When to remove surgical tape? (Photo)

Question

Had a BA a week ago and my DR used periareolar incision. How long should you leave the tape on that's places over the incision ? I've notice there is dry blood under the tape.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Follow your doctor’s advice. We tend to leave it on 1-2 weeks then use a
scar maturation product topically that is silicone based afterwards. See the below link for post op instructions I give to my patients

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

It looks like you have steristrips which are placed to support the incision after suturing.  Please check with your surgeon on when to remove the tape.  Often surgeons will tell patients to let the tape separate on it's own and fall off when it is loose.  We have been using Dermabond, a skin adhesive instead of tape.  We prefer this as it seals the skin immediately, allowing patients to shower after surgery.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

It is best to address this question with your Surgeon. I prefer removing tapes several weeks after the surgery.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Care of incisions after breast augmentation I generally have my patients where tapeFor as long as six weeks after surgery to help diminish scarring. The initial tape may be changed at one week and after that

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

I usually have my breast
augmentation patients wear the surgical tape for as long as it is intact with
no visible discharge to help create a nice smooth scar. However, surgeons vary
how long they want patients to wear them, it is best to ask your surgeon.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for the picture. That's only a question that your position couldn't answer. Everybody has a very different protocol for removal of Steri-Strips.

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your email enquiry
and your photograph.  We would generally
leave the tape on for two weeks around the nipple and one week in the other
areas. We have found from our patients at Aurora
Clinics that the scars around the nipple do tend to heal the best if the tape
remains for slightly longer. A small amount of blood underneath the tape
is not too much to be concerned about but fresh blood coming through the
dressing would be a concern.If you have any questions or concerns
regarding the tape it would be sensible to schedule a consultation with your
plastic surgeon to go through the options for this and to ensure you get the
best possible healing.Many thanks for your enquiry.Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

"Whenever your surgeon says too!" But really you do not expect us to handle your post op care over the chosen operative surgeon, do you? In my patients I personally remove tapes after a few days...

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Each surgeon will have their own preferences, so rather than giving you my opinion I would suggest just asking your surgeon what their specific protocol is and when to start using any scar therapy. Best of luck.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually have my breasts patients wear the tape for 3-4 weeks to maximize pressure and help make best scar. However, bloody tape should be changed when you see your surgeon. All surgeons have different ways to help scars be best they can be.

When to remove surgical tape? (Photo)

Answers (18)

More Breast Implants Questions

I am 3 days post-op (breast augmentation) and have a creaking sound when I move my left arm in circles. Is this normal?

After getting surgery. One side feels like a normal boob. Whereas the other side feels like I have an implant. Why?

Too petite, is 300cc high profile silicone too big?!? Is 320ccs ultra high to unnatural !?!? (photo)

Is it possible to get butt implants after black market silicone injections?

Can I still get breast implant , if I have calcium deposits in my breast?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS