized.
They are strongly associated with chronic sun exposure and aging, and are most common in adults over 50. While medically benign, many patients seek treatment for cosmetic comfort and confidence, particularly when the lesion is prominent on the lip.
How It Works
Consultation
Leisha Lawson, FNP-C confirms the diagnosis and assesses lesion size and location.
Laser Delivery
The Candela Nordlys® Nd:YAG 1064 nm handpiece delivers precise pulses to the venous lake.
Vessel Collapse
Hemoglobin in the dilated venule absorbs the laser energy, causing the vessel to collapse and seal.
Natural Reabsorption
The body naturally reabsorbs the treated vessel over 2–4 weeks, leaving clear skin.
Venous Lake Treatment Pricing
Single Lesion
One venous lake, one session
Multiple Lesions
Two or more lesions, same visit
Pricing varies by number and size of lesions. Financing available via Cherry.
Book Free Consultation5 Things to Know Before Treatment
Confirm the diagnosis before treatment
Not every dark lesion on the lip is a venous lake. A mucocele, hemangioma, melanotic macule, or — rarely — a melanoma can appear similar. Leisha performs a clinical assessment at consultation to confirm the diagnosis before any laser energy is applied. If there is any diagnostic uncertainty, referral for biopsy is recommended first.
The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is purpose-built for this
Not all lasers treat vascular lesions equally. The Candela Nordlys® Nd:YAG 1064 nm wavelength penetrates to the precise depth of the dilated venule and is selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin — collapsing the vessel while leaving surrounding lip tissue intact. This is why it is the clinical standard for venous lakes rather than IPL or shorter wavelengths.
One session is usually enough — here is what to expect
Most venous lakes clear completely in a single treatment. Immediately after, the lesion typically turns darker (gray or brown) — this is a normal sign of successful vessel coagulation. Over the following 1–2 weeks, the darkened area fades or forms a small crust that resolves on its own. Larger or deeper lesions may need a second session 4–6 weeks later.
Recovery is minimal — but protect the area
Most patients return to normal activity the same day. No bandages, no stitches, no recovery period. For the first 48–72 hours, avoid picking or rubbing the treated area, skip heavy lip products, and stay out of direct sun. Gentle cleansing and a fragrance-free moisturizer are fine. If the lesion is on the lip, a healing balm (fragrance-free) can be applied once any crusting begins to resolve.
SPF and lip balm are your long-term prevention strategy
Once treated, the same vessel will not return. However, venous lakes are strongly associated with cumulative UV exposure — meaning new lesions can develop elsewhere on the lip or face over time. Daily SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and a UV-protective lip balm (SPF 30+) are the most effective preventive measures. Wearing a wide-brim hat in direct sun adds meaningful additional protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before & After
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1 Nordlys® Nd:YAG Session
Venous Lake — Lower Lip
Individual results may vary. Photos taken at 86INK Tulsa.
Clinical Reference: The Candela Nordlys® Nd:YAG 1064 nm handpiece is FDA-cleared for the treatment of benign vascular lesions including venous lakes, leg veins, port wine stains, and facial telangiectasias. candelamedical.com