How do I begin to remove the "top" tape from my incisions? I had surgery 8 days ago and they are getting very itchy but I am still sore and do not wish any more pain

Make sure they want you to take it off. I was told to let mine fall off on their own. It took about 2 weeks. :sad:After that, I hear some people say a pencil eraser helps to get the sticky off.:crying:

When were you told you could remove it? And is it tape (adhesive, or paper?) or is it the "steri strips" they use to help seal the wound?

If they told you you could remove it and it isn't steri strips, unfortunately there's no easy way. Some prefer a fast RIP, others like to have it gently pulled off.

You do NOT want to saturate the adhesive with anything, especially if you don't think you're totally healed. Don't want to get anything into your wounds.

The steri strips, if that's what you have, need to stay on until they fall off.

It is the top "shiny" not the heal strips. Do I just let them ball up around me and then let them fall off?

Shiny? Like clear? or like Metallic? Sorry don't mean to be dense; just trying to figure out what it is so i can help...

Shiny and clear. I am able to see through to white strips

Then after 8 days, if the doc (or nurses at hospital) didn't tell you to LEAVE it...you can very carefully remove it. Stop if it hurts your wound. It probably will hurt the skin AROUND your wounds a little.

However unless you are just insane with the itching, I'd suggest waiting until tomorrow and calling your doc to make sure it's ok to remove them. The doc may prefer you leave them and take benadryl etc (you know itching is a normal part of healing)

ANYWAY once you're cleared to remove it, just tug it up gently, then leave it alone and let the area settle down. It may be red and you may have some adhesive left on your skin but you need to leave the area alone until you're well healed. Your surgeon can give you the best direction for this; he's the one who closed you up and knows how long it should take you to heal!

Hang in there!