Tanning After Tummy Tuck

If you are considering any kind of cosmetic surgery procedure, you might be asking yourself about tanning the post-surgical scars. A lot of factors come into play when it comes to the visibility of scars. The right surgeon will try to conceal the scars within the contours of your body. However, they can still make you feel self-conscious. Some of us enjoy that tan, bronzy glow. While it looks great, it is not ideal for your post-surgical scarring. In this article, we will discuss how sun exposure will impact your scars and the steps to minimise them.

How Tanning Affects Post-Operative Wounds. Following a tummy tuck, breast reduction, augmentation, or any other plastic surgery procedure, you should avoid tanning until your incisions heal completely. Tanning can slow down the healing process by drying out your skin.

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with cosmetic clinics in Sydney and Wollongong NSW. He has performed hundreds of face and body procedures in over 20 years of practice.

Development of Scars After Surgery

Scars are a natural and expected part of your skin’s regeneration process. Most of the injuries result in scarring which can last for quite a long time, if not for a lifetime. In order to understand the mechanism, you need to understand multiple phases of scar healing:

1. Inflammatory Phase

This is the phase when the dermis of your skin is damaged. The dermis is the deep and thick layer of the skin. When this happens, your brain will signal the blood vessels in wounds to contract and stimulate blood clot formation. Once the bleeding stops, the blood vessels become wider and allow the white blood cells to fight against infections in order to repair the tissue damage. As a result of all this, the area surrounding your wounds will become warm, swollen, painful, and red. In a couple of days, you will end up with a crusty, and dry scab which protects your incisions.

2. Proliferation Phase

The proliferation phase comes after the inflammatory phase. During this phase, the granulating tissue will migrate to the site to fill in the wounds. At this point, your new blood vessels will also start to form in the new tissues which provides all the essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells. It also eliminates waste products from the healing tissues. By the end of this stage, your wound will close up and the edges of the wounds will be pulled together which will result in a smaller wound size.

3. Maturation Phase

This phase comes several weeks after the surgery and lasts the longest. During this phase, your wounds start to mature. Your body starts to thin out the blood vessels which aren’t needed and replace them with newer collagen. The wound continues to contract and the damaged tissue becomes sealed with the collagen scar tissue. The skin might become rough, elevated, and not very pleasing to look at.

Most scar removal treatments are done when all these three phases are over.

Scars Will Take 12 Months to Heal Properly

The first thing you need to understand is that scar healing takes some time. Scars go through multiple stages and allow your skin to heal properly. Dr Hunt can assist you with scar management strategies after the recovery.

It is important to start with proper skin prep prior to getting the surgery to ensure your skin is in impeccable shape prior to the surgery. You can opt for multiple scar treatments post the surgery. Some of the most popular options include Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) using DermaPen, Fraxel Laser treatment, silicone strips, special ointments and more.

Some of the factors that can influence your scars negatively include smoking, inadequate nutrition, and tanning.

Sun Exposure and Post-operative Scars

There is no doubt about the fact that tanning will make your scars look worse. This is due to the fact that scar tissues aren’t able to create protective cells that help minimise the damage from harmful UV rays. Scar tissues aren’t the same as your usual skin. They have a very different texture and function. Hence, the skin involved is less resistant to the damage of UV rays. It essentially means that your skin is more prone to getting sunburnt while the scars are fresh.

It will take the scars almost one year to fully heal. During this time, it is important to avoid sun exposure. Any form of tanning before and after the surgery is a big no. Sun exposure will result in permanent darkening of scars.

Luckily all sorts of scars can be treated with the right treatments, but it will take some time. Nothing works like magic, and you shouldn’t expect any treatment to eliminate your scars overnight.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Self-Tanning and Spray Tanning Recommendations and Warnings

You might love to get a glowy, bronzy tan especially if you want to show off your new shape after the surgery. As sun exposure is not recommended, a lot of people want to know about fake tanning options. Like direct sunlight, tanning beds are also a big no. What you can do, is opt for a fake tan instead.

