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Removal of Surgical Tape After Breast Lift...When Is Best?

My dr instructed me to remove the surgical tape at two weeks. I removed a small portion and it just does not look ready to remove it. I've heard many say that the dr does this for them and I've heard 3 weeks from people. The area I removed it from has a stinging feeling now.

Doctor Answers 6

Removal of Surgical Tape After Breast Lift...When Is Best?

February 18th, 2013
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I feel it is best to follow your surgeon's recommendation. Some surgeons use no tapes, and those that do have many protocols as to management. 

I usually remove the tapes at a week and replace them if the skin has no issues with the adhesive. 

If you have a question, calling your surgeon is best 

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD

Removal of surgical tape after breast lift

June 20th, 2012
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I would let your surgeon tell you what to do with the tape. some surgeons including myself like to remove the tapes themselves, others have the patient do it. please check with your surgeon and follow his/her advise.

Web reference: http://www.hallakplasticsurgery.com/breast-augmentation-san-diego/

Antoine A. Hallak, MD, FACS

Tape on Incisions after Breast Lift?

June 20th, 2012
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Probably best for you to follow up with your plastic surgeon for  direct examination and advice. He/she is ultimately responsible for your care...

Best wishes.

Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_breastLift.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS

Steri Strip Removal

June 14th, 2012
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I generally remove steri-strips off incisions approximately 2 weeks after surgery if they have not fallen off by themselves.   Every surgeon has their own protocols.  Please talk to your PS about how to handle your dressings.

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX

Web reference: http://www.basuplasticsurgery.com

C. Bob Basu, MD, FACS

Steri-strips and surgery

June 12th, 2012
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Thanks for your question.  I or my staff remove steristrips in the office if they have not fallen off, anywhere from 2-3 weeks.  Please see your surgeon if you are concerned about your incisions.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD

When to remove surgical tapes after breast lift

June 12th, 2012
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There are probably as many answers to this question as there are plastic surgeons, and each surgeon has his or her own particular routine.  Generally I would recommend following your surgeon's advice, since he or she has specific guidelines that come from experience with the particular technique that was used.

Sometimes the tapes irritate the skin, in which case I remove them early.  If not many doctors keep time in place for 2 weeks or more.  Best to have your doctor take a look and see how your body tolerates the tapes.

John Q. Cook, MD

John Q. Cook, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 12 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.