I am preparing for my first sclerotherapy treatment. One doctor definitely believes in using some form of compression after the procedure, but another does not. What's your take? Should compression be used after sclerotherapy?
Most American vein specialists use compression hosiery after sclerotherapy, while some European specialists do not. Probably the most critical factor is vein size, with larger veins benefiting most from compression. Doctors who do not specialize in vein disorders often limit treatment to smaller spider veins and frequently do not use compression. It is best to choose a doctor you trust and follow his/her instructions.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression should always be used following most vein treatments, especially sclerotherapy. Since it is a liquid, compression is needed to prevent the drug from being washed out of the vein and rendering treatment invalid. Compression keeps the solution in the vein for a longer period of time, making treatment more effective. 30-40 mmHg compression stockings are typically recommended after treatment, unless there is ulceration of the skin.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
At our office, we recommend our patients wear 30-40 mmHg compression stockings 3-5 days depending on the size of the veins that are being treated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You don't necessarily have to wear compression hose or wraps following sclerotherapy treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There was a good study that showed compression stockings improve sclerotherapy results and lessen the risk of staining or matting after sclerotherapy. To be fair, however, the study was looking at compression after sclerotherapy of varicose veins and not tiny spider veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, compression should definitely be used after sclerotherapy. The reason being, once the veins (be they spider or reticular veins) have been injected and the vein lining has been sufficiently irritated by the sclerosing agent, the vein walls need to be compressed to occlude the flow of the vein and to cause the vein walls to adhere to one another. This begins the process of the veins becoming non-viable, thrombosing and then being absorbed by the body. It is much like how the body absorbs a bruise. So you can see the importance of compression following sclerotherapy. Without it, the vessels would very likely recanalize, flush the sclerosing agent out and remain patent.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression hose and wraps certainly are not harmful. In fact, they may help speed up the healing process.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The literature shows a benefit of compression hose for a week after sclerotherapy. The first three days are most vital. If it's only tiny red spiders 0.2 to 0.3 mm, then it probably doesn't matter.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Absolutely, yes. Studies show that compression can result in less swelling and bruising following sclerotherapy of medium and large refluxing veins. Patients tend to also have better outcomes since the compression hose help keep the solution in the vein longer.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
We typically prescribe compression after sclerotherapy. The hose are applied to the patient and left on for 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Patients are still able to shower, exercise and sleep in them. We have found this effective and well tolerated by our patients. We do prescribe a thinner, nicer compression hose with 20-30 mmHg pressure. We feel the longer the veins are compressed the better the long term result and less chance of veins reopening.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy works best when compression is used.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You will be better off using compression stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I routinely ask my patients to wear thigh or panty length compression hose (20-30 mmHg) for 72 hours post-sclerotherapy. Although I have no scientific paper to refer you to, it seems only logical to compress the area of treatment to assist with sealing of the treated veins. I prefer hose to ace wraps because the compression strength is more standardized with hose than manual ace wraps. I do not believe cotton ball and tape application immediately after injections does much of anything.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The reason for compression is to keep the injected solution inside the vein and the blood out of the vein. By doing this, the vein walls stick together to cause the vein to dissolve over time. I recommend 48 hours of compression after sclerotherapy. I do not think that longer compression is necessary. There are some who recommend no compression at all and others who recommend 6 weeks of compression. Two days seems like a fair compromise if you believe the reasons I gave above.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, compression should be used after sclerotherapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I believe in compression after sclerotherapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012