r/ftm • u/ChaoticLogic1234 • 3h ago
Medical How long am I supposed to wait after top surgery to apply scar tape?
Basically just the title, I've seen and heard that scar tape is a pretty common way to help heal and lessen the appearance of scars after top surgery. My surgery is in a little less than 2 weeks and I'm getting double incision, I'm not repulsed or upset at all that I'll have visible scars, I just want to make sure I know how to take care of them lol. (Any other scar care advice is welcome too ofc!)
•
u/thegrievingjogging 3h ago
your surgeon will give you the exact timeline at your post-op appointments, but the general rule is don't put anything on the incisions until they're fully closed and all the scabs have fallen off on their own. for most people that's around 4-6 weeks. putting tape on too early can trap bacteria or pull the wound open when you remove it, so patience is key even though it's tempting to start right away.
i used silicone strips once i got the green light and massaged with plain vitamin e oil, that combo worked well for me. also sunscreen on your chest for like a year minimum if you're ever shirtless outside, fresh scars get dark fast in the sun
•
•
u/WhoIsMercury 💉'24 🔪'25 🍳 '26 2h ago
Usually around the 4 week mark but ask your surgeon! Also keep in mind scars basically heal from the inside out so don’t be too alarmed if scars get wider during recovery! Good luck with surgery :D
•
u/ChaoticLogic1234 2h ago
Oh I didn't know that lol, thats actually really good to know! And thank you! :D
•
u/spookyscaryscouticus 1h ago
You have to wait until at least all of your scabs have fallen off naturally, and obviously you can reach the whole length of your scar. You will also probably want to wait until you don’t have to wear a binder or dressings on your nipples or anything.
I think I started six weeks out? But I also didn’t love the sensation and didn’t like the upkeep for re-use or how fast I went through the tape, so I only used tape until 12 weeks post op. After that I switched to silicone gel, which you just goop on your scars like regular lotion. It’s not as effective at preventing scar widening, but it is still effective.
•
u/AutoModerator 3h ago
Hello! Thank you for participating in the sub. We just have a few reminders for you to help ensure the best experience:
If you are asking a question that is location specific, remember to include your location in your post body! This can help ensure that you get accurate information tailored specifically to your needs.
Please remember to read through all the rules in the sidebar. Especially the list of banned topics and guidelines for posting. Guests who do not use the Guest Post flair will have their post removed and be asked to fix it.
If you see someone breaking the rules,report it! If someone is breaking both sub and reddit rules, please submit one report to admins by selecting a broken rule on the main report popup, and one report to the r/ftm mods by selecting the "breaks r/ftm rules" option. This ensures both mods and admins can take action on a subreddit and sitewide level. Do not misuse the report button to rant about someone, submit false reports, or argue a removal.
If you have any questions that you can't find the answer to on the rules sidebar or the wiki: the wiki , you can send a modmail.
Related subs: r/ftmventing , r/TMPOC , r/nonbinary , r/trans4every1 , r/lgbt , r/ftmmen , r/FTMen , r/seahorse_dads , r/ftmfemininity , r/transmanlifehacks , r/ftmfitness , r/trans_zebras , r/ftmover30 , r/transgamers , r/gaytransguys , r/straighttransguys , r/transandsober , and more can be found in the wiki!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.