I have spider veins on my lower ankle, as well as below the knee. If I have surgery, will I need to wear compression stockings for the rest of my life?
Hi, and thank you for your question.
Currently, minimally invasive procedure options are available in place of surgical procedures that were done in the past for the treatment of varicose veins and the underlying cause of it. Depending on which minimally invasive procedure is chosen in your case, medical compression stockings are ordered for a week post-treatment for optimum results. There are treatment options that do not require the use of compression stockings at all after the procedure. My recommendation is that you see a vein specialist certified in venous and lymphatic medicine for evaluation and treatment plan.
All the best.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The time period for which an individual should use compression stockings depends on how severe their condition is and how well they respond to treatment. Patients with mild to moderate vein disease usually do not need to wear stockings after successful treatment, whereas patients with more severe vein disease find it helpful to wear stockings much longer. Vein surgery is rarely needed since thermal ablation became available over 10 years ago.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you have spider veins, I'm not sure if you are talking about sclerotherapy for those or if you have an underlying venous reflux requiring EVLA (laser ablation). Either way, hose are worn for a limited amount of time, usually about one week. We often recommend people wear a knee-length hose (many nice styles available now) for maintenance if working, standing, driving, flying frequently.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You shouldn't have to wear compression stocking for the rest of your life after varicose vein surgery. However, this is something you should confirm with your treating physician since he/she knows your medical condition and has performed an evaluation and ultrasound.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, compression stockings are usually temporary.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, compression stockings are typically only worn for several days to a couple of weeks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It depends on the symptoms and if there is residual vein reflux.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
After successful vein treatment, compression is not required. Some choose to continue strictly due to a feeling of comfort. Tiny residual veins can be treated with sclerotherapy to eradicate them. The goal of the surgery is so that compression is no longer needed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I recommend using common sense in wearing support hose. I work in Florida and it is too hot to wear support hose all day, every day. Therefore, I tell patients to wear the hose when they can. For example, when they are home in an air-conditioned area. I would recommend that you wear them when you can but it is not necessary to wear them at all times.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Usually after successful treatments of varicose and spider veins, compression stockings are not needed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012