Medical illustration of a patient receiving leech therapy

By @CaylaCatz · Jun 11, 2026

7 likes · 9 comments

@DavidP did a post with leeches being used by scary Gothic nurses https://budgetpixel.com/p/45469 Ewww! And yet leeches are still being used today in modern mediciane. There are FDA-approved leeches! Google explained: Leeches (hirudotherapy) are used to restore healthy blood flow and drain congested blood following skin grafts or plastic surgery. Unclogging Vessels: When tissues are reattached, tiny veins sometimes struggle to drain blood. If this excess blood is not removed, it can cause the tissue to die (necrosis). Leeches act as tiny vacuums to relieve this congestion. Natural Anticoagulants: As the leech feeds, its saliva injects a powerful blood thinner called hirudin directly into the tissue, preventing the blood from clotting and promoting continuous, healthy circulation. Painless Therapy: Leech saliva also contains a natural anesthetic, making the procedure essentially painless for the patient. I still say ewww! I am never going to get plastic surgery!

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About this image

A detailed medical illustration shows a patient with leeches applied to the neck as part of post-operative care. Surgeons and a clinician in masks and gloves perform the treatment in a sterile, clinical setting, highlighting leech therapy for edema reduction and wound healing. The subdued color palette and medical doodles in the background convey a clinical, educational mood.

Comments (9)

@panos · Jun 11, 2026
Yeah.... thanx but... no thanx! (Green-glowing vodka is a cure all! So says... somebody ELSE than me, Amalia! I swear baby!!)
@DavidP · Jun 11, 2026
That's amazing info and fantastic image. I'm with you on steering clear. Thanks for QTing my non-QT 😀
@CaylaCatz · Jun 11, 2026
lol, it was the source for the inspiration.
@CaylaCatz · Jun 11, 2026
just tell her it's better than the alternative!
@suga2309 · Jun 12, 2026
I've only witnessed it once after it sucked enough blood from a person and grew fat. He didn't feel it climbing on him. It's was even hard to stop the bleeding for a long time.😱
@panos · Jun 11, 2026
...for some reason, these critters are likable to vamps. Can you guess why....
@CaylaCatz · Jun 11, 2026
yeah, i agree. they are eww even if they do use them