Why Did my Doctor Use Steri Strips on Top of my Upper Eyelid Stitches?

Question

The strips are now really dry and tight, is it okay to put an ointment on them/

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Steri-strips are commonly used on the incisions to reduce the amount of tension in the area. Tension can compromise your recovery and make scarring worse. While they aren’t totally necessary, some surgeons still use them in this area. They gradually fall off on their own, but if they're causing you discomfort right now, it’s best to let your surgeon know so they can suggest something to help you.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The steristrips can help keep the incision line sealed, minimizing tension on them. You should ask your surgeon about what to do.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

I would certainly address your question with your Surgeon. Steristrips are used for two reasons 1) reduce wound tension, and/or 2) hold a suture in place. I close my upper eyelid Blepharoplasty incisions with a running subcuticular prolene suture. In this situation, steristrips are used to hold the ends of the suture in place and prevent inadvertent removal; the suture is gently pulled out of the healed incision a week later. For this reason, I do not recommend placing ointment on steristrips

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

Dear Eyelid Surgery Patient from Missouri,
	This question must be answered by your surgeon. Steristrips are placed over the incisions to reduce tension on the incision lines. I do not recommend my patients to put ointment on the steristrips.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Your surgeon can give you the exact reason steri-strips were placed on your eyelid sutures. In general, steri-strips are used to hold skin edges together and reduce the tension, ie pulling apart, of the incision. Differant surgeons have differant techniques to minimize scarring and this is one technique used. Before placing anything on your steri-strips, check with your surgeon.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

You are asking good questions, but you won't get a good answer until you ask you surgeon. The particulars of your surgery are unknown, so I cannot give you good advice.

	In general, Steri-Strips are used to secure the sutures used to close the eyelid incision. These are placed on the forehead between the eye brows and to the outside of the eyes. They can also be used on the lower eyelid to support the lid after surgery. Removal should be performed only under your surgeon's direction, so that the closures remain closed. Normally ointment is not placed on the Steri-Strips, as this may lead to premature loosening.

	Give your doctor a call. They will appreciate you taking an active role in your care and your desire to heal quickly.

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

Hi! Thank you for your question! Steri strips are usually used to prevent blood discharge as well as reduce tension from the sutured eyelids. Steri strips also allow an extra protection layer on the incised part of the lid. This will prevent possible infection, contamination, or trauma to the sutured lid. Some surgeons, do not use steri strips since they are not really look neat and most patients do not favor it. That said, ointment can be applied on the area to hope for the strips to fall off on their own. You can also ask your plastic surgeon to remove it for you if you feel uncomfortable about it.  Each plastic surgeon has their own management procedure post operation. You may want to give yours a visit so you can voice out your concern. I would suggest that you also inform your plastic surgeon regarding any internet-researched advice that you are looking to follow. Best of luck!

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD · Answer

I used to do it to prevent the lids from oozing blood. I don't any more because pt's did not like the feeling of the strips on their eyes and honestly it looked gross, so I stopped. knowing the suture line will be visible encourages me to leave a perfect fit. definitely add ointment and with some luck they'll just fall off.

	Disclaimer: consult your physician before following any advice on the internet without an exam

James Tang, MD · Answer

I normally put steri strips over the ends of the upper eyelid stitches that stick out of the skin at each end of the stitch. One steri strip is placed on the forehead between the eyebrows and the other is at the outer side of the eyelid. It helps to keep the stitch from sliding out too early. I usually remove the steri strip and then the stitch at three to five days after surgery. Ointment can be placed over the incision on the upper eyelid twice a day.

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

Steri-strips are used to reduce wound tension for imporved scars. Steri-strips are also used to prevent the sutures from being pulled out inadvertently. Usually after one week the steri-strips can be removed.

Why Did my Doctor Use Steri Strips on Top of my Upper Eyelid Stitches?

Answers (19)

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