Has the surgical tape left me scarred? (Photo)

Question

I am now 6wks post op from a breast lift and BA. I seem to be running into so many complications. I experienced hematoma a few days after and had to have a second surgery. I now seem to be scarring where the tape was after the surgery. I am wondering what the scars are and what should be done so I won't be left with these dark marks? The scar is scabby. My PS is two hrs away.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Your history and pictures suggest a hypersensitivity reaction caused by the adhesive agent used with the steristrips or the steristrips themselves. This isn't unusual in post-operative patients and is usually treated with topical wound healing agents. At this point in time, it's appropriate to avoid further use of steristrips.In the vast majority of patients, this is a relatively superficial injury and for this reason scarring is unlikely. Nevertheless, it's important to be evaluated by your plastic surgeon before proceeding with treatment. Occasionally these findings may be related to a more serious problem. It's, therefore, necessary to thoroughly investigate the cause of this problem before initiating treatment.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It appears as though you have a more superficial reaction to the tape, over time my guess would be that it would resolve. That being said, an in person evaluation would be required to provide an accurate assessment. Perhaps reach out to your surgeon to discuss your concerns. Best,

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

You are too early in your recovery to truly assess the results or quality of scarring.  I don't believe the steri strips have anything to do with the scars.  You may consider silicone tape therapy.  Good luck
and be safe.John T.
Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Topical antibiotics and adhesives can cause an allergic reaction. Darker complected individuals will respond with hyperpigmentation. This will improve as the inflammation subsides.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This type of hyperpigmentation after use of surgical tapes almost always resolves over time even without any additional intervention.

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

The tape may have contributed somewhat, but the hyperpigmentation is outside the boundaries where the tape was present.  Healing with hyperpigmentation can occur with darker skin especially in areas where there is tension or prolonged healing time due to complications.  Though your surgeon is 2 hours away, you do need to pay them a visit.  Time will fade these areas and over the next year, healing may be significant.  However, you may need a bleaching agent such as hydroquinone to assist this process.  This should be done under the direction of your surgeon even if you need to update them periodically with pics.  Good luck and take care.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

First and foremost, what you can do is don't worry.  This is merely a hyperpigmentation in your skin, and if you do nothing, it will go away.The taping that your plastic surgeon used is an excellent technique to keep from getting wider scars and/or thickened scars.  The tape caused tension on your skin which is what it was supposed to do.  However, because you have a lot of pigment in your skin, your body put out excessive pigment as part of the healing process.  This minor bump in the road occurs in every plastic surgeon's practice at one time or another.  Each Board Certified plastic surgeon has his or her own techniques for dealing with this injury hyperpigmentation.  Some would recommend no treatment except to keep the hyperpigmented skin out of the sun for about one year.  I personally recommend the use of an anti-hyperpigmentation cream with a key ingredient Kojic Acid.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still very early in your healing time, and should continue to improve. Dark skin can be more sensitive to color changes. I would suggest using scar products, like Mederma or Scar Guard, to help your scars and avoiding all tanning. Also, talk with your surgeon for his/her specific recommendtations.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dark skin people can respond to skin insults with hyperpigmentation. Typically this improves after the insult has been removed; the tape. Give it some time, if it doesn't improve there are some dermatology options that can probably help.Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastixc Surgery

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I see the hyper pigmentation of the taped areas. Best to seek dermatologic therapy than possible PIH laser treatment...

Has the surgical tape left me scarred? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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