I had breast augmentation and a lift 2 weeks ago. My doctor will be on vacation for a month, so I won't be able to see him until September. The tape over my incisions for my cut under my breasts has come off and the incisions look great. When can I remove the tape around my aerolas and the vertical cut? They don't show any signs of peeling up. Should I wait until it starts to peel or is 2 weeks long enough?
February 24, 2020
Answer: When should steri-strips be removed? I'm pretty sure your surgeon did not tell you "I'm going to be on vacation for a month so there is no follow-up for you." Plus, there are plenty more patients in various stages of recovery who will need sutures removed, steri-strips replaced, concerns addressed, and questions answered.Every surgeon has a slightly different protocol, and each of us thinks our way is preferable for one or many reasons. Call your surgeon's office and ask his staff or partner or covering plastic surgical colleague what is their recommendation, but do NOT remove these on your own. If there is a concern, then ask your surgeon's staff, partner, or covering plastic surgeon to see you and address these concerns.In the absence of a problem or concern with these strips that are staying in place, it is best to leave them until they fall off on their own, or you may inadvertently disrupt an otherwise perfectly-healing wound and CAUSE a problem! I know you are curious, but resist the urge. Please call your surgeon's office. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
February 24, 2020
Answer: When should steri-strips be removed? I'm pretty sure your surgeon did not tell you "I'm going to be on vacation for a month so there is no follow-up for you." Plus, there are plenty more patients in various stages of recovery who will need sutures removed, steri-strips replaced, concerns addressed, and questions answered.Every surgeon has a slightly different protocol, and each of us thinks our way is preferable for one or many reasons. Call your surgeon's office and ask his staff or partner or covering plastic surgical colleague what is their recommendation, but do NOT remove these on your own. If there is a concern, then ask your surgeon's staff, partner, or covering plastic surgeon to see you and address these concerns.In the absence of a problem or concern with these strips that are staying in place, it is best to leave them until they fall off on their own, or you may inadvertently disrupt an otherwise perfectly-healing wound and CAUSE a problem! I know you are curious, but resist the urge. Please call your surgeon's office. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
March 4, 2020
Answer: How long should I wait to remove the tape? I generally like to leave the stress strips on for as long as possible as it has been my experience that the scars are better if the streris are left on longer. However, you could check with your plastic surgeon's office. Even though he's on vacation, I'm sure there will be someone who is familiar with his practice style that could answer your question. Best of luck with your continued recovery!
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
March 4, 2020
Answer: How long should I wait to remove the tape? I generally like to leave the stress strips on for as long as possible as it has been my experience that the scars are better if the streris are left on longer. However, you could check with your plastic surgeon's office. Even though he's on vacation, I'm sure there will be someone who is familiar with his practice style that could answer your question. Best of luck with your continued recovery!
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
