Stockings or Surgery? Choose either, but you must choose one to prevent blood clots, open sores, darkening, and scarring of the skin in your legs. Stockings are a valid alternative to surgery, and they are a great way to keep veins from recurring after you have had procedures. Most insurance companies mandate that you complete a six or three month trial of wearing prescription grade compression stockings before they will authorize coverage for any surgeries including sclerotherapy. Thigh high or