Venous lakes of the lips in young patients treated with Neodymium:YAG laser: a case series

BACKGROUND: Different types of lasers have been used in the treatment of venous lakes (VL). Hemoglobin is the major chromophore for the 1.064 nm Nd: YAG. The specific wavelength leads to a deeper penetration into the skin, making it possible to treat vascular alterations. OBECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the long-pulsed Neodymium (Nd):YAG laser in the treatment of venous lakes in lips in young patients. METHODS: Twelve patients aged 8 to 18 years and with VL on the lip were included in the study. None of them had undergone previous treatment. A long pulse 1.064nm Nd: YAG laser was used. Fluence ranged from 80 to 200 J/cm2 with a 2.5 mm spot size. The pulse length ranged from 3 ms to 15 ms. Patients were submitted to one to two sessions and the result was evaluated by photographic documentation obtained before and at least two months after treatment. RESULTS: In ten patients, the vascular lesion disappeared with a single laser session. Two required two sessions for the remission of the VL. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The long pulse Nd:YAG laser has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of venous lake in the lips of young patients.