How long does electrosurgery take to work for venous lake?

A venous lake is a dilated superficial vein that can look blue or purple, often on a sun-exposed lip or face. Electrosurgery applies controlled heat to the selected vessel or surface. Bruising, swelling, a crust or temporary colour change can make the spot look different before the result is clear. The depth and size of the lesion, its location and the skin's response influence how quickly it settles.

Keep the site clean and follow the dressing plan. Avoid picking, vigorous rubbing, shaving across the area or applying irritating cosmetics until the surface has healed. Protect the area from sunlight after healing, since inflammation can alter pigmentation. If the mark persists or the blue colour returns, book a review rather than repeating treatment without an examination.

Contact the clinician for bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, increasing pain, warmth, swelling, drainage or redness spreading beyond the treated spot. Seek prompt assessment for a rapidly changing lesion or new symptoms on the lip. A persistent or changing blue mark should be examined rather than assumed to be a normal treatment effect.

Ask whether the lesion's appearance is typical for a venous lake, how to manage bleeding or crusting, and when the colour should be reassessed after healing.