How long should I keep my tape in place to reduce scarring?

Question

My ps told me to keep the tape in place for as long as possible and let it peel off naturally. here I am with dirty, cruddy tape 3 weeks later and it still hasn't fallen off.In fact, it seems like it's just getting stickier.I even asked her to change it and put new tape on but she didn't really want to do that for some reason.The tape even stinks and smells like an old cast.I am 1 day short of my 3 weeks.Is it really worth keeping the tape on longer? Will it improve my scars that much more?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

The surgical tape applied after surgery helps keep the incision approximated - making the scar heal nicely. At three weeks If the tape is dirty and falling off - I would recommend removing it. At your next appointment you can always have it replaced. I recommend my patients keep the tape on for at least 4-6 weeks - Replacing it at each follow up appointment.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The tape is most definitely not helping you at this point.  In its condition the is bacteria in the tape which is going to leave you with redness now when it is removed.  I would take it off.

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Generally steri-strips (the white or tan tape put on the day of surgery) is either removed by 1-2 weeks (skin has healed enough by this time) or some surgeons let it fall off on its own.  I generally don't like to have bloody or goopy tape on nice incisions, so I have patients remove it.  Silicone tape is often then used weeks out to help the scar remodel.  This is often used for 3-4 months to help the scar mature.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

You should follow the instructions of your own plastic surgeon relative to tape on the incisions. Scientifically speaking there's no evidence that this has any long-term benefit.

Angela Champion, MD · Answer

I typically leave tape on for 2-3 weeks.  If it's in the same condition as yours, I would remove them.  Every surgeon is different so it would be best to follow your surgeon's instructions as best you can. ac

Kevin Maguire, MD · Answer

Accepting your description of the odor, remove the tape and simply replace it with paper tape from your local drug store. Good luck and be well.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I often tell patients to keep them taped for six weeks or longer. Usually the tapes are changed.  I have patients sometimes place paper tape over the incisions as an alternative.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The tapes do help keep the skin approximated while they are on, and in turn this helps reduce the tension on the incision and will help in the scar healing process. It is hard to say exactly how much it helps, and it is really based on the patient and the pigmentation of their skin. I would recommend that after about 4 weeks that the tape be removed. The best way to get the tape off if it doesn't come off easily is to get the tape soaked in the shower and remove it while it is wet.

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How long should I keep my tape in place to reduce scarring?

Answers (8)

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