Be diligent about wearing them correctly for the full recommended duration. Don't hesitate to ask your medical team any questions about proper use.Ĭompression socks are an essential part of postoperative recovery.Notify your doctor of any discomfort or restriction. Don't roll down tops of socks - this reduces compression.Do remove socks at night before going to sleep.Do smooth out any wrinkles in the sock and ensure even compression.Do put socks on before getting out of bed in the morning.Do follow your surgeon's instructions for how long to wear them and which type/compression level to use.To get the full benefit, there are some important do's and don'ts for using compression socks: How to Use Compression Socks After Surgery Compression socks are easy to use and effective at preventing major complications. ![]() Your surgeon will assess your risk factors and likely put you on a regimen of compression socks along with blood thinners or anticoagulants. They also reduce swelling and varicose veins. Wearing compression socks helps stimulate blood flow in the legs to stop clots from forming. If they travel to the lungs, it can block blood flow causing pulmonary embolism. Other risk factors like smoking, obesity, cancer, and age also raise your chances of DVT.īlood clots are extremely dangerous. Sitting still during long operations allows blood to stagnate and clot. Aid in preventing dangerous blood clots after surgeryĪfter having surgery, you are at increased risk for developing blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Improve circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the legs.This mimics the pressure exerted on leg veins by walking and moving your muscles. The socks are tightest at the ankles and gradually decrease in pressure up the leg. This graduated compression helps promote blood flow in the veins of the legs. What are Compression Socks?Ĭompression socks are tight fitting socks that apply gentle pressure to the legs. For simpler procedures with less surgical risk, you may only need 2-3 days of compression sock use during initial recovery. If your procedure is more complex or significantly limits mobility, you’ll need to wear compression socks for at least a week. Plastic surgery ranges from minimally invasive like breast augmentation to major like a tummy tuck or liposuction. Compression socks will stimulate circulation until you are moving normally again. The limited mobility from these surgeries prevents normal muscle contractions that move blood through the leg veins. Orthopedic SurgeryĪfter orthopedic procedures like ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair or ankle surgery plan to use compression socks for 1-2 weeks. If your mobility is reduced after the operation, your doctor may recommend continuing use for up to a month to prevent DVT. Wear compression socks for at least 7-10 days after having general surgery like gallbladder removal, hernia repair or gastric bypass. For cancer-related operations or if you have other clotting risk factors, your doctor may advise a full 6 weeks of compression sock use during recovery. You should wear compression socks for a minimum of 2 weeks after surgery. Abdominal or Pelvic SurgeryĪny surgery on the abdomen or pelvic area like hysterectomy, prostate removal or bowel resection comes with an increased risk of clots. Some doctors recommend continuing use for up to 3 months. ![]() You will need to wear anti-embolism compression socks for at least 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. These carry the highest risk for blood clots. This includes total hip or knee replacement, hip fracture surgery and extensive leg reconstruction. ![]() More invasive procedures that limit mobility require longer use. The duration you need to wear compression socks depends on the type of surgery performed. How Long to Wear Compression Socks after Surgery Read on to learn why compression socks are recommended post-surgery and how long to wear them based on your specific operation. The recommended duration for wearing compression socks after surgery typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, but the specific time frame depends on the type of surgery and individual recovery progress. After having surgery, your doctor will likely recommend wearing compression socks during your recovery.
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