Skin Cancer Support Group

If you or a loved one has skin cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through the same. Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin, which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburns or long-term exposure to the sun. Skin cancer generally develops in the outermost layer of skin so a tumor is usually...

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Stitch Tape

Lynnie200
Lynnie200
I recently had some skin cancer removed and they used tape instead of stitches for the incision.. The doctor said to wash my face for 5 days using mild soap and water. He said not to peel them, but they should start loosening.
Questions: Should they come off in that time or will they stay on longer. There seems to be a lot of adhesive so it may take a while.
Lynnie200
Lynnie200
I think they are called steri strips.
sunniesue
sunniesue
They are steri strips. Yes they will loosen in about five days and you may remove them. I am sure the doctor probably used glue as well so there isn't any problem in removing the tape when they loosen. Do you remember smelling it in the surgery? I have had more than 20 skin cancer surgeries on my face using glue, tape and/or stitches so don't worry.
sunniesue
sunniesue
P.S. If you do not see any stitches (there are stitches below the surface) you will have minimal scarring.
deraming
deraming
Usually they curl at the ends and they fall on their own, it has to do a lot on what type of skin you have, do not remove unless the doctor tells you can .
Lynnie200
Lynnie200
Update: The steri strips took more than 5 days to remove, but I removed them gradually until they were really loose. I had a tiny sharp part sticking out, but it eventually got soft enough to come off too..
A week ago I had a follow up with the surgeon and everything was okay. The results were negative so they got all of the cancer. IT was bacal cell and squamous cell cancer. I bought some Avene restorative cream from the pharmacy to help heal the cells. It was recommended by the cosmetician.
The doctor wants to see me in six months.
sunniesue
sunniesue
I have been dealing with skin cancer for 40 years. For the last 15 years I have seen my dermatologist almost every six months. Be very vigilant early detection is the key. Skin cancer is not a once and done affair.