Is there an issue with keeping my steri strips on for longer? (photos)

Question

My PS said my steri strips from breast augmentation under the crease would fall off on its own in 2-3 weeks but they are stuck in there really good and I don’t imagine they will fall off anytime soon. Is there an issue keeping them on longer ?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Changes98555, 
I understand your concern. For scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. 
After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.This way, scarring is minimal and the incisions will heal efficiently. 
I see no issue with keeping the tape on your incisions longer but if they start to exhibit any signs associated with wound infection, you should visit your plastic surgeon right away for assessment and timely intervention. 
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Richard Rosenblum, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and your photos. In our practice we instruct patients to not remove tapes their own tapes. Generally, the longer the tapes stay on the better they will help the scars heal. You should contact your surgeon's office to see what they suggest for their patients. Good Luck.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

I am in no hurry to remove steristrips unless they start to look or smell unhealthy,  generally 3-4 weeks is the max they stay on.  if you remove them now , it will not hurt

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

I try to have my patients keep their breast and body steristrips on for three weeks . This pressure and reducing tension on the incision helps give the best scar. After 3 weeks if the strips are still very adherant I have the patient remove them in the shower with soaking and soap usually a few hours before our 3 week appointment so I can fully evaluate their scars and minimize strip removal discomfort. good luck.

Is there an issue with keeping my steri strips on for longer? (photos)

Answers (4)

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Answer: Post op steristrips

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Is there an issue with keeping my steri strips on for longer? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Post op steristrips

Answer: Post op steristrips

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.