Is it OK to use an elastic bandage instead of compression stockings following sclerotherapy?

I had a sclerotherapy treatment, but instead of being prescribed compression stockings, my doctor advised me to use an elastic bandage. Is the bandage just as effective as compression stockings?

Answers from doctors (11)


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jun 04, 2013

Yes, you can wear elastic bandages instead of compression stockings.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Yes, you can wear elastic bandages instead of compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on May 30, 2013

Bandages can be a very effective method of compression, but require experience to apply properly. Additionally, they often lose their tightness quickly. Most physicians use graduated stockings for simplicity and consistency.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Bandages can be a very effective method of compression, but require experience to apply properly. Additionally, they often lose their tightness quickly. Most physicians use graduated stockings for simplicity and consistency.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on May 29, 2013

Yes, that is an acceptable alternative to compression stocking.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes, that is an acceptable alternative to compression stocking.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on May 29, 2013

No, elastic bandage will not suffice. Compression stockings provide the pressure and support needed after vein treatment of this kind.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

No, elastic bandage will not suffice. Compression stockings provide the pressure and support needed after vein treatment of this kind.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 29, 2013

The elastic bandage will only be as effective as compression stockings if they provide the same even compression as the hose (typically 30-40mmHg). If not, then I would say to use the compression stocking after sclerotherapy since it is a liquid. Without proper compression, the liquid will easily be washed out of the vein, rendering treatment ineffective.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

The elastic bandage will only be as effective as compression stockings if they provide the same even compression as the hose (typically 30-40mmHg). If not, then I would say to use the compression stocking after sclerotherapy since it is a liquid. Without proper compression, the liquid will easily be washed out of the vein, rendering treatment ineffective.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bay Vein Associates

Published on May 28, 2013

Yes, for the purposes of post-procedural compression of the treated leg, there is no difference between the elastic hose and compression stockings.

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Answered by Bay Vein Associates

Yes, for the purposes of post-procedural compression of the treated leg, there is no difference between the elastic hose and compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on May 28, 2013

Elastic bandage is acceptable as long as you can apply it with gradient pressure (tighter below and less tight as you gradually ascend up the leg). This is difficult to do and requires some training and expertise. A stocking does this more easily. An inelastic wrap is sometimes applied immediately after sclerotherapy, but is changed to a stocking later. Also, beware that failure to compress the foot will result in foot swelling. Wraps on the foot are cumbersome and uncomfortable.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Elastic bandage is acceptable as long as you can apply it with gradient pressure (tighter below and less tight as you gradually ascend up the leg). This is difficult to do and requires some training and expertise. A stocking does this more easily. An inelastic wrap is sometimes applied immediately after sclerotherapy, but is changed to a stocking later. Also, beware that failure to compress the foot will result in foot swelling. Wraps on the foot are cumbersome and uncomfortable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on May 28, 2013

The elastic bandage may not be as effective as compression stockings. Address these concerns with your treating physician and ask him/her about the pros and cons of each.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

The elastic bandage may not be as effective as compression stockings. Address these concerns with your treating physician and ask him/her about the pros and cons of each.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on May 28, 2013

Elastic bandages can be effective if applied correctly. We typically use a sheet compression hose for our patients comfort as bandages tend to slip and unravel.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Elastic bandages can be effective if applied correctly. We typically use a sheet compression hose for our patients comfort as bandages tend to slip and unravel.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on May 28, 2013

Ace bandages are not a measured, graded form of compression. Unlike compression stockings, which are "medium stretch" bandages, ace wraps are "short stretch" bandages. If you have had sclerotherapy, you should use the correct grade of stocking (20- 30 mmHg or 30- 40mmHg).

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Ace bandages are not a measured, graded form of compression. Unlike compression stockings, which are "medium stretch" bandages, ace wraps are "short stretch" bandages. If you have had sclerotherapy, you should use the correct grade of stocking (20- 30 mmHg or 30- 40mmHg).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 28, 2013

Compression stockings are a better form of compression since they are more uniform. However, I frequently use ace wraps, especially since I use post-sclerotherapy compression for only 48 hours and many patients would rather wear the ace wraps rather than stockings.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings are a better form of compression since they are more uniform. However, I frequently use ace wraps, especially since I use post-sclerotherapy compression for only 48 hours and many patients would rather wear the ace wraps rather than stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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