At FORM Face + Body, it’s very important to us to provide you with all the resources and support you’ll need to feel comfortable and confident throughout your surgical journey.
We’ve put together this FAQ to answer all your questions about the wound tape that is applied post-surgery. We use steri-strips and brown or white paper tape interchangeably—the below answers apply to all of these different types of wound tape.
1. What is the purpose of the steri-strips?
• Steri-strips reinforce the sutures and maintain the correct moisture balance underneath to promote healing.
• Steri-strips also serve as a protection for the incision, keeping it covered and clean and preventing friction against the fragile incision.
2. Can I get them wet? What if I get them wet accidentally?
• In most cases, the incision/steri-strips area should be kept dry until 3-5 days after the procedure.
• If the incision/steri-strips become wet before that time, pat dry with towel or use a gentle hairdryer on cool to dry them.
3. How long should I leave the steri-strips on for?
• Steri-strips should stay on between 10-14 days if they are placed on the trunk or extremities, and 5-7 days if they are placed on the face or neck.
• The steri-strips should not stay on more than 14 days. If they haven’t fallen off by day 14, you should remove them yourself.
4. What if they come off on their own sooner? What if I take them off too early by accident?
◦ If the steri-strips fall off before your first post-op appointment, you can replace them with new steri-strips from the pharmacy. Paper tape is also a very good substitute.
◦ If you cannot cover with new strips or tape, keep the area clean and protect from anything rubbing against it with a Band-Aid.
5. What if I am itchy?
• Incisions may feel itchy as they heal; this is normal. Don’t scratch them. If the itchiness gets worse instead of better, call the office. Sometimes, changing the steri-strips and cleaning the incision gently can help.
6. Is it possible I am allergic to steri-strips?
• Allergic reactions to steri-strips are rare, however if you feel that you may have developed an allergic reaction to steri-strips please contact the office.
7. What should I do if there is blood on the strips?
• You may notice old/dried blood underneath the steri-strips; this is normal. If you notice continuous bright red blood leaking from the sides of the steri-strips, please contact the office and we will provide you with further instructions.
8. What if there is something wrong under the steri-strips and I don’t see it?
• If there is something wrong under the steri-strips, it would very often be accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, tenderness and or severe pain.
9. Should I apply antibacterial ointment (e.g. Polysporin) on top of the steri-strips?
• This is of no benefit — in fact, applying anything on top of the steri-strips will melt the glue, causing the steri-strips to come off prematurely.
10. What do I do after the steri-strips fall off?
• Once the steri-strips are off, you can use Polysporin or Vaseline for a couple of days to clean up the incision. You can then start applying the Scar Recovery Gel, unless otherwise instructed.
11. Should I keep the steri-strips covered?
• The steri-strips do not need to be covered.
