There are different purposes for compression stockings. Some use it for sports and activities, while most use it for relief or comfort. But did you know that compression legwear is also needed by people who went through surgery?
You read that right! If you are planning to go through a medical procedure for varicose veins, you must know your options and especially post-treatment care to avoid any complications after the procedure. This is where compression stockings come in, and you will understand why as you read further.
For early treatment of varicose veins, medical professionals will not immediately advise you to have laser treatments or surgery for your damaged blood vessels. They will often recommend using compression socks to resolve or address the development of varicose veins.
Although, the only time you will be recommended for a medical procedure is when your symptoms get worse, like severe pain and blood clots; or there may be other health risks that may occur, such as
1. Different Medical Procedures for Varicose Veins
There are medical treatments available for varicose veins; surgical and non-surgical procedures. Not every procedure is applicable for any individual. Some factors need consideration for each procedure, and those are:
And all of these will, of course, be determined by your medical professional. If you are curious about these procedures, here are some of the treatments that you and your doctor may discuss:
NON-SURGICAL
This is a non-removal of blood vessels, but it will ultimately close varicose veins.
Endothermal ablation
Endothermal ablation has two kinds of procedures: Radiofrequency ablation and Endovenous laser treatment . It uses topical anesthesia on the area where the tiny catheter-like filament will be inserted or done under general anesthetics. It delivers heat either by radiofrequency or laser to close up the varicose veins. Compression Stockings are prescribed to use after vein ablation for one week as post-treatment.
Sclerotherapy
If Endothermal Ablation isn’t possible due to the patient’s condition, sclerotherapy is recommended as an alternative. However, if you’ve had deep vein thrombosis (DVT), this treatment will not be available for you.
In this procedure, the sclerosant is injected into the blood vessels, irritates them, and shrinks. A topical anesthetic and painkiller are administered to numb the pain. Healing time will take a few weeks for the veins to fade away and for more vital veins to take over. You may experience some minor side effects for some time as well
Wearing of bandages and compression stockings is advisable while you are healing.
SURGICAL
This procedure removes the veins by incisions on the skin.
Ambulatory phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient treatment. This is ideal for bulging veins that are closer to the skin’s surface. The operation is minimally invasive. Topical anesthesia is used, which only requires small incisions on the skin where the veins are needed to be taken out. The recovery period is fast, wherein you can go back to your routine within 24 hours. Complications are rare as well. Compression stockings are required after surgery as the patient recovers.
Vein stripping and ligation
Stripping and ligation are for a more severe scenario. This requires general anesthesia because there will be two incisions made. The first incision is at the groin, which is a more significant cut, and the smaller incision will be around the knee area. This procedure is a bit more complicated than the others since it removes dead blood vessels, and some veins are tied up to continue blood circulation through other veins.
Recovery time may take about three weeks, and the need to wear compression stockings. after surgery is a must. There is a risk of having deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clotting. That is why wearing compression legwear is required.
2. The Importance Of Wearing Compression Stockings After a Varicose Vein Procedure
If you notice, every procedure requires the wearing of compression stockings for post-surgery care. It is crucial to
- Avoid bruising and clotting
- Lessen swelling of the ankles
- Prevent leg pains
As compression stockings squeeze your legs, it encourages blood circulation and improves it later as healing progresses. This will help the patient avoid severe complications after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose veins may recur after surgery or therapy. For procedures not to go to waste, make specific lifestyle changes. Raise your legs when tired, sit when you can, lose extra pounds if you must. All of these will help prevent new varicose veins.
Finally, don’t forget to follow the doctor’s instructions down to the T for faster and healthier recovery if ever you undergo varicose vein surgery. You will thank yourself later on.
Unisex
8-15 mmHg