Can wearing compression stockings slim your legs?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
Wearing compression stockings cannot make your legs thinner. Compression stockings, due to their higher pressure, have a tissue-tightening effect that may make legs appear slimmer when worn. However, they do not reduce fat tissue, and once removed, the leg returns to its original circumference. Therefore, they do not have a slimming effect. Instead, they are medical devices designed to promote venous blood return to the heart.
Wearing compression stockings for extended periods can have negative effects on blood circulation in the legs. So, can wearing compression stockings slim your legs?
Can wearing compression stockings slim your legs?
Compression stockings cannot make your legs thinner. Due to their high level of pressure, they compress the tissues, making legs appear slimmer when worn. However, they do not reduce fat tissue. Once the stockings are removed, the leg returns to its original size, meaning they do not provide a true slimming effect.
Compression stockings are medical devices designed to promote venous blood return to the heart. They are classified as medical equipment used for preventing and relieving symptoms of venous insufficiency and varicose veins—not ordinary socks. Through graduated pressure distribution, they apply the highest support pressure at the ankle, gradually decreasing upward along the leg. The pressure reduces to 70%-90% of the maximum at the calf and further decreases to 25%-45% at the thigh. This gradient pressure helps facilitate venous blood flow back to the heart, effectively alleviating or improving pressure on leg veins and venous valves.
Only "compression stockings" that have undergone strict review and certification by the National Medical Products Administration can effectively prevent and relieve varicose veins, although they do not offer a cure. If valve dysfunction occurs—accompanied by mild swelling above the inner ankle, skin itching, or pigmentation—medical attention is required.We hope this answer has been helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness.
