What is used in place of steri-strips due to an adhesive allergy for a mommy makeover?

Question

I have an allergy to steri-strips, bandaids, tegaderm patches.... Would staples (or more of them) be used? Or glue?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

For patients who are truly allergic to Steri-strips or Mastisol, there are many good alternatives, such as Dermabond or non-adherent dressings such as Xeroform and dry gauze. Best advice will come from the board certified plastic surgeon who performs your MM as he/she will be able to view the reactions of the adhesives.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

I rarely use steri strips in cosmetic surgery. After surgery skin can swell and if stuck together with an adhesive strip blisters can occur. After incisions are closed I usually use an nonstick petrolium gauze such a Xeroform. It generally stays in place as long a needed and does not cause blisters.

Hope this helps.

Hope this helps.

Steven Sigalove, MD FACS · Answer

Hi there, thank you for this question. Staples are almost never used to close any plastic surgery incisions because they leave wider marks. Generally, your incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures, and dermabond would probably be a safe topical covering and sealant of the incisions which you should not react to. Best of luck!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very important to give that information about allergy to your surgeon ahead of surgery. Incisions can be left without any tape or surgical glue can be placed over incisions closed with sutures. Good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Most likely a non-adhesive dressing such as Xeroform would avoid these issues.  As for the repair, suture allergies are extremely rare and do not correlate to an adhesive issue.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Justju,
steri-strips are not a must after surgery and there are many alternatives. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, if you were my patient I would first skin test for Dermabond type glues by placing a small drop of glue on your forearm and see if you have a reaction.  If you are okay with Dermabond type glues I would use it.  If you are allergic to glue--we would use a few more external sutures and use ointment and frequent dressing changes.  Good Luck.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns, however there are many alternatives to adhesive dressings like Steri-Strips. As long as your surgeon is aware of this issue, nonadhesive dressings may be used and resulting wound healing and scarring will be no different. Discuss this issue with your board certified plastic surgeon and enjoy your mommy makeover results!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are many alternatives to steri strips that can be used if needed.  There are surgical glues and non adhesive dressings that your surgeon can use.  Dissolvable sutures are commonly used for the incisions.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I gave up on using skin to use lives early in my plastic surgery career.

There is no scientific benefit to using tape, stay with strips or any other skin adhesive material.

For a tummy tuck I simply place gauze or large pads called ABD pads over the incision and hold them in place with the abdominal binder.

Likewise, for breast surgery the broth can be used to hold pads or gauze in place without needing to tape anything.

The absolute worst scenario is taping things down under tension which doesn’t allow for postoperative swelling causing ischemic skin damage with blister formation.

Please talk to your plastic surgeon about your history and make sure that the surgical plan does not include using skin adhesives.

Of all products available I find Tegaderm to be the least irritating if something has  to be used to cover some thing like an IV.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

What is used in place of steri-strips due to an adhesive allergy for a mommy makeover?

Answers (11)

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