When Can Surgical Tape Be Removed After Tummy Tuck?

Question

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

healing after a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty

	there is not a single answer.  I tape for 4-6 weeks then start biocorneum or scar guard.

	some patients benefit from silicone strips.   i prefer paper tape

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

The duration for surgical tape will vary depending on 1) the type of surgical tapes utilized, 2) your healing progress, and 3) your surgeon's preference.  The "paper" surgical tapes can stay on until they fall off on their own or your surgeon may remove them after 1-2 weeks.  The "glue" surgical tapes (such as Preneo tapes) are usually removed after 2 weeks.  You should follow your plastic surgeon's recommendation.  He/she will remove the tapes when they are ready.

R. Michael Koch, MD · Answer

Hello,

	I have my patients leave the surgical tape in place until it falls off on its own. Surgical tape helps to keep the edges of the incision approximated while it heals. This means that the edges of the incision will stay closely together to prevent a widened, unfavorable appearing scar. If three weeks goes by and the tape is still intact, it is fine to manually remove it at that point.

	Hope this helps.

When Can Surgical Tape Be Removed After Tummy Tuck?

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When Can Surgical Tape Be Removed After Tummy Tuck?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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