Sterile Strips - When should I change them after gynecomastia?

            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. 

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.