Painless Steri Strip Removal after Breast Reduction?

Question

I have been instructed by my doctor to remove my steri strips. I was advised to remove them while in the shower. I removed some of the steri strips, but found the process to hurt. I read online that baby oil and peroxide could be placed on top of the steri strips to loosen them up. I am not sure how safe this for my incisions. I also wanted to know what type of cleaning solution if any (neosporin) should be placed on the incisions to keep them from becoming infected?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Steri-strips can be stubborn to remove.  If 6 or so days have elapsed since your surgery, the natural body oils and a warm shower should make them easier to remove.  As the edges curl up, snip them off; and the strip could continue to curl and be easier to remove. It's best to check with your surgeon regarding cleaning the incisions.Kenneth Hughes, MD, BCPSLos Angeles, CA

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

I would advise you to not use the baby oil or peroxide to remove the steri strips. Since I don’t know how long it has been since your procedure it is a little hard to give you the correct advise on when to use a “cleaning solution”. I usually tell my patients just water and a gentle soap to cleanse the area. As far as Neosporin, I prefer bacitracin but every patient is different and times of healing vary. I usually tell my patients to use ointment after a number of weeks (each case is different) as it may cause fungal infections. I advise you to speak with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in regards to all of these questions. Good luck during your recovery!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi lodi2016,
If your plastic surgeon recommended you to remove steri strips under the shower then you should follow his/her advice. If the would healed without any problems then it should be safe to use baby oil to soften them before removal. 
If you have any concerns regarding the infection of the incision site you should check it with your plastic surgeon.I hope this was helpful,Dr. Daniel BarrettPlastic SurgeryBeverly Hills, CA

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

Most surgeons let the steri-strips fall off on their own.  Yes, you trim the edges as they lift off and eventually (for my patients, 3 weeks from surgery) they can be removed.  Showers don't necessarily make them come off easier.  But when you do pull them off, its always better to pull in the direction of the incision so you're not trying to pull across the incision or to pull the incision apart.  If you do have any open wounds, any topical antibiotic would work and if you have not scabs or drainage, you shouldn't need anything on your incisions.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

If the strips don't come off easily with water, you can try baby oil to help.The process should not hurt or bleed.The incisions are likely healed, so Neosporin would not be needed.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the great question. Many patient find that after standing in a warm shower for awhile that the steri-strips are much easier to remove. It's normal for there to be some tenderness over the incisions when removing them. As for after care for your incisions, it is best to check with you surgeon to see what they typically do. Everyones approach is a little different. Best of luck and congratulations on your surgery!~Dr. Sieber

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