How important is surgical tape over suture line after stitches have been removed?

Question

My sutures were removed under my chin after neck lift. My doctor put surgical tape over it. How long should the tape stay on and why is it needed?

Douglas Leppink, MD · Answer

The use of tape to support healing surgical incisions is widely practiced, and when incisions are in areas of movement it is quite important. When sutures are placed under the skin and the outer sutures are removed the tape acts as a "cast" to support the incision against the surrounding muscle movement. Plastic surgeons have also found that in some patients the tape controls the stress across the incision and may improve the final results of the scar.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

It is probably a steri strip to give the suture line some extra support as leaving sutures in too long will leave suture marks. Timing for removal of the tape depends on the location of the sutures (how much tension there is on it) and surgeon preference. Another week shoiuld be suffice for that area, but you should check with your surgeon and follow his or her instructions to obtain the best result.

How important is surgical tape over suture line after stitches have been removed?

Answers (2)

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