Nipples taped etc.

[rdy2bhappy]

Hello,

Had my surgery September 14th and was wondering what's the importance of nipple taping and how long should I do so?

[Litlriki]

I'm guessing you are referring to the steri-strip over the incision by the nipple.  I usually change that when the patient returns after a week, and I tell them to leave the second one on until it starts to curl up and fall off--maybe another week.  It doesn't hurt to have a steri-strip on there longer, as it may help the scar to flatten quicker, but it's not essential. 

Rick Silverman

[DrPensler]

I do not tape the nipples after surgery, you might ask your surgeon the reason for the tape.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Some surgeons use tapes (called steri-strips) to help support a sutured wound at the end of surgery.  It is an individual decision on the part of the surgeon -- there is no absolute right or wrong.

I do not use steri-strips for my gyne patients.  The wounds are not being sutured under tension.  I do use steri-strips when excising tissue and pulling the surrounding areas together.  Then, the wound is being sutured under tension and I do use steri-strips for these situations (such as in a tummy tuck, female breast reduction, etc).

Dr Jacobs

[rdy2bhappy]

Thanks for all responses tension was needed so that explains why surgical tape was used.

Thanks again