Steri-strips after rhinoplasty cast removal: would it be okay to remove them?

Question

I just recently had a rhinoplasty. After the removal of the cast and the stitches, steri-strips were placed on the site of the Weir incisions. The strips are already beginning to fall off and they were only placed there 2 days ago. The nurse practitioner said the goal was for them to stay on one week. I will be going back to work in 2 days- would it be okay to remove them before my return or will I be risking any development of an infection and/or deformity?

Armand V. Simone, MD · Answer

That's a question only your surgeon should answer......
Armand Simone, MD FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
New York, NY

Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

Steri-Strips are placed over incisions in order to give them a little extra strength while healing. They aren’t meant to support the whole incision. You likely have some sutures underlying that are keeping things intact. Steri-Strips typically will fall off on their own in a couple days. Ideally they should stay on as long as possible to minimize tension on the incision so the scar does not widen.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi ljones1393,Steri-strips usually do not stay long especially on oily/watery/sweaty areas. As long as the stitch has not been removed, falling off of the steri-strip should not have any effect on the result of your surgery.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear ljones, Please contact your surgeons office to provide your answer. Each practice often has a different protocol for post operative instructions. Personally, I do not use steri-strips after weir surgery. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Steri-strips after rhinoplasty cast removal: would it be okay to remove them?

Answers (4)