Is it necessary for me to wear an Anti-Embolism Stocking after surgery?

Thank you for your question.  Sequential compression devices, or SCDs, have been shown during and after surgery to reduce sluggish blood flow in a patient's legs to help prevent blood clot formation.  Anti-embolism stockings are not as effective but do not cause harm.  The most important thing you can do to reduce your blood clot risk after surgery is to get up and walk several times daily.  Talk to your surgeon about your concerns, they can provide you with reassurance.  

Thank you for your question. More important than anti-embolism stockings is the use of Sequential Compression Devices (SCDs) on your lower legs during surgery. SCDs have been proven to reduce the risk of clot formation. Make sure you are out of bed walking several times a day following surgery. This is most effective to minimize your risk. Hope this helps and good luck. 

Postoperative anti-embolism stockings to my knowledge do not decrease the risk of deep vein clotting. It certainly doesn't do any harm to wear them but there is no increased surgical risk by not wearing them.

Compression stockings are helpful in preventing blood clot formation. They are typically not necessary when a healthy patient is able to move around and get out of bed. Sometimes they may be recommended if flying or if there is a higher risk due to medical history. Ask your surgeon for further clarification if you are uncomfortable with the explanation.

Preventing blood clots in the legs and lungs (like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus) is critically important during and after any surgery, but particularly with long combination cases where you might be at higher risk for developing this type of problem.Wearing anti-embolism or compression stockings is just one way to help prevent blood clots.  It may not be the most effective and is certainly not foolproof, but it is relatively inexpensive and easy preventative measure.  If worn correctly (make sure the stocking is the right size and goes on smoothly, without bunching or folding over itself), it may help and shouldn't hurt.Perhaps the most effective - and cheapest - way to prevent blood clots from forming after surgery is to get up and about with some gentle walking.  Other ways include mechanical leg compression devices and medications.  Check with your plastic surgeon about what he prefers for your DVT/PE prophylaxis.Hope this helps, and best of luck with your surgery this week.Dr. Lim