How Long Should Surgical Tape Stay on Incision After a Full Tummy Tuck?

Hi Brenda8874,
Thank you for your question regarding how long should surgical tape stay on an incision after a full tummy tuck. Every plastic surgeon is different and has their own way of treating patients. In my practice, I do not use tape at all. In my experience, tape causes more problems than benefits. Specifically, tape can cause blisters which can lead to permanent blister scars. Therefore, I have found tape to be more detrimental than helpful. In general, however, the tape should fall off about one to two weeks after your tummy tuck. When the tape falls off is multi-variable: It depends on the type tape, if glue was used, and if you are showering. If you are uncomfortable with removing the tape, please contact your plastic surgeon’s office to have it removed.  Thank you for your question regarding when tape should be removed after a full tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. I hope I have answered your question regarding post-operative care after a tummy tuck. If you have more questions regarding plastic surgery or recovery after a tummy tuck, please contact my office. Thank you!
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

We all have varying opinions on this topic.  I like to change the tape weekly for three weeks.  Some doctors leave it on for only one week, some have patients change it weekly for several months.  I recommend you do what your surgeon recommends.  Most patients are able to easily remove it - maybe in the shower or after when everything is wet.  Good luck!Sincerely,Dr. Michelle Spring

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 steristrips in place for 2 to 3 weeks following
abdominoplasty surgery.After three
weeks we remove the steristrips and start local wound care.In most cases we recommend massage of the
scar.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 surgeons directions closely.