How long do I need to leave the steri strips on after having a BR with mastopexy 2 1/2 weeks ago? (photos)

Please call your plastic surgeon and ask for their advice on removing your steri strips.  You may also want to ask them if and when it's okay to start using cream on your breasts before doing so.  Best of luck to you.  

You are best to ask your surgeon what his preferences are for post-op instructions. Good luck........

Thank you for your question.

I would always advise following your surgeons post operative instructions.  How long to use external support for the incision "steri strips" will depend on several factors such as the number of deeper layers closed with suture, presence or absence of any periareolar purse string type sutures, and your overall healing.  

In my practice I typically close breast reductions at the breast parenchyma, dermis, and subcuticular for any vertical or transverse incisions.  I use a round block technique to close the areola using a permanent suture and a fast absorbing suture in the areolar area.  Typically I place steri strips at surgery and leave them in place for 2 weeks.  Given staples were used and removed your surgeon may want steri strip support longer than my practice as at 2 1/2 week my patient would still have dissolvable subcuticular sutures in place.

Best Dr. L

Every surgeon will have their own routine about steri strips or wound tapes and you should of course ask your surgeon. We most often remove them at two weeks after breast lift.

Follow your doctor's advice.  If the wound is closed, there is no purpose to leaving them on  longer.  I let my patients shower with the steris on.