Treatments to address spider or varicose veins are usually followed by the need to wear compression stockings for a number of days.
Patients often ask why the compression stockings are needed if the vein treatment works as it promises. There are a number of potential benefits to gain from those prescription stockings when they are worn as directed.
Compression Stockings after Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is an injectable treatment that eliminates spider veins and small superficial varicose veins. A sclerosing agent is injected directly into the affected vein, which irritates the vessel lining so the vein seals closed.
Compression therapy after sclerotherapy helps to keep the treated vein collapsed so that it can be reabsorbed by the body. It may also protect against the formation of blood clots after the procedure. Patients that wear compression stockings after sclerotherapy tend to have better outcomes overall, including a lower risk of skin discoloration and vein recurrence.
Compression Stockings after Venefit
Venefit or VNUS Closure is a procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to seal veins shut. The RF energy is delivered into the vessel using a fiber or small catheter. As the catheter is pulled carefully out of the vein, the vessel seals behind. Over time, the vessel is reabsorbed by the body and blood is rerouted to healthy veins nearby.
Compression stockings are usually recommended for up to two weeks after the Venefit procedure. The stockings will ensure the vessel remains closed until it is eliminated by the body. In addition, the stockings may help to relieve and post-procedural discomfort and swelling, making it easier for you to get back to your regular activities right away.
Compression Stockings after Microphlebectomy
Ambulatory microphlebectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure used to remove larger varicose veins from the leg in small sections. The procedure utilizes micro-incisions and a special tool to remove the vessel without excess trauma to the skin or surrounding tissue. Microphlebectomy has replaced vein stripping for most patients, offering an equally effective treatment with significantly less discomfort and downtime.
Compression therapy is also required after microphlebectomy for a variety of reasons. First, the stockings encourage healthy blood flow in the area as blood must immediately reroute to healthy veins near the removed vessel. Second, the compression stockings significantly reduce swelling and bruising around the micro-incisions for a more comfortable recovery overall. Finally, these stockings improve the overall results of the procedure by preventing skin discoloration or other possible complications.
Choosing the Right Strength
There are different strengths in compression stockings, allowing us to tailor compression therapy to the specific needs of each patient. As a general rule, we use 20-30mmHg for treatment of smaller vessels and 30-40mmHg for treatment of larger veins. The mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury and indicates the amount of compression built into the stocking.
Dr. Draughn will recommend the best strength for you and we will provide you with the stockings you need right in our office. We carry the Sigvaris line of compression garments at Vein Specialists of the Carolinas.
Compression therapy is often something patients do not look forward to after vein treatment, but most discover the stockings are much easier to use than they were expecting. In addition, the improved results from the treatment certainly make the compression stockings worth wearing for a few days after your procedure.