How Soon Can I Use Paper Tape on an Abdominal Incision?

Question

Hi, I'm going to be having laparoscopic surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. One of the incisions is going to be on my stomach parallel to my navel. I'm worried about scarring and was wondering how soon can I put paper tape over the incision to minimize the appearance of a scar? And how soon can I start massaging scar cream on the incision? Thank you.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

It would be best if you spoke with your surgeon regarding how he or she will handle your incision.  In my own practice I tend to avoid tapes and adhesives  because in some patients they can lead to blistering and changes in the pigment of the skin.
	In my own practice I generally dissuade people from using lotions and potions until a week or two after surgery until the superficial part of the wound has healed completely.  Checked in with your surgeon about how here she handles these incisions.
	 
	Good luck

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

As long as your surgeon does not object, I think you can start as soon as 48 hours post-operatively.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Rather than using paper tape over your incision to minimize the appearance of a scar, we suggest using a silicone sheeting cream. We recommend BioCorneum. We use this regularly in our practice. We have found using it minimizes and softens the appearance of scars. If you have no dressings over your incisions, you can start using the cream as soon as your surgeon gives you the okay.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I do not recommend any scarring agents applied to the scars until a few weeks after surgery.  During that initial time the body is laying down scar.  Only later when the scar is remodeling do these agents potentially help.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

This is going to be a matter of personal choice and your unique skin type.  I generally apply steri-strips to an abdominal incision for the first week after surgery.  If the incision is healing well then it has been shown to be useful to keep the incision taped for the first 3 weeks.  This keeps some of the early tension off of the scar and helps with healing as long as the skin does not become irritated.  I avoid stretchy type tape that can blister the skin.

How Soon Can I Use Paper Tape on an Abdominal Incision?

Answers (10)

Answer: Paper Tape on an Abdominal Incision

Answer: Paper Tape on an Abdominal Incision

Answer: Early wound care to decrease scarring

Answer: Early wound care to decrease scarring

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How Soon Can I Use Paper Tape on an Abdominal Incision?

Answers (10)

Answer: Paper Tape on an Abdominal Incision

Answer: Paper Tape on an Abdominal Incision

Answer: Early wound care to decrease scarring

Answer: Early wound care to decrease scarring

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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