My incision is bleeding after taking off the tape. One week & 3 days post op. Is that normal?

Question

I was advised to take the tape off of my incisions on the crease and one of them started bleeding in a corner. It looks like it's still open. I washed it with antibacterial soap and put a gauze on it but I am freaking out because that should be closed by now and I'm afraid of infection. I called the doc but I'm still waiting for him to get back to me. Please help!

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Depending on the
surgeon, the steri-strips or surgical tape will be removed about 10 days
post-op, although in some cases, putting them back in place for several more
weeks can facilitate excellent results. 
It is not uncommon to see a few drops of blood when initially removing
the tape along the incisions.  At this point,
the wound is very fragile, and often a small amount of the top layer of skin
and epithelium will leak from the incision. 
You were correct to wash the area with soap and water, and then cover
with clean gauze.  There is very little
chance for infection to occur at this stage, so I do not think you have
anything to worry about.  Keep your
scheduled follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon, and contact his/her
office immediately if anything unusual occurs.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

This happens and should not be a big concern if just a little bleeding from the incision.  Your surgeon will probably give you some ointment to use and a dressing and it should still heal nicely.  All the best to you!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question!It is difficult to say without any photos. It may be best to see your PS in person to be assessed. You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.

Regards,

Regards,

David Liland, MD · Answer

Yes at 7 days you might have pulled a dry clot off corner and caused some bleeding. You did the right thing in cleaning it up and calling you PS. In my practice I would have you put antibiotic ointment on the area and then see you to make sure I did not need a cutaneous stitch.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Keep your incision covered and clean until you see your surgeon. It may be okay but it's hard to say without seeing it.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Pictures would be helpful.

Without
picture, the answers that you are going to get will be speculative in nature. It is probably okay but you will need to contact your surgeon and follow her or his instructions.

I hope
this helps.

William Townley, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

You have done exactly the right thing. Wounds are very fragile at this early stage and it may be that the tape has just peeled off a tiny bit of the top layer of the skin. It sounds probably minor and nothing to worry about but it is best to get it checked out by your PS if you are concerned.  Good luck

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

Without a photo is extremely difficult to comment.  You should try contacting your plastic surgeons office now that it should be open, or try calling the surgeon again and discuss your concerns with them.  Best wishes.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Without a photo it is difficult to maked a precise recommendation. Cleansing the area and covering it with a dressing should bide time until you can speak with your surgeon. More likely than not this is not a serious problem. All the best.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Without a photo it is hard to be specific. You did the correct thing. Wash with soap and water apply some topical antibacterial ointment and a light dressing. I am sure your plastic surgeon will call you back. You will do fine.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hlils Plastic Surgery