After having the tape removed how can I rid the pain?

Question

Hi! So I had a surgical tape put on after my breast augmentation a week ago and it began giving me a hard time on my back ( a couple inches below my armpit and over a tad bit.. so right on the beginning of my back where the tape stopped ) it was painful like bruising and aching.. however i had the tape removed yesterday , 1 week after surgery and there were no brusies... but it burns and feels raw. What can i do to rid this pain?! It stinging.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your recovery difficulties.  Because the area of burning and "raw" sensation is where tape was placed this is a temporary irritation of the skin from the adhesive.  Gentle washing of the area and application of a thick ointment like Aquaphor should help alleviate your symptoms. Make sure you have close follow up with your surgeon to ensure steady improvement until complete clearance takes place.  Hope this helps.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, if the stinging and pain persist, or if you develop a rash, I would suggest seeing your family doctor.  In the interim, perhaps an over the counter pain medication might help.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The pain is likely from the surgery and not from the tape.  If there is no visible redness or surface irritation at the pain site, it is likely beneath the skin surface and a result of the surgery.  Positioning, ice, or pain medication may help.  Contact your surgeon for further instruction.

Shahin Fazilat, MD, FACS · Answer

Without a photo it is difficult to know exactly what you are experiencing.   Some patients have an allergy to the adhesive in tape. This causes skin irritation to the area where the tape was and when removed it can take the top layer of skin with it.   I recommend discussing this with your surgeon and following his/her instructions.   Once the tape is removed the skin irritation should heal up on its own fairly quickly.  Best of luck to you!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Perhaps you have a "tape burn"causing that raw feeling. You would have to be evaluated in person to be sure. Best of luck.

After having the tape removed how can I rid the pain?

Answers (6)

Answer: Surgical Tape

Answer: Surgical Tape

Answer: Raw feeling after tape

Answer: Raw feeling after tape

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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After having the tape removed how can I rid the pain?

Answers (6)

Answer: Surgical Tape

Answer: Surgical Tape

Answer: Raw feeling after tape

Answer: Raw feeling after tape

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.