Forgot to ask my surgeon... gallbladder removed by lap 13 days ago. when can i remove the tapes from incisions? tape is really irritating my skin.

Steristip Removal: It is always best to ask your own surgeon, and i usually suggest leaving them on until they fall off, but if they are irritating you now, nearly 2 weeks post op, you may remove them gently. Peel them off slowly at a 45 degree angle from the incision and it is unlikely to cause a problem.

Anytime: At this point the steristrips (the little pieces of tape - sometimes called butterflies) can be removed. It is generally safe to take them off by 5-7 days after surgery. Steristrips are only designed to keep the skin edges together, the wound itself is kept together from falling apart by internal sutures. If the wound is red or draining fluid, see your surgeon.

Now: The tapes usually fall off within 14 days so it is safe to remove them now.