Why is my steri strip bleeding?

Question

i am 2 weeks post op and i noticed my strips were bleeding ..under the breast... The bleeding isn't bad. It's like a light bloody nose. But the bleeding hasn't stopped. I've applied pressure and band aids that seemed to help. I also had to return to work and it requires me to life paitents. Not lifting over 20 bls and it doesn't hurt. But even though I don't feel pain could I have damaged something inside? I also noticed when I pulled the strips back I had holes ? What are they? What should I do

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your recent question! I would recommend you contact your surgeon and notify them of the bleeding area and open wounds.  This is something that needs to be addressed and not let go since there is implants in place.  Best of Luck!

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

You may have some stitches or scabs coming loose under the steri strips. You should follow up with your plastic surgeon to ensure that everything is healing ok.

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

If there is fluid or  bleeding under a steri-strip, it should be remove immediately. The fluid under the steri-strip will macerate and break down the skin like a wet diaper. You should follow up with your surgeon.Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD,MPH, FACSPlastic SurgeryNewport Beach, CA

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for asking. You should discuss this with your plastic surgeon after an examination to have the best care possible. Without an exam and knowing your precise surgery it is hard to determine for sure. Best wishes

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

You can have some oozing that far out of surgery but you
should let your surgeon look to see if there is a part of the incision that is
open under those steri strips.

Why is my steri strip bleeding?

Answers (5)