Can I use Steri Strips on my tummy tuck incision? (photos)

Incisions will take 6 weeks for tissue strength to be adequate to withstand significant resistance.  It is always best to ask wound care questions of your chosen surgeon as recommendations may be different.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thanks for your inquiry, I would not do anything surgeon advises against,  closing an open wound can actually promote infection in certain cases, good luck.

Dear kuiipo,
this type of wound separation can occur after tummy tuck. It is usually caused by increased tension in on incision site. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few days or weeks for wound to fully heal. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You will likely find varied responses to your question.  It is best for you to address wound care concerns with your surgeon.  He/She is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.  

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.  I would not use steri strips , I recommend putting gauze over it and possibly an oral antibiotic . 

Good morning, Kuiipo, and congratulations on your tummy tuck!  You will likely get varied answered to your questions as to whether Steri-Strips can be put on a two week-old incision with some opening, but I am in the "no" camp.  Steri-Strips can provide some great superficial support in fresh, clean wounds or may be a good closure for more superficial wounds.  However, once the wound is a couple of weeks out and there is an opening, it can be assumed that there is some bacteria colonization as well.  Closing a wound with superficial support, as with a Steri-Strip, would trap the bacteria and limit any natural, needed drainage.  This would actually slow the healing process down.  Open drainage and good local wound care or surgical refreshening of the wound edges and formal suture closure would be  the better treatment.  Steri-Strips are unlikely to stop the wound from opening more if it needs to.  Your surgeon is in the best position to assess whether local wound care is all that is needed (most likely) or more aggressive surgical intervention would be best.  While an open wound can be scary and cause inconvenience, and at times the wound may "get worse before it gets better," allowing the drainage and repeated cleaning of topical wound care generally reduces risk such as infection, further tissue loss, fluid build-up, etc.  Best of luck to you!  Dr. Ghafoori

Thank you for your question. This is one that is best addressed by your particular surgeon. Surgeons differ on how they like to deal with things. And of course, their way is the correct way and everyone else is wrong. (at least thats how we think). In all honesty, steri strips certainly won't hurt and my help. The main thing is to keep the area clean and dressed and it will heal in no matter what you do. Best to call your surgeon and see what he or she thinks,Best wishes Dr. Morrissey