What are some alternatives to steri-strips for tummy tuck?

Question

Hello. I notice many patients have the tape/steri strips over their tummy tuck incisions. I had a horrible reaction to the strips with my last c-section which left my stomach itchy, red and blistered and I had to take antibiotics. Is there an alternative to the strips following the tummy tuck procedure?

Fady A. Sinno, MD · Answer

I have seen true reactions to Steri-strips and more frequently to skin adhesives (such as Mastisol) that we apply over incisions to make the strips more secure. However, most of the blisters or reactions are not true allergic phenomena, but a mechanical or physical injury to the skin when the strips are applied under tension. In this situation, the strips have the ability to actually lift the top layer of the skin (epidermis) off the deeper layer (dermis), resulting in irritation and blisters. Sometimes the strips are applied (without intentional tension) with the hips in flexion at the end of surgery, then the when he patient is more erect, excessive tension develops. For patients who are truly allergic to Steri-strips or Mastisol, there are many good alternatives, such as Dermabond or non-adherent dressings such as Xeroform and dry gauze. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and best wishes with your surgery.

Lu-Jean Feng, MD · Answer

If you had an excellent subcutiular closure, you can have many other alternatives to cover the incision. My favorite is xeroform which provide an excellent antibacterial environment for the skin to heal. If you are allergic to steri-strip, you are probably allergic to many adhesives and tapes. I would also consider using just dry cotton gauze over these incisions.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Some patients have been known to have a reaction to the steri-strips, and in those instances there are a few options that can be utilized.  Depending on your surgeon's preference, some may opt to use dermabond, which is an adhesive.  Other surgeons may choose to not utilize any tape, but reinforce the incision with gauze and then bandages.  The important thing is to let your surgeon know about your allergic reaction prior to surgery so that a reaction can be prevented and bandaging modifications can be made.Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Yes, there are many other options, including the use of adhesives like dermabond (which provide a watertight seal) or even just plain gauze with minimal paper tape. I have found patients often have a reaction to the mastisol or benzoin that is applied to the skin to help the steri strips stay on longer so your surgeon may simply elect to not use those. Either case, just let your surgeon know about your previous reaction and he or she will be able to modify your dressings. Good luck!

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

There are definitely alternatives to steristrips. Dermabond and regular gauze and bandages can be used instead. Talk to your surgeon to find out what they recommend for you.

What are some alternatives to steri-strips for tummy tuck?

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What are some alternatives to steri-strips for tummy tuck?

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