Taking off dressings

Hello, 

I am not in any way medical, I would say to try and leave it as it is for another few days (as you have had a big operation and there is a lot of healing going on 'inside').

To be honest I wouldn't be letting water run over it, as this will make dressing wet, this in turn could make the skin soft and maybe even affect the strength of the glue (it might not, just a thought).

I think you should phone your BC Nurse or look on this site to ask the online Macmillan nurses there throughts.

One thing for sure is to keep an eye on the healing and wound area - it is should start to look red and or feel hot then it would be wise to get it looked at (red and/or hot can be a sign of infection and you might need antibotics, although some surgeons will put you on them at time of the operation).

Sorry I can't be of any real help, as I say, it is was me, I'd leave it in place and keep dry for at least a week - just wipe over with a 'antiseptic wet wipe'.

Let us know how you get on xx 

Hi, I’m sorry you have joined the club nobody wants to be in.  I wouldn’t take anything off and would speak to your breast care nurse.  I also wasn’t told when to take the tape off and took it off after one week.  I had further surgery due to my margins not being clear and I asked when I should take them off.  I’m almost certain I was told not to take them off but wait until they came off themselves.  The BCN is there to answer any of your questions.  I hope you heal well!

Thanks for the advice! I have spoken to the BCN and I am going to try and wet the tape in the shower and see if it comes off. If not I might have to go in so that they can take it off but I think I'd rather try myself first!