How Long Should Steri Strips Stay on the Incisions After Breast Lift and Augmentation?

Question

It seems like I have more pain from the adhesive. Its been 3 weeks since my surgery? And I also have a dark blue vein that has been very painful in my breast for about 5 days. I am taking ibuprofen over the counter. Thanks

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative routine and instructions following surgery. If you have questions regarding post-operative care, you shouldn't hesitate to contact your surgeon.In our practice, we usually leave steri-strips in place for 2 to 3 weeks following breast augmentation. After 3 weeks, we remove the steri-strips and start local wound care. In most cases, we recommend massage of the scars. This is often combined with Vitamin E ointment or Mederma.It's important to realize that each surgeon has his own post-operative routine. For this reason, it's important to follow your surgeon's directions closely.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I typically leave the steri-strips on for 10 days after surgery but will remove them for drainiage or blister formation or adhesive sensitivity. Seek your specific surgeons advice.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Based on the symptoms he described, I recommend discussing each of these with your surgeon.  The painful blue vein could very well be nothing, such as increased prominence of the vein due to the augmentation, but there are risks for other issues such as blood clots.  While you are currently on ibuprofen, which might be recommended for this,You are also close enough to surgery that I believe the discussion with her surgeon is highly warranted.While I don't use Steri-Strips with my breast augmentations, I do utilize them for breast lifts.  If there is pain, irritation, fluid collection, questionable signs of infection, etc. then I might not leave them on for the first 3 weeks after surgery which is my typical plan, as they may need to be removed sooner to take care of the symptoms.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If the tape is bothering you and irritating the skin you may be better off removing them. If patients do not have this problem, I usually ahve them wear some form of tape for about 6 weeks. I think that it helps with the scars. As for the blue painful vein it is probably a Mondor's cord and this usually goes away on its own.

John Whitt, MD (retired) · Answer

I tend to have my patients keep their SteriStrips in place for 3-4 weeks. However, there can be problems (allergic reactions, blistering, etc.) and you should talk with your operating surgeon if you have concerns.

How Long Should Steri Strips Stay on the Incisions After Breast Lift and Augmentation?

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