How long do I leave the tape over my stitches?

I was drawn to your question by your hometown of Hays, KS, which is where I was born, raised, and schooled (up till medical school). And your question is a good one, but without a "set" or uniform answer, since every surgeon does things a bit differently.The idea behind skin tapes is to provide additional support to the skin closure, as well as to potentially improve scarring, so the best answer is to leave them in place as long as the adhesive is sticking to at least a portion of both sides of the incisions, and as long as there is no odor or drainage being "held in" by the tapes, which can obscure visualizing the incisions. That's the down-side, but wound infection is rare, especially with skilled and precise closure, meaning accurate skin approximation, fine suture material, gentle tissue handling, layered technique to reduce tension on the wounds.Which is another way of saying not all surgeons, or closures, are created equal, nor will tapes make up for a poor or sloppy closure.You should ask your surgeon (or his/her nurse) if they want any more tapes on the incisions after these fall off, especially if this is only a few days after placement. Most of my incisions are dry in a day or two, and I either use Benzoin (a liquid "glue" that enhances the adhesion of the tape adhesive) and steri-strips, or a see-through clear Tegaderm, so when I use tapes, I expect them to be in place at least a week or longer. If a wound is particularly bloody or draining fluid and the tapes become loose too soon, I generally want to see the wound anyway, and will often re-tape it for continued support (and now it's usually much more dry).I hope that helps, and explains a bit about the thought behind tapes in the first place! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Hello,I recommend that you contact your Plastic Surgeon's office so that they can advise you. The steri strips will usually stay on until incisions underneath are completely closed. This time can vary. Your Plastic Surgeon will likely have a preference.Take care

Thank you for the question. Normally steri strips stay on for 7-14 days. It is best to discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon on their preference. Good luck.

Thanks for your question.  Every surgeon has different recommendations for removal of the tapes so I'd recommend checking with yours.  I usually tell my patients to remove the tapes around 2 weeks, but if they are still adherent and clean they can be left on longer.

Since every surgeon has his or her own unique post op protocol, this is a question best answered by your surgeon. I typically have my patients leave the steristrips on for at least a week. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Each surgeon has their own protocol and routine for keeping
dressings on. We like to keep the steri-strips on for the first 3-5 days and
longer if they do not get wet. If they get wet, we replace them.However, some physicians may like to keep
these for 2 weeks. I find it is easier just to change them in the first week, otherwise
they get very soggy, but again, this is my personal preference. It is important
to follow your surgeon’s advice.

Thanks for your question.  I would recommend reaching out to your surgeon or their nursing team to determine their plan around removal of tape, gauze, or any other post-surgical devices.    This should be something they can most likely answer over the phone. 



Cheers and Best Wishes! Dr.
Steven Camp #HappyCamperMD

Every surgeon has their own particular preferences with regards to how long to leave the tape on.  It is best to check with your surgeon to see what they prefer.  

Every Plastic Surgeon has his/her own routine regarding the steri-strips ("tapes") which are commonly placed on incisions.  In my practice we have the patient trim them little by little as they lift up on their own, and, at about 2 weeks the patient or I pull off anything that is left.  I suggest you ask your surgeon what he/she wants you to do.  Best of luck!

Thanks for your question. By three weeks, you can likely remove the Steri-Strips (or paper tapes). I'd just check w/ your surgeon first. Some of us like to re-apply the tapes to help w/ the scar. Best wishes.