Is it normal to still have steri strip on incision of a mini TT 3 weeks post OP? Can it be beneficial?

Question

I am 3 weeks post OP of mini tummy tuck with muscle repair. I have what I believe is tape on top of glue which is still on the incision. My PS said it would fall off on it's own and it is fine. I am curious if this is normal protocol and if its beneficial for my scar in keeping the tension down.

Richard J. Restifo, MD · Answer

There are a several scar management strategies after a tummy tuck, some of which involve tapes that stay on for three or four weeks. The idea of these treatments is usually to relieve tension and/or apply pressure to the scar. If you are concerned, there is no substitute for scheduling a visit with your plastic surgeon to check your incisions.  Best wishes.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  These steristrips are used for an extra reinforcement to alleviate the tension on the incision closure. It’s rare to have any reaction to these tapes, but some may have some adhesive reaction. As long as there is no issues with them, it is fine to leave them on until they fall off as they are providing some benefit theoretically.  But, if they are coming off or not providing its intended purpose, then they should be removed. Follow the instructions of your surgeon. Best wishes!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ericasweeney88,
plastic surgeons use steri strips after surgery and in most cases they come off after first shower. However, in some cases, they can stay there for several weeks. As long as there is no reaction to steri strips, you shouldn't try to remove them by force. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Steri-strips will usually come off in the shower, but they can be quite resilient.  Do not force them off.   Follow your PS's post-operative protocol as he/she knows the extent of your mini TT and how you are healing.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Yes, it is very common to have steristrips on the incision at 3 weeks. Patients are in the shower at this time and the steristrips usually fall off in a few days. Sometimes the strips need to be removed  manually if they are not falling off. As long as there is no tape reaction, there is no harm in leaving the strips in place.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is no harm for you to have the steri strip still present as long as there is no reaction to the skin from the adhesive.  The steri strip provides a little extra support to the incision to minimize tension on the area to promote favorable scar formation.  Continue to follow the advice of your surgeon for optimal results.

John S. Lee, MD · Answer

Hello,Often times, steri-strips are left in place for several days and sometimes weeks after a tummy tuck to help aid in the incisional healing process due to the location (higher tension in this area). It is normal at our practice to keep the steri-strips on a tummy tuck incision for approximately 3-weeks, sometimes a bit longer (as long as there is no reaction to the tape or glue, i.e. rash, itchiness, etc.). If you are still concerned that the strips have not fallen off, I would contact your doctor once again.All the best,Dr. Lee

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

I usuallly change them until two weeks and then switch to ScaRxtape for several months after that. They can change that every couple of days but it gives support to the wounds.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Steristrips are composed of porous surgical tape. It allows drainage to pass through and provides added support to the incision closure. 
Every surgeon has his / her protocol for incision management based upon a lifetime of experience. There are probably almost as many protocols as there are plastic surgeons! Some remove the dressing at one week. Some simply allow the tapes to fall off. Some support the incision for 6 weeks or longer, replacing the tapes as needed. Application of pressure to the healing scar may be beneficial, preventing thickening and broadening of the scar.
Follow the advice of your plastic surgeon and continue followup care.
Best wishes...

Is it normal to still have steri strip on incision of a mini TT 3 weeks post OP? Can it be beneficial?

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