After discontinuing my compression stocking, I have pain and more bruising. Should I be concerned?

I had my microphlebectomy procedure 12 days ago, and I've had minimal pain since the initial 48 hours post surgery. However, I stopped wearing my compression stocking 2 days ago and now have pain when I walk and darker bruising. Should I be overly concerned?

Answers from doctors (8)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 13, 2018

Post operative bruising can "move" and once you stopped the hose it may have come up to the surface a little. Additionally we sometimes find patients have a little more discomfort 10 -14 days post op when the deeper tissue swelling is subsiding and some of the small nerves are "waking" up. My patients use Dermaka or Arnica cream to massage into all the areas after treatment and this speeds up healing and discomfort. If you are concerned your surgeon should check you with the ultrasound.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Post operative bruising can "move" and once you stopped the hose it may have come up to the surface a little. Additionally we sometimes find patients have a little more discomfort 10 -14 days post op when the deeper tissue swelling is subsiding and some of the small nerves are "waking" up. My patients use Dermaka or Arnica cream to massage into all the areas after treatment and this speeds up healing and discomfort. If you are concerned your surgeon should check you with the ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Mar 18, 2014

Sounds like there may still be some leaking/oozing where they broke the veins off, or the proximal dysfunctional veins weren't treated thoroughly. Either way, you should return to your treating physician and request an evaluation.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Sounds like there may still be some leaking/oozing where they broke the veins off, or the proximal dysfunctional veins weren't treated thoroughly. Either way, you should return to your treating physician and request an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Mar 10, 2014

Many times the stockings will relieve some of the pain so when you have them on, you may not notice any pain. As long as the incisions are not infected and you do not have a fever or signs of infection, I would not worry. Typically, they have you take an antibiotic post-procedure to prevent infection, such as keflex. Much bruising is also to be expected after this type of procedure.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Many times the stockings will relieve some of the pain so when you have them on, you may not notice any pain. As long as the incisions are not infected and you do not have a fever or signs of infection, I would not worry. Typically, they have you take an antibiotic post-procedure to prevent infection, such as keflex. Much bruising is also to be expected after this type of procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


No, any bleeding will have stopped by 12 days. There is most likely phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) causing discomfort, which you can try to relieve with Ibuprofen or Aleve as directed. Bruising may take up to a month to go away. The other question is whether you are taking blood thinners. I would ask the provider who did the phlebectomy for a more specific answer in that instance.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

No, any bleeding will have stopped by 12 days. There is most likely phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) causing discomfort, which you can try to relieve with Ibuprofen or Aleve as directed. Bruising may take up to a month to go away. The other question is whether you are taking blood thinners. I would ask the provider who did the phlebectomy for a more specific answer in that instance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Published on Mar 03, 2014

No, but you should continue wearing the compression stockings for a total of 4-6 weeks after a phlebectomy.

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Answered by Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

No, but you should continue wearing the compression stockings for a total of 4-6 weeks after a phlebectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Feb 27, 2014

In general, I do not believe you should be overly concerned. However, as your legs heal, it must be remembered that, albeit minimal, the surgery was an invasive trauma to your system. The hose provide both compression and tissue stabilization. This will accomplish several things: minimize edema (swelling), minimize erythema (bruising) and reduce ambulatory pain. Bottom line: You might want to consider putting your compression hose back on.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

In general, I do not believe you should be overly concerned. However, as your legs heal, it must be remembered that, albeit minimal, the surgery was an invasive trauma to your system. The hose provide both compression and tissue stabilization. This will accomplish several things: minimize edema (swelling), minimize erythema (bruising) and reduce ambulatory pain. Bottom line: You might want to consider putting your compression hose back on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Feb 27, 2014

No, there is no reason to be concerned. The pain and bruising should subside, and is probably the result of wearing the stockings. Perhaps the fit was too tight.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

No, there is no reason to be concerned. The pain and bruising should subside, and is probably the result of wearing the stockings. Perhaps the fit was too tight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Feb 26, 2014

No, you should not be concerned. However, if you feel worried about it, you can always follow up with your primary care physician or the specialist who performed the procedure.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

No, you should not be concerned. However, if you feel worried about it, you can always follow up with your primary care physician or the specialist who performed the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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