How long do you keep surgical tape on scars after surgery? How does this benefit the scars?

Question

I had breast implant removal with a lift back in october, my doctor advised to keep tape on the scars.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Typically after a breast lift, I will have patients keep the steri strips on for about 3 weeks. After removing the strips, then you can start using scar treatments like silicone strips or creams.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Surgical strips or tape can be reapplied based upon surgeon's preference.  If the area is not bleeding or separating, the area should heal well.There is no one best therapy for scars. Silicone sheets, Mederma, and Biocorneum are reasonable and popular options. I recommend that the scar therapy begin after the scars have healed and there are no open areas, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bumbleb123,
i recommend my patients to keep the tape 4 weeks and after that to start using Biocorneum gel for the next 3 months in order to reduce scars. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The surgical tape supports the incision during the early phases of healing.  The time it is left in place varies by surgeon.  Discuss the situation with your surgeon to see what is recommended for you.

Justin Perron, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for your question Bumbleb123!
In my practice, my patients are taped with a prineo glue layer and hypafix immediately after surgery. This is then replaced at 2 weeks with a layer of hypafix only and then finally all dressings are removed at 4 weeks post op. The taping helps support the wound from opening, which in turn will improve the overall scarring and healing process.
Thanks again :)

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Tape is very beneficial to scars and like the other physicians, I tape the scars for 3 weeks with paper tape.  I usually have patients come in to have the tape changed, to allow us to check healing but a patient could do this at home as well.  It helps by supporting the scar from the outside and by putting pressure on the scars to decrease tension.  I prefer paper tape to the steri strips as it is wider and I feel patients tolerate the adhesive better.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

The application of surgical tape will immobilize the scar, which is beneficial to favorable healing. Early motion of the scar will create stress upon the closure, which can lead to scar thickening or broadness. In our practice, we support the scar with tape for the first 6 weeks. After that time, application of silicone gel sheeting may be utilized to apply pressure and further immobilization of the scar if needed.Every plastic surgeon has his / her own protocol based upon years of experience. There are probably almost as many protocols as there are plastic surgeons! I recommend you follow your surgeon's instructions regarding scar management.Best wishes...

John T. Lindsey, MD · Answer

There are many different types of "surgical tape."  Steri-strips are thin strips of reinforced paper tape that are glued on over the incision to reinforce the incision.  These are useful for a few days after surgery.  There is usually drainage of small amounts of blood that oozes underneath the tape.  This limits the longevity of the tape, as the strips usually peel off spontaneously after a few days.  When this happens, we generally recommend a topical antibiotic ointment to the incisions daily until the office postoperative visit which usually occurs 5 to 7 days after surgery depending on the procedure.  
Dermabond Prineo is another system of tape placed over an incision immediately after surgery.  This tape is strongly glued to the skin with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate.  This tape lasts longer than Steri-strips -- up to 2 to 3 weeks before it falls off.  
Once a wound is thoroughly healed (usually 3 to 4 weeks after surgery), a different type of tape can then be applied to reduce scarring.  These are generally silicone tapes, and a number of silicone tape products are available through Amazon.  These silicone tape products can indeed be used for a long time (months) to minimize scarring.  Unfortunately, some patients do not tolerate the silicone tape well due to development of underlying rashes and irritation.  
There are numerous products available, all with varying acceptance among patients.  Please consult your plastic surgeon for specific recommendations and monitoring.

Victor M. Perez, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually tell my patients to keep the paper tape for a month, they need to change it, every 5-7 days, then I recommend scar gels.Tape provides a gentle compression and also some extra support, this has been shown to help with the quality of the scars.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Keeping the tape on the incisions for at least 3 weeks has shown to improve the outcome of the scar.  Sunscreen and tape are advised if the scars are subjected to sun exposure.  Afterwards, vitamin E by mouth, as well as rubbing vitamin E on the scar has shown remarkable improvements.

How long do you keep surgical tape on scars after surgery? How does this benefit the scars?

Answers (10)

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