How much longer do I need to wear compression hose?

I have had the compression hose on for 7 days and walk an hour and a half every day. How much longer do I need the hose?

Answers from doctors (7)


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

Published on Feb 22, 2016

The question does not specify for what reason compression stockings use was recommended.

I am going to assume that you are asking how long after sclerotherapy do I have to wear stockings as this is the most common clinical scenario.

The doctor who has written the 'bible' for sclerotherapy (M Goldman) recommends that his patients wear stockings for 2 weeks and NOT take them off during that time period. He even tells them to wear the stockings when they are showering! I think that this is impractical for patients to comply with.

Every vein specialist has their own protocol as to what to do and how long to wear stockings. I recommend that my patients wear stockings for 3 months because I practice in the North East and my patients follow my recommendations without a problem. I admit, however, that the most important time is the first 2 weeks after sclerotherapy. It is important to wear the stockings as much as possible during the first 2 weeks after sclerotherapy, even while sleeping. This reduces the likelihood of coagulum formation and reduces the likelihood of hyperpigmentation. I also tell my patients to avoid sun exposure for 3 months.

Discuss your concerns with your vein specialist and always follow his/her protocol after sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

The question does not specify for what reason compression stockings use was recommended.

I am going to assume that you are asking how long after sclerotherapy do I have to wear stockings as this is the most common clinical scenario.

The doctor who has written the 'bible' for sclerotherapy (M Goldman) recommends that his patients wear stockings for 2 weeks and NOT take them off during that time period. He even tells them to wear the stockings when they are showering! I think that this is impractical for patients to comply with.

Every vein specialist has their own protocol as to what to do and how long to wear stockings. I recommend that my patients wear stockings for 3 months because I practice in the North East and my patients follow my recommendations without a problem. I admit, however, that the most important time is the first 2 weeks after sclerotherapy. It is important to wear the stockings as much as possible during the first 2 weeks after sclerotherapy, even while sleeping. This reduces the likelihood of coagulum formation and reduces the likelihood of hyperpigmentation. I also tell my patients to avoid sun exposure for 3 months.

Discuss your concerns with your vein specialist and always follow his/her protocol after sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 22, 2016

Assuming you had a closure procedure first, I recommend wearing compression hose for only 48 hours post-ablation.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Assuming you had a closure procedure first, I recommend wearing compression hose for only 48 hours post-ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 22, 2016

That depends. Sometimes we recommend patients continue wearing the compression for the rest of their life; other times patients only need compression for a few weeks after the procedure. Speak to your treating physician about this.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

That depends. Sometimes we recommend patients continue wearing the compression for the rest of their life; other times patients only need compression for a few weeks after the procedure. Speak to your treating physician about this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 22, 2016

I don't know what you using them for, so I can't answer your question.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I don't know what you using them for, so I can't answer your question.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Access and Vascular Restorative Medicine PLLC

Published on Feb 22, 2016

Well, it depends. Are you asking about how long do you have to wear the compression stockings after a procedure for ablation or closure of a refluxing great saphenous vein (GSV)? Or, are you asking how long you have to wear the compression therapy for an untreated refluxing GSV with chronic venous insufficiency, symptomatic varicose veins or venous stasis ulcer? For each one of these situations the answer is quite different.

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Answered by Access and Vascular Restorative Medicine PLLC

Well, it depends. Are you asking about how long do you have to wear the compression stockings after a procedure for ablation or closure of a refluxing great saphenous vein (GSV)? Or, are you asking how long you have to wear the compression therapy for an untreated refluxing GSV with chronic venous insufficiency, symptomatic varicose veins or venous stasis ulcer? For each one of these situations the answer is quite different.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Feb 22, 2016

I am not sure in what respect you are talking. This depends on why you are wearing the hose. Did you have sclerotherapy? Endovenous laser? A DVT? Usually, the more you wear them, the better it is.

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

I am not sure in what respect you are talking. This depends on why you are wearing the hose. Did you have sclerotherapy? Endovenous laser? A DVT? Usually, the more you wear them, the better it is.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 22, 2016

If this is after a vein ablation, I generally recommend stockings for a week. They can be worn thereafter as much as you wish, especially during the daytime, when up and around. If it feels better, for as long as you wish, but that would be optional.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

If this is after a vein ablation, I generally recommend stockings for a week. They can be worn thereafter as much as you wish, especially during the daytime, when up and around. If it feels better, for as long as you wish, but that would be optional.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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