Best way to remove surgical tapes that's starting to come off?

Dear mpuse, Depending on how long out of surgery you are, your surgeon may want you to keep them on until a certain point. I would suggest contacting their office and double checking that it is okay to remove them. We typically leave steri strips (or surgical tapes) in place for 3 weeks after surgery. When they are ready to come off, we saturate them with something called Detachol (like Goo-Gone, but for skin) which loosens the remaining adhesive so they come off nicely without pulling on the incision. If you get the ok from your surgeon and are removing them at home, try saturating them with something that has an oil base, such as baby oil, or even olive oil. This will allow you gently remove them. Good luck!

Thanks for the question. If they are loose, feel free to carefully peel them off. Use good judgment.All the best,Dr. JSB

A surgical tapes start to come loose there are no longer serving a useful function. They can be carefully lifted off the wound without problem.

Greetings,Always discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Some surgical tapes should not be removed and some can be carefully trimmed when loose. If there are underlying sutures, I am sure that your plastic surgeon will urge you to be cautious.Best Regards,

A surgical solvent, Detachol can be used.  If this isn't available to you,  peel the tape off slowly, and steadily at a 180 degree angle to the skin (not 90 degrees - which will tend to pull off the outer layer of skin).  If this doesn't work, soak the dressing with warm soapy water as well.  Best wishes, Dr Lepore.