Compression stockings for post sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is an excellent option for veins and spider veins on the legs and thighs. Depending on the size of your veins, the amount of time you need to wear the compression stockings  will vary. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Compression stockings are believed to increase the effectiveness and safety of the procedure. Compression stockings keeps the treated and injured vessels compressed and helps them heal and prevents the trapping of blood in them. Trapped blood in these veins may cause unnecessary pain, inflammation and pigmentation, as well as decreased effectiveness of sclerotherapy. We recommend wearing the compression stockings for the first 48-72 hours after the procedure. You want to put them on first thing in the morning and removing them right before bed.

I recommend that my patients wear compression stockings for 3 months after sclerotherapy. The literature supports wearing stockings anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months - I would follow the specific instructions that your vein specialist recommends given his/her practice guidelines. The stockings should cover all the areas injected - thigh high if they inject in your thighs, knee high if the injections are below the knees .. 

There is alot of literature which supports using compression after sclerotherapy, which include improved results with regards discoloration (hyperpigmentation) and vessel closure (recanalization) as compared to non-compressive sclerotherapy. Generally, compression should be continuous for the first 72 hours, then be throughout waking hours and removed at bedtime for two weeks (minimum), depending on vessel size. the degree of compression can also vary with vessel size and other factors, but should be a minimum of 20- 30 mmHg

Following sclerotherapy I recommend compression for 48 hours.  If you have spider veins treatments at the thigh level then you should have both thigh and calf compression.  If you have only calf veins treated then compression is necessary only to the calf.  The reason for compression is to keep the solution in contact with the treated veins and to decrease the chances of staining, bruising and swelling. I recommend 24-30mmHg compression and I use Medivein. A good over the counter compression is GoldToe for calf length.

You should have worn type of compression garment going above your knees: either thigh-high or pantihose, which majority of the patients find more comfortable. It does not matter which company you are going to use. The degree of compression is, however, extremely important. It must be just above the pressure in your veins, which is usually measured prior to sclero. If it was not, you should use so-called Grade III with graduated pressure of 40 to 30 mm Hg. You will need a script from your M.D. for these. They should be worn for two full days after sclero. The day of treatment does not count. Good luck!

In my clinic I do not require my patient's to wear compression stocking after spider vein sclerotherapy.  We do however require compression stockings for the treatment of reticular veins (the larger green veins under the skin).  We recommend 20-30 compression Sigvaris brand.  

Opinions vary widely regarding the time compression stockings should be warn, or the type. I have found Sigvaris to be comfortable, and popular. I would recommend knee highs at 30 mm pressure. They should be warn for a week. However, if you cannot find the Sigvaris brand, Jobst would be fine.