How long should I leave tape on my incisions?

Question

I'm almost 3 weeks post op breast augmentation, and I still have the tape over my incisions. Do I just leave it on? My doctor mentioned it would flake off, but it shows no signs of going anywhere.

Michael Horn, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Regarding any type of post-operative instructions, it is always best to consult with your plastic surgeon. However, personally, I instruct my patients to remove the tape after the two week mark. Best of luck!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.
  
I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.
  
For my patients, I do not use tape.
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.
  
Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.
  
Best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  When it comes to post operative instructions, it is always best to first consult with your operating surgeon as they have developed their own unique set of instructions to provide you with the best post surgery care that ensures both your safety and optimal results.  That being said, in our practice typically if the tape has not fallen off after one week,m, we will remove it gently at our patient's one week post operative appointment.With kind regards,Lane F. Smith, M.D., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.O.H.N.S., F.A.B.F.P.R.S.Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. You could call your Plastic Surgeon and ask. Typically, if my patient's steri strips have not come off by 3 weeks post op I'll advise them to gently remove them.All the best

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

We typically remove these tapes at one week after surgery when we see the patients back for a follow up visit. You should be able to remove the tape easily 3 weeks following surgery. If you have any difficulty in doing so, call your surgeon's office.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It's best to ask your doctor these questions, as every doctor has their own postoperative protocols. Best,Dr. Dan KrochmalMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Douglas Leppink, MD · Answer

The tape placed over surgical incisions is often used to support the skin edges when the closure is performed with buried absorbable sutures. Usually the skin edges are nicely healed together in a week, but the wound still does not have a lot of strength overall. The tape then serves as additional protection as the wound is gaining strength. Usually the wound is strong enough for the tape to be removed in a couple of weeks, and often the tape falls off by then. If your tape is still on by 3 weeks then removing it is probably safe. Putting some baby oil on the tape and then getting in the shower and wetting the tape should remove it easily. When in doubt, please call your surgeons office to ask; they always appreciate calls with your questions!

How long should I leave tape on my incisions?

Answers (7)

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