How Long Should The Clear Bandage Stay On Over My Incisions?

[A New New Dawn 1,695]

Hi, I had surgery last Wednesday, 7/25. Over my incisions, the doctor put steri-strips, over those is a small square of guaze and then each incision has a clear bandage (that seals the wound) over them. They told me as the clear bandages start to lift that I can remove them but not to remove the steri-strips underneath. Any idea how long these clear bandages should stay on? They are not peeling but the skin underneath is getting itchy and irritated. I just don't want to take them off too soon. Thanks!

[radarluv 59]

No, I have a super glue like substance on and it ain't going no where. I had surgery 7/19 and that glue is still tight. Even bathing, sweating, etc. Glad I didn't have to deal with the gauze. Email or call your doc.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,722]

i left mine on until they fell off. my nurse in hospital told me to leave them on there so i did.

[Sarah72 21]

I came home with just the steri-strips. No clear gauze stuff (I'm guessing it's the same stuff they used to hold my IV in place that you're talking about). I would think that if the steri-strips stay in place, you can take the guaze off. You don't want to end up with an infection under it from your skin getting irritated. Of course, I would call your surgeon this morning and talk to his/her nurse to get an official "OK".

Good luck! Hope it's feeling better soon!

[hippychick74 22]

I had surgury on 7/20 and had my post op appt on 7/26. At post op I was told one more week with the clear covering. At that time I can take of the clear covering off and let the steri strips come off on there own.

[Jim1967 3,569]

I was told to let them fall off on there own but by the time I went to my post op appointment all but one were gone so the Doc took it off so he could see how all the incisions were healing up.

[Rojasanoll 920]

nice information to all. My band date is Aug 6.