Blister from steri strip? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast augmentation plus lift July 21st utilizing 700cc HP submuscular implants. I am currently 4 days post op. This morning my husband noticed a possible blister approximately the size of a dime formed under the edge of a steri strip on my left breast. He trimmed the strip back to avoid further irritation and applied Neosporin to the site. As its the weekend, I am unable to get in touch with my surgeon. Does this appear to actually be a blister, or could it be something worse?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, this is a traction blister caused by the epidermis being sheared from the underlying dermis. This can be caused by applying just this one steri-strip under slightly too much tension, or caused by swelling putting traction on the upper layer of the skin and pulling it gradually from the underlying dermis, creating the blister.Neosporin is NOT a good idea, as 10% of the population develop a hypersensitivity reaction to the third antibiotic in this triple-antibiotic ointment. Mycitracin is also not recommended. This is not an infection, but repeated use of triple antibiotic ointment can cause this area to redden, enlarge, and form tiny blisters that look just like--you guessed it--an infection, causing the unwitting patient to apply even MORE triple antibiotic ointment.Bacitracin is just fine, and reduces the risk of allergic or hypersensitivity (contact dermatitis) reaction by a significant amount. Like my colleagues, every surgeon should have coverage evenings, weekends, and on holidays. Being available is part of the job. Call. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

You have a very small blister which results from swelling and a shearing force on the steri strip. Just use antibiotic ointment on it twice daily and it should heal without any complications.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You do appear to have a blister from the tape, but I would suggest calling your surgeon's office and asked to be seen. If he/she is not available, another surgeon should be covering.

Michael Olding, MD · Answer

Blisters are not uncommon with steri strips. It is not an emergency, but you should let your surgeon know .  I'm sure they will want to see you. In the meantime apply the antibiotic ointment so it stays "moist" constantly.

Scott E. Newman, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all,at 4 days post-op your surgeon should be available for you- or at least someone who is covering him.  Second of all, yes this is a blister and this is not uncommon- especially if your surgeon used something like Benzoin or Mastisol to prepare the skin before applying the strips. These blisters can leave scars when healing so I typically recommend removing the strips entirely in these cases and replacing them where the skin is unblistered. Sometimes these are hidden completely under the strips.  THere isn't much to do other than apply some Bacitracin and keep it clean.

Bruce K. Barach, MD (retired) · Answer

hard to believe you can't get surgeon or covering doc four days after procedure of this magnitude. suggest you keep trying .

Blister from steri strip? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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