title: Venous lake of the lips treated using photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser in the treatment of venous lake (VL) lesions.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  VL is a common vascular lesion characterized by elevated, usually dome-shaped papules, ranging in color from dark blue to dark purple, seen more frequently in elderly patients. They often occur as single lesions on the ears, face, lips, or neck. Once formed, lesions persist throughout life. Although these lesions are usually asymptomatic, they can bleed if injured.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventeen patients (7 men and 10 women) with VL on the lip were treated using a noncontact diode laser (wavelength 808 nm, power output 2-3 W in continuous wave).
  
  
  RESULTS
  After only one irradiation exposure, all lesions were successfully treated. Healing was completed in approximately 2 to 3 weeks, and none of the patients experienced complications. Postoperative discomfort and scarring were not present or were minimal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser is an effective, bloodless procedure for the treatment of VL.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. luazevedo@usp.br
authors.forename: Luciane H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Azevedo
authors.forename: Vivian C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Galletta
authors.forename: Carlos de Paula
authors.initials: Cde P
authors.lastname: Eduardo
authors.forename: Dante A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Migliari
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008046:Lip / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014699:Venules / Q000473:pathology