After varicose vein surgery do I need to wear compression stockings for the rest of my life?

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?

Answers from doctors (10)


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on Oct 29, 2018

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8534_1510077584.jpg
Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

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


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 15, 2013

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

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


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 11, 2013

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

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


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 11, 2013

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

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


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jul 11, 2013

No, compression stockings are usually temporary.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/713_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

No, compression stockings are usually temporary.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jul 10, 2013

No, compression stockings are typically only worn for several days to a couple of weeks.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

No, compression stockings are typically only worn for several days to a couple of weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 10, 2013

It depends on the symptoms and if there is residual vein reflux.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

It depends on the symptoms and if there is residual vein reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 10, 2013

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1365_1408044094.jpg
Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

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


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 10, 2013

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

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


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jul 10, 2013

Usually after successful treatments of varicose and spider veins, compression stockings are not needed.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Usually after successful treatments of varicose and spider veins, compression stockings are not needed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Compression Stockings

Compression Stockings -7 answers
And should you be physically active while wearing the crompression socks?
See More
Compression Stockings -15 answers
I am 21 weeks pregnant and my whole leg and feet really hurt. I only have knee-length compression hose. Can I sleep with them on?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
How big of a size do compression stockings come in?
See More
Compression Stockings -10 answers
I got knee surgery and have been wearin the socks for 3 weeks with some rests a day. I walk on my leg so blood circulates and crutches help me in public. Is it safe to not wear the stockings at all anymore? I just really don't want a blood clot.
See More
Compression Stockings -12 answers
I wear compression stockings for varicose veins during my pregnancy. They ease the pain and tiredness, but my legs get so itchy sometimes - especially after I take my stockings off. What can i do to prevent the itchiness and are they too tight?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I was wondering if someone who already has a clot wore compression stockings, would it be safe? Might this dislodge the clot? I only just learned about compression stockings and I'm not sure of these details.
See More
Compression Stockings -7 answers
I had the procedure this morning and wore the compression stockings all day but I can't remember if the Dr. said to wear them when I sleep?
See More
Compression Stockings -11 answers
Do you recommend wearing compression stockings on long flights? I have two flights: one 8 hours with a break of 12 hours and continuing another 12 hours after. I have store bought knee highs and thigh highs. Any disadvantages?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
The knee highs are so much more comfortable. Are they effective enough?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I'm wondering if the pressure from compression stockings can harm the fetus?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
If I have problems with just one leg, can I wear one compression knee high or should I wear both?
See More
Compression Stockings -4 answers
How long after starting to wear these, will I see results?My calve has improved, but the ankle is still huge and the foot quite puffy.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
I presently suffer from a sciatica for the 1st time. Lots of pain in my calf area and particularly in one pinpoint spot in the calf along with hip/groin pain.I wonder if stockings will help my calf pain and is it safe at 20/30 compression?Thank you
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I am wearing compression stockings and was wondering how long should I wear them? Six and a half weeks after my C-section, I am still not mobile much.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
What are the differences? Is it worth the additional cost?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
It seems like tight clothes wouldn't benefit circulation.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
My vascular surgeon did an ultrasound and prescribed endovenous laser ablation. She also suggested that I wear compression stockings after the procedure. However, due to severe psoriasis and eczema on my feet, I cannot wear full-coverage stockings that cover them. They must always be in wet dressings, but cannot be fully covered. Would footless compression stockings be just as effective as full-coverage hose following the procedure?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I would like "save" my legs and buy compression stockings. I dont have any other medical problems that would require me to use the stockings other that I am a nurse and am on my feet a lot. What level of comrpession would you recommend I start with?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR