Steri-Strip Removal Over Sutures
Steri-strips applied over sutures should be left in place for 7-10 days and allowed to fall off naturally, or can be gently removed by the patient once the underlying sutures have been removed according to anatomic location guidelines. 1
Timing Based on Wound Location
The timing of steri-strip removal depends entirely on when the underlying sutures are removed:
- Facial wounds: Remove sutures at 5-7 days, then steri-strips can be removed or allowed to fall off naturally 1
- Trunk and extremity wounds: Remove sutures at 7-9 days, then steri-strips can be removed or allowed to fall off naturally 2, 1
- Surgical wounds (general): Non-absorbable sutures are typically removed at 7-9 days, which is the standard timeframe for adequate wound tensile strength 2, 3
Critical Pre-Removal Assessment
Before removing either sutures or steri-strips, examine the wound for:
- Infection signs: Increasing pain, erythema, purulent drainage, warmth, or systemic symptoms 1
- Wound dehiscence: Separation of wound edges or gaping 1
- Adequate healing: Well-approximated wound edges without tension 1
If any of these complications are present, do not remove sutures or steri-strips and seek medical evaluation immediately. 1
How to Remove Steri-Strips
Once the underlying sutures have been removed at the appropriate timeframe:
- Gently peel from one end toward the other, pulling parallel to the skin surface rather than upward 4
- If strips are adherent, moisten with water or saline to ease removal 4
- Allow natural detachment if preferred—steri-strips typically fall off within 7-10 days as the adhesive weakens 5
Post-Removal Care
After both sutures and steri-strips are removed:
- Keep the area clean and dry for continued healing 1
- Avoid excessive tension on the wound during activities 1
- Consider reapplying new steri-strips for additional support in high-tension areas for another 3-5 days 1
- Monitor for delayed complications such as infection or wound separation in the days following removal 1
Important Context About Steri-Strips and Sutures
Steri-strips alone do not reduce surgical site infection rates (they serve primarily as adjunctive wound support), so their presence or absence does not affect infection risk 5. The evidence shows that continuous absorbable subcuticular sutures dramatically reduce wound dehiscence by 92% compared to interrupted non-absorbable sutures that require removal 3, which is why modern practice increasingly favors absorbable sutures that eliminate the need for removal entirely 3, 1.
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never remove sutures before the minimum timeframe (5 days for face, 7 days for body)—this risks wound dehiscence due to inadequate tensile strength 1
- Do not leave non-absorbable sutures beyond 9-10 days as this increases scarring, tissue reaction, and suture track formation 1
- Do not forcefully remove adherent steri-strips—moisten first to prevent skin trauma 4
- Do not assume the wound is healed just because steri-strips are present—always assess for infection and dehiscence before removal 1, 6
Patient Self-Removal Capability
Most patients are willing and capable of removing their own sutures when provided with proper instructions and equipment (91.5% success rate), with similar complication rates to physician removal 7. This same principle applies to steri-strip removal, which is even simpler and safer for patients to perform at home after the appropriate healing period 7.