Had a mole removed, the day after the steri strips were coming off almost completely. What do I do?

Question

Hello, 2 days ago, I had a mole larger than a pencil eraser removed. It required stitches. The doctor told me to remove the gauze after 24 hours and leave the 3 steri strips on. I did that. However, 2 of the 3 steri strips aren't even touching the incision now, because they're too lose. What do I do? Is that okay, should I replace them with commercial butterfly bandaids?

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear Bobross_adamsandler,Steristrips can sometimes fall off, and if they do no worries. Keep you incision covered and schedule a follow-up with your surgeon. He/she should be able to reapply more if necessary, or will give you alternative instructions. I usually counsel my patients not to self treat, as it can sometimes compromise the result.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS · Answer

Any questions regarding a fresh wound repair should be directed to your doctor.  There are typically ways to get in touch if it is after hours or on the weekend.

Daniel Zelac, MD · Answer

Steri-strips can be an excellent aid to the healing process, however they are used differently by providers.  Sometimes they have additional adhesive applied to increase their ability to stay in place, while other times they are meant to fall off, even sometimes in only a day or two.   As others have suggested, I would contact your doctor and ask how important the strips are and if they need to be replaced.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's difficult to advise you through this type of forum, but with that being said, I would follow your provider's wound care instructions. Then I highly recommend you call and consult with the physician who performed the procedure regarding your incision. Take care and good luck.

Had a mole removed, the day after the steri strips were coming off almost completely. What do I do?

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