Following treatment, how long do I need to wear compression stockings for?

After your varicose veins treatment at Veincentre, wearing compression stockings is a vital part of your recovery. These medical-grade stockings help improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and minimise the risk of complications. 

You’ll be fitted with class II compression stockings and asked to wear them continuously, day and night, for at least 7 days post-treatment. You should not stand up without them on during this period. After 7 days, you may remove them at night and continue to wear them during the day if advised by your consultant or if they help relieve ongoing symptoms. 

Following treatment, especially EVLA, foam sclerotherapy or avulsions, we advise walking for 10-20 minutes each day and avoiding sitting or standing still for long periods. You can resume normal activities straight away but listen to your body. Flying long-haul (over 4 hours) should be avoided for 4 weeks. 

Bathing while wearing stockings is possible. You can shower in them (drying with a cool hairdryer), take a bath (removing them just before and putting them back on immediately after), or opt for strip-washing. 

Some bruising, tightness, and hard, lumpy veins are common during recovery and usually fade within weeks. The veins may appear worse before they look better, this is completely normal. Caring for your stockings properly helps them stay effective: hand or delicate machine wash, no tumble drying, and avoid fabric softeners. 

If your stockings slide down, try cleaning the top edge, wearing tights or cycling shorts over them, or using a suspender belt. If irritation or a rash develops, use a soft fabric barrier or reposition the stocking lower on the leg. 

Please do contact us if you have any further questions, we’re here to support you at every step.