How do compression stockings affect a new tattoo?

I wear knee high compression stockings, 20-30 mmHg and am considering getting a tattoo on my lower leg. How will the stocking affect my tattoo's healing process and is this a bad idea with venous insufficiency in the legs?

Answers from doctors (10)


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Aug 22, 2012

Your compression hose should not affect your new tattoo in any truly negative way. It may be uncomfortable to wear the hose as they will be touching the tattoo and if the area is tender and the hose rub against the newly tattooed skin, there may be some discomfort. Also, the issue of free air exchange might be a slight consideration. While most compression hose are designed to "breathe," it should be remembered that, when you wear your compression hose, your tattoo will be covered by a form fitting garment.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Your compression hose should not affect your new tattoo in any truly negative way. It may be uncomfortable to wear the hose as they will be touching the tattoo and if the area is tender and the hose rub against the newly tattooed skin, there may be some discomfort. Also, the issue of free air exchange might be a slight consideration. While most compression hose are designed to "breathe," it should be remembered that, when you wear your compression hose, your tattoo will be covered by a form fitting garment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Aug 12, 2012

Getting a tattoo on the leg will not be affected by wearing compression stockings in most cases. However, if you have severe venous insufficiency beyond Class 3 with skin changes, skin ulceration could occur, which could lead to further problems, so check with your doctor if not sure.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Getting a tattoo on the leg will not be affected by wearing compression stockings in most cases. However, if you have severe venous insufficiency beyond Class 3 with skin changes, skin ulceration could occur, which could lead to further problems, so check with your doctor if not sure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Aug 08, 2012

Hi,
I can't really advise you on this question. However, if you have varicose
veins in that area that are bulging or on the surface, then you could
potently bleed more if the vein(s) are penetrated. I would avoid any area
that has varicose veins that are visible.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Hi,
I can't really advise you on this question. However, if you have varicose
veins in that area that are bulging or on the surface, then you could
potently bleed more if the vein(s) are penetrated. I would avoid any area
that has varicose veins that are visible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Aug 08, 2012

The stocking should have no effect on the healing process. You might want to cover the tattoo with a Telfa dressing.As long as there is no varicose vein where you want the tattoo it should be OK.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

The stocking should have no effect on the healing process. You might want to cover the tattoo with a Telfa dressing.As long as there is no varicose vein where you want the tattoo it should be OK.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Clinic

Published on Aug 08, 2012

I would suggest you get your tattoo in another area of your body. Its
not wise to have any trauma to your lower legs if you can avoid it.

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Answered by The Vein Clinic

I would suggest you get your tattoo in another area of your body. Its
not wise to have any trauma to your lower legs if you can avoid it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Aug 08, 2012

Stocking for venous insufficiency will allow normalization of skin blood flow and will not have a negative consequence.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Stocking for venous insufficiency will allow normalization of skin blood flow and will not have a negative consequence.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 08, 2012

Compression stockings will not affect a leg tattoo. The degree of venous insufficiency could be a factor in the healing process, especially if you have venous stasis changes. You should see a vascular surgeon before getting the tattoo.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings will not affect a leg tattoo. The degree of venous insufficiency could be a factor in the healing process, especially if you have venous stasis changes. You should see a vascular surgeon before getting the tattoo.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Aug 08, 2012

In patients with chronic venous insufficiency there is a possibility of delayed healing, infection or ulceration anytime there is an "injury" in the lower extremities especially in the lower calf/ankle area. Compression hose may also hamper the healing process.

If you have insufficiency of the superficial veins (saphenous) these can be treated by in-office laser procedures. If you have deep vein insufficiency, compression, exercise, elevation are your best friend plus avoid prolonged standing. If this is the case I wouldn't advise a tattoo. Choose an area on your upper body if you want to proceed.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

In patients with chronic venous insufficiency there is a possibility of delayed healing, infection or ulceration anytime there is an "injury" in the lower extremities especially in the lower calf/ankle area. Compression hose may also hamper the healing process.

If you have insufficiency of the superficial veins (saphenous) these can be treated by in-office laser procedures. If you have deep vein insufficiency, compression, exercise, elevation are your best friend plus avoid prolonged standing. If this is the case I wouldn't advise a tattoo. Choose an area on your upper body if you want to proceed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Aug 08, 2012

In general, I believe tattoos are an ill advised venture. In the setting of severe venous insufficiency, I think you are looking for trouble by getting a tattoo on the lower leg (below the knee). Otherwise, compression hose should not have any adverse affect on the tattoo.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

In general, I believe tattoos are an ill advised venture. In the setting of severe venous insufficiency, I think you are looking for trouble by getting a tattoo on the lower leg (below the knee). Otherwise, compression hose should not have any adverse affect on the tattoo.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Aug 08, 2012

I do not know of any problem associated with wearing compression with a tattoo. The second part of your question depends a bit on the severity of the venous insufficiency of the leg.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

I do not know of any problem associated with wearing compression with a tattoo. The second part of your question depends a bit on the severity of the venous insufficiency of the leg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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