Steri-strips still on incision after 6 weeks, is this okay?

Question

I had my breast augmentation done in January and it's been about 6 weeks. The steri strips are still on the incision very strongly and are not threading or budging. My left incision feels very itchy and I'm getting a little worried if this is normal. Could I try to remove this myself? Thank you.

Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Have you not seen your surgeon yet? You should be asking your surgeon. With that said, I don't see the benefit of keeping the steri strips at this point but check with your surgeon. Good luck DrMaz

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Post operative instructions to vary from one plastic surgeon to another regarding the removal of steri-strips.  That being said, I often remove steri-strips at 4 weeks post procedure.  Best to follow-up with your plastic surgeon for instructions.  Good luck.

Leilie Javan, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question. It s great that you now have 6 weeks under your belt following your breast augmentation! If you were my patient, I would tell you to remove these steri strips or if you are afraid to do this, to come in to my office. 
There are usually a couple of reasons that an incision could be itchy such as normal healing, or an allergy to the adhesive on the steri strip, However you need to talk to your surgeon about this.
Best wishes for a beautiful outcome,

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

I would recommend removing them!  you are well healed by now!  In my office we change them at your 2 week visit and let them fall off after that.  Best Wishes!!

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  You should definitely talk to your doctor regarding this, and find out how long they would prefer you continue to wear steri-strips.  However, I typically remove steri-strips 1 week post op.  This is something you can definitely do yourself, using tweezers.  You may have some scabbing so it's best to pull it off slowly.  Again, before doing anything yourself I would recommend discussing this with your doctor for their opinion.If you would like more information regarding breast augmentation and the recovery process you can download a free copy of my Breast Augmentation Planner at aBetterBreast.com. Best of luck!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

It's always best to ask your surgeon this question, but I have my patients remove their steri-strips within one to two weeks after their breast augmentation surgery. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Steri strips usually stay on an incision for 7-10 days when they will start to lift and peel away from the skin.  Ideally you should be calling your Plastic Surgery office for advice from your doctor and keep your follow up appointment to make sure you are healing well.  Good luck.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

Did you get to see your surgeon after your procedure?  You should be contacting your surgeon for instructions on what to do with your steri-strips but I always remove them by 3 weeks post-op on my patients.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question needs to be addressed by your surgeon.  In general the steri strips are not necessary at this point, but it is best to check before removal.

Luiggi Fayad, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You definitely should remove them, The purpose of them is to reduce the tension on the incision. I encourage my patients to remove them or let them fall off when taking a shower with warm water after 1 or 2 weeks depending on their healing process. You certainly can remove them yourself at home.

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Steri-strips still on incision after 6 weeks, is this okay?

Answers (11)

BREAST AUGMENTATION PROVIDERS NEAR YOU