Sheri strip removal and wound separation question

Hi all,

I had a posterior belt lipectomy (back half of LBL) 4 weeks ago. Recovering well but am wondering how long to keep the Steri strips on. Do I let them fall off on their own or remove them in the shower? I think they could stick for a week or 2 more.  Also, at what point am I past risk of wound separation?

My Dr told me to leave them until they fell off. Once they started lifting and came off the incision part I would take them off the rest of the way. As long as they covered the incision I left them alone

Your surgeon should have given instruction. Often 7-10 days

You should be good for wound by know. Just keep eye for seroma formation. I had a little leak near my ****yx but that happened shortly after

When I was 4 weeks out, I thought I was safe, but my back side separated by a small shift in bed. It took 2 weeks to close back up.

I had UBL - but I think my armpit incisions get as stressed as some parts of the waist.  I am 4 weeks out and the glue just came off - i have a silicone gel to put on (a scar cream).  I am not ready to leave it with nothing on.  As a general rule, the insides take twice as long as the outsides to heal - so I have another 4 weeks to go until I trust that my incisions will not open up. I try to remind myself not too reach high or fast or throw or toss anything for a few more weeks.

Thanks for that reminder.  I find myself reaching up and bending down probably a lot more than I should be.  That said, I'm still sleeping on my back and pretty freaked about trying on my side.  Still get hubby to help me out of bed.  It was easier when I had my abdominoplasty in that I could easily stay hunched to protect and also could sleep more easily.  

I had lipo on my saddlebag thighs and breast aug at same time - so I'm still sleeping elev - I still sleep in my elec recliner half the time and half the time elev on pillows in bed.  I am a side sleeper and sleeping on my back for so long is not fun.

I also had thigh lipo and am a side sleeper so I can relate to being "so over" back sleeping. Didn't realize thighs would hurt so much. That said, it's all much better this far out, so I'm grateful. I think I'll try driving this week, too. Thanks for responses.

Are you driving yet?

yes, waited 2 1/2 weeks