Compression stockings after surgery

Jobst stockings to prevent blood clots

The stockings will minimize swelling in your legs after surgery, but the best thing you can do to prevent blood clots is to walk at least 500 steps a day after your surgery. The surgeries with the highest risk are tummy tucks, liposuction of multiple areas, or any surgery lasting more than 5-6 hours. (Dana Goldberg, MD)

Secquential compressive pneumatic jobst are used during surgery/ compresion neumatica secuencial es mejor

It is much better to utilize secquential compressive pneumatic equipment for both legs during surgery or preferently to operate veins before any surgery in order to avoid blood clots during surgery (Ramon Navarro, MD, Mexico Plastic Surgeon)

Jobst Stockings to Prevent Blood Clots

Compression stockings after surgery image

Jobst stocking are better used for people with vein problems in the legs but they do not lower the risk of blood clots after surgery in people with normal healthy veins. The best thing are SCDs (Sequential Compression Devices) used during surgery, followed by early walking. (Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)

Jobst stocking after sugery

Generally, I recommend two weeks of the stocking or sooner once you are back to doing your normal work and life routine, along with ambulating every hour (normal waking hours, of course). Wearing the stockings are important after any surgery, including non-cosmetic, but specially imperative after liposuction and tummy tuck. So remember, keep “Jobsting” and keep walking. (Robert Morgan Davoudi, MD, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon)

Blood clot (DVT/PE) prevention with tummy tuck

Compression stockings after surgery photo

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are dynamic issues dependent on many factors including:

  • dehydration.
  • lack of movement
  • genetics

The more the blood in the deep veins slows down the higher the chance of clots forming. After your tummy tuck drinking lots of water and moving around (walking) will help reduce the chance of clots forming. This is perhaps the most important factors. The leg stocking reduce the amount of blood pooling in the leg veins and also helps but not nearly as much as actual walking. Your plastic surgeon can guide you through this process but wearing them for at least the first 24-48 hours would be helpful and may help prevent DVT. (Remus Repta, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Compression stockings after surgery picture

Is It Necessary to Wear Jobst Stocking After Surgery to Prevent Blood Clots?

There are a number of mechanical and pharmacological aids to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, and the recommendations for treatment depend upon the individual patient’s risks.

You can check your own risk profile by googling “Caprini score.” Early mobilization is important. Leg compression with stockings and or sequential compression devices, and medications such as Lovenox have been shown to be effective. Discuss with your own surgeon the best approach for you. (Jourdan Gottlieb, MD, )