Surgi-strips on the incisions

zone6 · January 8, 2006

im about 1 week post-op and was just wondering about how long it takes for these little surgi-strips on my incisions to fall off ?? i dont want to peel them off, but im a little anxious to see how my skin is healing underneath it. previous experiences appreciated!!

Butterfly07 · January 8, 2006

Mine took about 3 weeks to get all shrivelled up and more than 3/4 of the way off.

I was very curious to see the healing as well. Be sure to watch for signs of infection, but it is important to leave them on until they are almost falling off (I did help one or two along the last wee bit). Having them on will protect them from infection.

I am a firm believer in Vitamin E Oil helping reduce scars when rubbed on the skin (after thoroughly healed) daily. I was banded in late september and have begun this process recently.

The scars are looking better every day. I tried this when my daughter was an infant with a 3rd degree burn from wrist to forearm, did it 2x a day for 12 months, and now at the age of 13 there is no scar at all.

Good luck not picking them off!

Iluvharleys · January 8, 2006

Mine fell off in about a week.

CCBSTX · January 10, 2006

My surgeon said to let them fall off. However, I still think a few of them might still be on today...if I hadn't given them the last "tug."

HeatherGurl · January 10, 2006

Call your Dr's office and ask them. I called and my Doc said that if they haven't come off after 10 days to gently take them off in the shower if they look ready.

jrenae · January 18, 2006

they should fall off on their own in about 2weeks, if they have not gently remove them, by that time they should be lifting a lot so it wont be hard. As long as they are bleeding or puss coming out of them, it would be okay to remove them yourself. I was just like you. I called my doctors office twice because i was so anxious. Also, when you take them off there will be alot of sticky tape around the incisions. soap and Water wont get it off. i used a cotton ball dipped in alittle of alcohol and went around my incisions carefully. it came right off.