Medical illustration of a patient receiving leech therapy on the neck during a surgical procedure.
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.

CaylaCatz on BudgetPixel

@CaylaCatz · 6/11/2026

@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!

Medical illustration of a patient receiving leech therapy on the neck during a surgical procedure.
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.

Tags: leech therapy, post-operative edema, wound healing, medical illustration, surgery, healthcare, doctors in masks, sterile technique, patient recovery, leeches, clinical procedure, facial surgery, anatomy drawing, medical art

7 likes · 9 comments

Comments

suga2309

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.😱

legion

I pass...

panos

Yeah.... thanx but... no thanx! (Green-glowing vodka is a cure all! So says... somebody ELSE than me, Amalia! I swear baby!!)

nemo

😖

DavidP

That's amazing info and fantastic image. I'm with you on steering clear. Thanks for QTing my non-QT 😀