How Soon After Tummy Tuck Can I Begin to Use 3M Microlpore Tape?

Question

I am 15 days Post-op Tummy Tuck no muscle repair. My PS said I should wait 6 weeks until I can start using Micropore tape or silicone sheets, but I feel like I should start using the tape sooner. He has advised me to apply WoundBeGone 1 week after TT. I want to start working out again. He has given me the ok to do so, but I would feel a lot better with some tape on my incision. Any advise would be much appreciated. Lastly, has anyone tried 3M Kind Removal Silicone Tape?

George H. Landis, MD · Answer

Generally speaking it's important to follow your plastic surgeons recommendations.  However, in my practice, as soon as the wound is sealed together, which is about two weeks after surgery, I have my patients begin using the micropore tape.  I have them apply it, wear it continuously, and reapply it as he ends turnup and begins to peel off.  I recommend 2 - 3 months.  About 1 in 7 patients develops a rash to the adhesive and must use another strategy.

	While there are many scar management strategies, there is exellent scientific evidence to show that "scar taping" signigicantly improves scar appearance.

	
	
	 while there are many scar management strategies  management strategies While there are many scar

Jonathan Fisher, MD · Answer

Before you start treating the scar you must wait until the scar closes externaly. Good genetics and results might vary from person to person so its a good ideak to keep track and report if something seems out of the orthinary.

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

In my practice, I use micropore paper tape on all incision lines after surgery and continue using the paper tape for six weeks. The patient is given two roles of this breathable paper tape and is taught how to clean the wound and change the tape every other day.  In a recent paper that compare taping of wounds to other scar treatments and to no scar treatment, the paper tape was shown to be as effective as scar gels and creams, and also helps with quicker fading of the scar color. 

	It is best to listen to the advice of your own surgeon, but if you feel like you want to start doing this anyway, know that it is safe and effective. Good luck and thanks for the question.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Your best allies for the best scar are good genetics and time.   Almost any of those items are fine or are, at least, not harmful.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Once your incision has fully healed at the surface, it is safe to apply scar management treatments.   This typically takes 1-3 weeks for a large incision. Silicone sheeting/belts are soft, non-adherent, moist and clinically proven to improve scars.  Tape may injure the fragile skin.  It is also reasonable to start at 6 weeks.  One week vs 6 weeks will not make a significant difference in the endpoint.  Try not to worry too much.  Best wishes!

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

some surgeons put it on immediately following surgery instead of steristrips.  so the answer is right away.  i use steri strips then silicone.  but studies show medpore is excellent too.

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How Soon After Tummy Tuck Can I Begin to Use 3M Microlpore Tape?

Answers (12)

Answer: What to Use for Scars after Tummy Tuck

Answer: What to Use for Scars after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Silicoe Sheeting Very Effective & Safe For Scar Management

Answer: Silicoe Sheeting Very Effective & Safe For Scar Management

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