incision

[zoeh]

does anyone know about how long an incision from a laparotomy will take to completely heal? and how long do the steri-strips stay on? my surgery was on June 3, and the majority of the strips are still in tact. I would like them to stay on as long as possible, so the incision can heal properly. I do not have staples. they said they stitched me from inside...whatever that means. my incision is pretty large...to me anyway. vertical 6 inches.

I will patiently wait. but just wanted to ask you guys opinion.

thanks,
wendy

[bumplump]

I have more than 10cm incision. The incision was stitched (But I did not see the stiches outside.)
The steri strips were on it for two weeks. On the follow-up two weeks after the surgery, the doctor removed the steri strips.

Personally I prefered to remove steri strips after two weeks, because there was blood clot inside the steri strips outside the incision. I worried about that the blood clot would become dirty not washing out.

[fungirl1011]

Hey Zoeh, I know it seems like the steri strips should be off by now, but like you said let the stay on as long as possible.  When I had my verticle incision, I had staples, so I am not sure how long the should stay.  When I had a horizontal incision, I think they were on for a few weeks.  As far as the incision healing, it will take about 4-6 weeks to heal completely.  I noticed with mine that it leaked for about a week or so and then it started healing pretty well.  My incision went from my bikini line to just above my bellybutton.  I know that even now, 3 years later, it gets kinda sore if I have jeans on that rub it.  It just takes time.  I hope you are doing well on your recovery.  
Hugs,
Kasie

[TrudieC]

Hi there, I am two weeks after my laporatomy which is more than a foot in size on the vertical but I did have staples.  I've had several other surgeries with the strips.  Don't fret too much about them.  Whether it is staples or strips it is pretty much going to be at least 6 weeks for healing.

Take care,
Trudie

[silver&gold]

Hi Wendy,

I had internal dissolvable stitches but I was cut horizontally . If I can recall it took about 3 or 4 weeks for my incision to heal proparly . It does vary though from one person to another .

Best wishes Angie