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When to remove surgical tape? (Photo)

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.

Doctor Answers 18

Breast Augmentation Post operative care

September 28th, 2014
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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

Web reference: http://www.pacificcenterplasticsurgery.com/breast-procedures-newport-beach/breast-augmentation/

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS


Orange County Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 159 reviews

Surgical tape

September 22nd, 2014
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I like tape for 4 weeks
followed by topical silicone therapy for 4 weeks
followed by IPL if needed

Web reference: http://orangecountycosmeticplasticsurgery.com/body-before-after-gallery-map.html

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 68 reviews

When to remove surgical tape after breast augmentation?

September 21st, 2014
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You need to ask your plastic surgeon for advice on when to remove the surgical tape and do not rely on the Internet advice.

That said I often allow the Steri-Strips to fall off is usually with showering the Steri-Strips peel back and lose their adhesion.  I prefer not to pull them off for fear of disrupting the incision.

Web reference: http://www.bostonplasticsurgeryspecialists.com/services/breast-surgery/breast-augmentation/

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS

Tape?

September 22nd, 2014
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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. 


Shim Ching, MD

Shim Ching, MD
Honolulu Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 48 reviews

When to remove surgical tape?

September 22nd, 2014
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"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... 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 174 reviews

When to remove surgical tape?

September 21st, 2014
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It is best to address this question with your Surgeon. I prefer removing tapes several weeks after the surgery.
Thomas Trevisani, Sr., MD

Thomas Trevisani, Sr., MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 64 reviews

When to remove tape after breast augmentation?

September 21st, 2014
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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.

Web reference: http://www.enhanceyourimage.com/photo-gallery/results.cfm?Category=4

Francisco Canales, MD

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 35 reviews

Care of incisions after breast augmentation

September 21st, 2014
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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 
Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 110 reviews

When to remove surgical tape

September 21st, 2014
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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.

Web reference: http://torontosurgery.ca/Breast-Augmentation/breast-augmentation-scars.html

Martin Jugenburg, MD

Martin Jugenburg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 473 reviews

When to remove surgical tape?

September 21st, 2014
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Every surgeon utilizes his or her own protocol for the management of incisions and dressings following surgery. I would follow your surgeons advice. In my practice, we leave the initial surgical tapes on for about a week and then I'll do the first tape change. After that, I ask patients to continue to tape for several weeks changing the tapes weekly. This tape supports the incisions and helps the scar heal in the best possible fashion. We also recommend that our patients use SkinMedica's Scar Recovery Gel twice per day starting on the day after surgery. By using microporous tape, the gel penetrates to the wound to good effect. Enjoy your beautiful result. Best wishes.
Kevin L. Smith, MD, FACS

Kevin L. Smith, MD, FACS
Charlotte Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 42 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.