Sterile Strips - When should I change them after gynecomastia?

Question

Hello, I have gynecomastia surgery 17 days ago and my sterile strips are still on. They are still in good condition and dont seem to be coming off on their own anytime soon. Should I take them off and change them(I bought new ones)? Also, when can I begin putting polysporn on the incision around the aerola? I feel like I should be doing asap to help moisturize and heal it better. Thanks

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

Steri
strips are frequently used to seal the skin edges on operative incisions
because they add strength to the repair without leaving any permanent stitch
marks or scar. Usually, plastic surgeons are very picky about how long they are
left on and how they are changed. If they are still secure and not looking
ragged, then I would recommend leaving them on until you are seen back again in
clinic. If they start to fall off or the skin looks irritated or red, then
contact your plastic surgeon and ask how they want you to handle them. Usually
the skin seals up and heals under the strip without allowing bacteria in.

Once
the strips come off, then using antibiotic ointment can help to speed healing,
but again, most plastic surgeons have their own routine of when to start
applying and how much and how often. Typically, antibiotic ointment is used for
a couple of weeks, and then you move on to something like vitamin E oil or
Mederma to help the scar mature faster and take the redness out sooner.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

By now, you should have had at least two post-op visits.  I do not recommend that you remove the steristrips on your own.  See your plastic surgeon for followup and if he feels that they can come out, let him remove them. He will also advise you as to topical care.  Polysporin is an antibiotic ointment.  If the wounds are closed, then he may suggest a moisturizer.

Sterile Strips - When should I change them after gynecomastia?

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Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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Sterile Strips - When should I change them after gynecomastia?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.