6 days post op, my steri strips are lifting! Is this normal? (photos)

It is not uncommon for dressings to start falling off. Each surgeon has their own protocol for incision wound care. Contact your plastic surgeon for further instruction.

This is usual however you may want to see your surgeon just so that they can check your incision. They may replace the steristrips for you.

At 6 days after your surgery, having your steristrips lift is completely normal.  Please see your surgeon who can reassure you.  Best wishes for your recovery.

You should call your doctor to let them know about the steristrips.  Usually, if they are coming off, there may be some moisture underneath which may cause the skin to get irritated and may require some antibiotic ointment.  I usually ask my patients to keep that area dry to avoid moisture which can make the skin break down and if it does get moist, I usually change the strips or remove them to allow the skin to dry.

It is normal for steri strips to lift up on certain individuals and situations. I would call your PS and ask them and send the same photos for evaluation. In this case I have the patient or myself to replace them in the first several weeks but not after that. It depends on the philosophy of your plastic surgeon use of steri strips to help in wound-incision management.

Different surgeons will have different “protocols” when it comes to incision line care after surgery. Therefore, best to run your questions/concerns directly by your plastic surgeon.In my practice, if at all possible, I like to keep steri strips in place for several weeks. However, if they are lifting or there is a drainage (or reaction/hypersensitivity) below the strips,  I will remove them sooner. Best wishes; hopefully, you will be very pleased with the long-term outcome of the procedure performed.

I would suggest calling your surgeons' office to see if they need you to come in and be checked.  The nurse can add or exchange your strips if needed.

Thanks for writing,I would first recommend you contact your plastic surgeon. I am sure he or his nurse will be happy to discuss this with you or have you come in the office,Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

It is not unusual or concerning for the Steri-Strips to begin to separate six days postop. At this time, your incision has completely sealed, so don't worry about infection because the Steri-Strips are coming loose. Surgeons put on Steri-Strips for different reasons and I recommend you contact your surgeon to see how he wants you to deal with your Steri-Strips.

Not an issue as far as I can see, but this question is better addressed to your surgeon.All the best.