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A venous lake is a small, soft, blue or purple spot caused by a widened vein near the surface of the skin. It most often appears on the lip, ear, face, or other areas exposed to the sun. Venous lakes are usually harmless, but many people want to know if a venous lake can get bigger over time.
The short answer is yes. A venous lake can slowly become larger or more noticeable. This usually happens over time, not all at once. In some cases, it may also seem darker, fuller, or more raised because of changes in blood flow or pressure.
Join Atrium Dental in Ahwatukee, AZ (4.8 Google rating) to learn whether a venous lake can get bigger and how to deal with it.
Do Venous Lakes Get Bigger?
Yes, a venous lake can get bigger over time. Growth is usually slow. Some stay the same size for years, while others gradually become wider, darker, or more visible.
A venous lake does not usually swell like a pimple or grow quickly like an infection. If it changes fast, bleeds often, becomes painful, or looks irregular, it should be checked right away.
Common reasons a venous lake may become larger include:
Aging
Venous lakes are more common in older adults. As we age, small veins near the surface of the skin can slowly weaken and widen. Over time, this can make a venous lake can get bigger and more noticeable.
Hormonal or blood pressure changes
Changes in hormones or higher blood pressure can affect how blood flows in the veins. Extra pressure inside the vessel can stretch the walls. This can make a venous lake slowly grow or look larger at certain times.
Minor trauma or repeated irritation
Biting the lip, rubbing the area, or other small injuries can damage the tiny veins. Repeated irritation can make the vessel swell or stretch. This can cause the venous lake to appear larger than before.
Genetics and family tendency
Some people are more likely to have venous lakes because of traits they inherit from their family. If blood vessel problems run in the family, the veins may widen more easily. This can make a venous lake can get bigger over time.
If you are looking for venous lake treatment in Ahwatukee or Phoenix, Arizona, our team can help you. Just call us at (480) 940-4321.
Local inflammation
Mild inflammation or irritation around the spot can bring more blood into the area. This extra blood flow can make the venous lake look fuller or darker for a while. The size may go back down, but during these times it can seem bigger.
Long term sun exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the skin and tiny blood vessels under it. Years of sun exposure can weaken these vessel walls and make them stretch. This can make a venous lake can get bigger, especially on sun exposed areas like the lower lip, ears, and face.
Can a Venous Lake Swell?
A venous lake usually stays fairly stable, but it can sometimes look swollen or fuller for a short time. This is not true swelling in the way people think of swelling from infection or injury. It is more often a temporary change in how full the blood vessel looks.
If the area becomes truly swollen, red, painful, or starts bleeding, that is not typical and should be evaluated.
Why Does My Venous Lake Swell?
A venous lake may not actually be growing, but it can look larger at certain times. This is often due to temporary changes in blood flow or pressure.
A venous lake may appear bigger because of:
- Increased blood flow during exercise or when blood pressure rises, making the vessel look fuller or darker.
- Body position changes such as lying down or bending over, which can cause blood to pool and make the spot look larger.
- External pressure from tight clothing, masks, or touching the area, which can flatten the vessel and then make it refill more noticeably.
- Local irritation from biting, rubbing, or frequent contact that makes the vein look slightly swollen.
- Inflammation nearby that causes temporary puffiness or redness, making the venous lake stand out more.
- Heat or sun exposure which dilates blood vessels and makes the venous lake look more raised or darker.
- Other circulation issues that affect how the vessel fills and empties, causing the venous lake to change appearance more often.
This is why some people notice that a venous lake looks more raised or darker at certain times of day.
When Should You See a Dentist for a Bigger Venous Lake?
Since a venous lake can get bigger, you should have an Ahwatukee dentist check it if:
- It is getting bigger, obviously!
- It bleeds often
- It becomes painful
- It changes color or shape
- It interferes with eating or speaking
- It is located on the lip and gets irritated often
- You are not sure if it is really a venous lake
How Do You Treat a Bigger Venous Lake?
If your venous lake can get bigger can you see the changes, you most probably need a treatment. If treatment is needed, common options for larger venous lakes include:
- Laser treatment that closes the vessel and gives good cosmetic results
- Cryotherapy that freezes the lesion so it can shrink and fade
- Electrosurgery that uses controlled heat to seal the vessel
- Surgical excision that removes the lesion when other methods are not suitable
Laser treatment is often preferred because it works well on larger venous lakes and heals with minimal scarring. The best option depends on the size, location, and overall look of the lesion.
Can You Prevent a Venous Lake From Getting Bigger?
You may not be able to prevent every venous lake, but you can lower the risk of it becoming bigger and more noticeable.
Helpful steps include:
- Use lip balm with SPF
- Wear sunscreen on exposed skin
- Limit long periods of direct sun exposure
- Avoid picking or biting the area
- Protect your lips and skin from repeated irritation
These steps are especially important if you already have a venous lake on the lip or ear.
Venous Lake Removal in Ahwatukee and Phoenix, Arizona
If you have a blue or purple spot on your lip and want to know whether it is a venous lake, Atrium Dental can help. We provide evaluations for oral and lip lesions and can discuss whether venous lake treatment or removal is the right next step.
At our clinic, Dr. Foroughi (DDS, USC Magna Cum Laude, UCSF graduate) examine the area, explain your options, and help you decide on the best care for comfort and appearance.
To schedule a consultation with Atrium Dental, contact our office today:
- Call: (480) 940-4321
- Visit: 4425 E. Agave Rd. #130, Phoenix, AZ 85044
FAQs
Do venous lakes get bigger with age?
They can. Venous lakes are more common in older adults, and some become larger or darker over time.
What is the best treatment for a bigger venous lake?
Laser treatment is a common option, but the best treatment depends on the size and location of the lesion.
Are venous lakes painful?
Most venous lakes are not painful. They are usually more of a cosmetic concern. Pain, tenderness, or repeated bleeding should be checked.
Do venous lakes go away on their own?
Usually no. Most venous lakes stay the same or slowly become more noticeable unless treated.
