What's the expected incision healing time after breast augmentation?

Question

I am 15 days post op with disolvable sutures in place covered with steristrips. When can I remove the steristrips?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Typically in my office I have the steri strips removed in 3 weeks from post - op.  However, every patient is different and I would contact your surgeon to follow their directions. Best of luck with your recent surgery!

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is always best to listen to your surgeon.  Most of the time, I will leave the steri strips in place until they start to curl back.  At that point it's ok to remove them.  This may be 2-4 weeks from surgery.  Best wishes.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Once the incision has healed which can vary from patient to patient.  Usually within 2 weeks.  Please speak to your plastic surgeon as he/she will have their own set of detailed post op instructions and will remove the steri strips based on how you are healing.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

best of luck!

Dr Schwartz

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Since your surgeon is the one who knows your case intimately and every patient's recovery is different, I would advise you to consult he or she. Typically, steristrips are removed after a week.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

After about a week the streristrips are dirty and are doing nothing productive, but are trapping bacteria next to the wound.  They are typically removed after one week so the wound can be kept clean and dry.   Scar products are employed at one month.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In most cases the steristrips will fall off on their own by about 2 weeks after surgery.  I do not typically have my patients take off the steristrips on their own before that unless they have become soiled or are having a reaction to the adhesive.  Speak to your surgeon about their normal protocol of wound care.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

I have my patients remove the steristips in two weeks.  Follow your surgeons instructions.Incision can take up to a year to fully mature.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.I recommend leaving the steri-strips on until they start to fall off, which is usually around 3 weeks.  The dissolvable sutures can take anywhere from 3-4 months before they dissolve completely.  So even after the steri-strips fall off the sutures are still in there holding the incision closed.  If the steri-strips start to bother your skin or smell you can remove them as early as you want.  The longer the steris stay on the better the scar will look.

Angela Champion, MD · Answer

I typically ask my patients to just leave the steri-strips on for about 3 weeks.  If they curl at the ends, then they can cut that part off until they see me.  Best to ask your surgeon before doing anything. ac

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I like to have patients wear them for as long as possible. If they fall off I like them to place paper tape fora total of 6 weeks if their skin tolerates it.  Best to ask your surgeon.

What's the expected incision healing time after breast augmentation?

Answers (18)

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