Lipedema Compression Garments in St. Louis

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One of the more popular treatments for lipedema is the use of lipedema compression garments, especially when utilized in tandem with liposuction. Designed to help eliminate swelling in the affected areas, compression stockings, while not miracle cures, were once the only choice for patients suffering from lipedema. Today, there are other options, but this therapy treatment is still quite popular.

What are Compression Stockings?

Used for treating vein disease as well as for lipedema, compression stockings resemble nylons, but are much tighter and are designed to help keep blood flowing through the legs by applying pressure to the affected areas. Used to help relieve any discomfort or swelling the patient might have, they may have to be worn all day and night for optimum results. Compression stockings can come in a wide variety of styles and fabrics, ranging from basic beige to black, with many colors and pattern variations in between.

Can I Use Over the Counter Compression Stockings to Treat My Lipedema?

Because non-prescription compression stockings are so much less expensive than prescription stockings, many people would prefer to purchase those, but unfortunately, the prescription ones are far more beneficial to treating your lipedema. Custom-made to fit your legs, they apply pressure to all the right areas, and since they are made better than the ones you can find at Walmart, at the end of the day they aren’t that much more expensive.  Non-medical or non-prescription compression stockings are generally lighter compression and not manufactured with gradients of compression. Non-prescription compression stockings do not have to meet the technical specification for compression. More information can be found here.

Prescription Grade Lipedema Compression Stockings Come in Multiple Compression Classes

The five classes and their Medical Indications for Prescription Compression are:

• Nonprescription Grade Compression: Less than 20 mmHg Compression

Indicated for Less 20 mmHg compression include: tired or aching legs and spider veins.

• Class I: 20-30 mmHg: Indicated for mild or moderate varicose veins, mild swelling, and deep vein thrombosis [DVT prevention] and anti-embolism prevention.
• Class II: 30-40 mmHg: Indicated for treatment of chronic venous disease [CEAP Class 3 and above], mild lymphedema [significant limb swelling], moderate to severe varicose veins.
• Class III: 40-50 mmHg: Indicated for Moderate Lymphedema, Severe Chronic Vein Disease
• Class IV: 50-60 mmHg: Indicated for all the above with symptoms or swelling not controlled by lower compression.

The numbers refer to the tightness at the ankle and the level of compression the higher up on the leg the stocking goes, with Class I & II being used primarily for arms and hand coverage and Class III & Class IV being utilized for the lower half of the patient’s body. See this article for more information.

Why Choose the Laser Lipo & Vein Center for Your Lipedema Treatments?

Dr. Wright specializes in the diagnosis of Lipedema and other closely associated disorders with conservative treatment options such as compression garments. Lipedema compression garments alone may not be the solution for you, but Dr. Wright will work with you to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs. Schedule an appointment with us today and discover your options for lipedema treatment.

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