Question:
When is it safe for the surgical tape to be removed?

I had my surgery 7/14. I didn't get staples, but instead got dissolvable sutures. 3 weeks later, the surgical tape on my skin hasn't fallen off yet. Should I just wait for it to fall off, or is it safe to remove it myself?    — Maria G. (posted on August 5, 2003)

August 5, 2003
Go ahead and pull it off. The nurse pulled mine off at my 1 week appointment and everything was closed and healing just fine. On 2 of the incisions I can actually feel a bit of the stitch poking through. My surgery was 7/11 and I'm down 24 lbs. Best wishes to you!
   — Shelly R.

August 5, 2003
I was told to let mine fall off and it was on there a long time. I'd leave the tape stay a little longer.
   — Cheryl D.

August 5, 2003
It will not hurt if you take it off and you are completely healed---but---don't. My tape was peeling after being in the sun. On the tape sutures I kept on and they healed better. You are better off if you let them fall off--my last tapes didn't fall off until the 5th week. These are the sections of my scar that are almost unnoticeable, thin and less keloid. Also don't tan--your scar will turn brown--Good luck!
   — who A.

August 5, 2003
Maria, This is a question YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR DTR...No one one here is a Bariatric Surgeon. I wouldn't want you to rip it off and then have your incision open up. My understanding with steri strips is that they will fall off when they are READY...But, when in doubt ASK YOUR DTR! Good luck to you! Heather OPEN RNY 8-15-02 305/187/150
   — heathercross

August 5, 2003
I think it is best to check with your doc!
   — Saxbyd