Dr. Aggarwal is a Board Certified and Aesthetic Laser Certified Family Physician specializing in vein disease at Vein Care Center Laser Specialists. This month, she helps unpack findings of the recent CONFETTI study that suggests compression stockings are beneficial for reducing pain after sclerotherapy (read the study abstract).
If we’re using sclerotherapy to get rid of unsightly veins almost 10 times a day, I can only imagine this treatment being performed across the world—multiplied exponentially!
Using FDA-approved medications in United States, which include Sotradecol and Polidocanol, practices are utilizing this highly successful treatment every day. High patient satisfaction and results continue to be driving forces in this particular treatment. With the advent of laser treatments (particularly the Nd:Yag 1064nm laser decades ago), sclerotherapy results are further enhanced. Patients are avoiding needles to rid themselves of fine feathery red telangectasias. However, in combination, sclerotherapy and laser treatments have shown to be superior to one modality alone.
Patients often find themselves quickly looking better and feeling better within a few months from their varicose and spider veins. The post-care instructions for patient to receive scare therapy treatments do often times include compression stockings.
Patients often find themselves quickly looking better and feeling better within a few months from their varicose and spider veins. The post-care instructions for patient to receive scare therapy treatments do often times include compression stockings.
Yes, I said it. The dreaded compression stockings. Let’s face the facts. People do not like wearing compression stockings. However, we all know the benefits of wearing compression—definitely our grandmothers knew!
Often times in my practice, I will have patients that have received sclerotherapy treatments in the past and have not worn compression stockings following their treatments. Even though the evidence is limited, new studies are showing that patients who wear compression stockings experience significantly lower pain scores.
The CONFETTI study (published March 2024 in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, “COmpressioN following endovenous TreatmenT of Incompetent varicose veins by sclerotherapy”) randomly assigned 139 patients into compression and non-compression stockings groups. They were followed after treatment at two weeks and six months. At both of these time points, more than 50 percent of the patients returned for follow-up visits. At two weeks, no differences were noted in bruising, the time to return to their normal activities or work. Both groups did show improvements in clinical severity and quality of life. Success rates were comparable, however, discomfort in regards to pain was most noticeably decreased in the compression garment group.
As part of the study, patients were required to wear thigh-length elastic bandages for 24 hours after the procedure and then additionally provided with thigh-high compression stockings of 18 to 24mmHg. In my practice, we have patients wear 20-30mmHg compression stockings immediately following their treatments, overnight and then daily for two weeks following their treatment. Other studies have shown three weeks seems to be the magical number, but compliance is a huge factor for patients, as well as removing and donning a compression garment on their lower extremities.
We keep this same protocol for patients who have laser treatments. We find this to be a consistent practice. Patients are all aware of their post-procedure protocol, regardless of the treatment modality used.
Compression garments are here to stay. In regards to post-treatment discomfort, compression should be used or recommended by your medical provider.
Juzo offers a line of products to wear after sclerotherapy—including Sheer, Soft, Dynamic and Move. View them online. As always, consult with your care team on what compression is best for you and your condition.
Follow us on Instagram, @JuzoCompression and Facebook to learn more about the benefits of medical compression.