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

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

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.

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.