dirty/smelly steri-strips: can I replace them?

Steristrips are an excellent dressing option for all operations involving larger scars, such as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and Mastopexy (breast uplift).We replace them every week, Ifeel they should best be left alone for that time, since a thin fluid film building underneath the steristrip affects would healing positively.Three weeks seems very long, but all surgeons have different protocols. So best ask your original surgeon.

Thank you for your picture. I think it is very wise to have the steri-strips changed. You need to contact your plastic surgeons office for an appointment to make sure that they do that. The steri-strips can lead to infection which could ultimately affect your results

Although I think that surgical tapes like these steri-strips can help hold the skin edges together and hopefully produce a little better scar, if this occurs it is probably a small effect.  I generally put steri-strips on incisions like this, and leave them for as long as they stay and are clean (although if they are still there after four weeks, I remove them).Leaving the incision exposed to air is also a great approach, and I generally do not replace steri-strips that come off after the first few days.If your steri-strips are as dirty as they look, I would definitely remove them.  Especially if you have been "reinforcing" them by putting new strips over the old strips, I would remove all of those strips.  My approach would be to just leave them off, and not to replace them.Good luck with your healing!

Thanks you very much for your question.  I typically replace tapes every week in my practice. This helps keep everything clean and fresh.   I would however contact your plastic surgeon about this.  

Once a dressing over a surgical incison becomes dirty and you notice a foul smell coming from the dressing, it is best to remove that dressing.  Depending on what the wound looks like you may well served to just leave the dressing off.  Check with your surgeon.

Did you do your surgery out of country?? Sounds like it... Best to pay for consulation with a Miami Plastic Surgeon for wound and post op care. Average fee in MIAMI $250.. 

Based on your description, it is certainly okay to remove your steri strips; whether or not it is advisable to replace them will depend on what you find when you remove the tapes. Do not be surprised, based on your description, if the incision line is associated with redness/drainage;  if so, it will be best to not reapply tape at least for the time being. Of course, always best to run these types of questions by your own plastic surgeon. Best wishes.