Venous lakes: a report of 32 cases treated by carbon dioxide laser vaporization.

Venous lakes (VL) are acquired venous ectasies of the superficial dermal venules, usually observed in older people. Thirty-two adult patients with VL in several localizations were treated by carbon dioxide laser vaporization. Two passes were performed to each lesion within the same session. A continuous and defocused mode, with a power density of 5 W/cm2, was used in the first pass, and a continuous focused mode with the same power density was in the second pass. Photographic controls were performed before and after treatment. VLs were removed, and the smooth surface of the treated area was re-established by a single laser session. Only one case recurred after the treatment. No significant secondary effects were observed. Carbon dioxide laser is a good and safe method for treatment of skin VL. With adequate cautions, excellent cosmetic results can be obtained with a single session of treatment.