These days, you have multiple options when it comes to fake tanning. You can either go for spray tans or do it at your home with your favourite tanning product and a glove. However, it is important to get a confirmation from Dr Hunt first. Most of the fake tans require you to exfoliate your skin beforehand. Make sure your scars are fully healed and exfoliation won’t create any harm. Other than that, fake tans are a great alternative to achieving that bronze glow, minus all the harmful side effects.

One downside of any surgical procedure is post-surgical scarring. Most people are concerned about them for all the right reasons. A lot of people are eager to show off their new look along with a bronzy tan. However, tanning too soon post the cosmetic surgery will worsen the appearance of your scars. It can also take a toll on your healing. It is important to stay out of the sun for 12 months post-surgery. When it comes to fake tanning, you can go for them once the initial 12 weeks have passed.

It is important to get a list of recommended self-tanners to use post the surgery. Not all self-tanners are created equal and some can harm your skin.

when can i spray tan after tummy tuck

Tummy tucks are great because they can remove hanging skin on the abdomen that prevents you from fitting into your favorite outfits and swimsuits. In fact, Morales Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of treatments designed to improve the stomach, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks, making you feel more confident in general.

So, when can you start tanning after cosmetic surgery in Houston? It’s a question many of our patients ask when it comes to tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, breast augmentation, or a full mommy makeover. But before you go to the beach or tanning salon, it’s important to educate yourself and take precautions, or you may end up with dark tummy tuck scars and other serious issues.

Want to know more? Read our guide below and schedule a private consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales. We’ll help you get the best results possible from your procedure.

What happens when scars are exposed to the sun?

Scars are very reactive to sunlight and UV rays, causing the tissue to become red and inflamed. Our bodies need time to heal from trauma, so exposing your incisions too soon puts you at risk for discolored scars or infection. Dr. Morales recommends keeping the incision site covered with clothing or bandages for a minimum of nine months to avoid sunlight.

What if I want to go tanning?

Just because you have to keep your scars covered doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy being outside. Many of our patients love going to the beach and spending time outdoors! If you want to go tanning, there are several ways to get the sun-kissed glow you want without putting your skin at risk. Try some of these methods after recovering from cosmetic surgery in Houston:

Going to the beach or pool: Cover tummy tuck scars with swimwear and use a high-SPF sunscreen on the surrounding area. Stay near the shade of an umbrella, so you don’t get sunburned.

Tanning bed: This is not the most ideal way to tan your skin safely. But if you do go to a tanning salon, cover your scars using occlusive tape, like electrical tape. You can get this kind of tape from a local pharmacy.

Tanning spray: Spray tans are a great option because they minimize your exposure to UV light and let you control how dark you want your skin to be. Patients should wait a full two months before spraying anything on their surgical scars for the best and safest results.

Can I treat my own scars?

It’s important to keep your tummy tuck scars clean and moisturized after your initial recovery from procedures like tummy tuck surgery and breast augmentation. We recommend using a vitamin E ointment or aloe vera lotion daily to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent pigmentation changes. Avoid applying any type of cream, gel, or spray on your scars before the two-month mark or without speaking to a board-certified plastic surgeon first.

Enjoy Successful Recovery with Minimal Scarring

We understand it’s hard to wait when it comes to showing off your gorgeous results from cosmetic surgery. Our goal as professionals is to keep your skin healthy and looking great no matter what! If you’re in need of some tips or advice for tanning after a procedure in Houston, call Morales Plastic Surgery and meet with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales. We can help you have glowing skin in no time.

how soon after surgery can you tan

If you’re exploring Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Liposuction, you’ll no doubt find yourself asking about scars. Many factors influence what type of scars you’ll end up with after surgery, and how they look over time. In this blog, we discuss sun exposure and tanning after cosmetic surgery.

Read more to find out what you need to know in relation to sun exposure on your incision lines while your scars are healing – and whether or not tanning is a good idea after cosmetic surgery.

A Guide to Plastic Surgery Cost

First, what type of scars will you have after Cosmetic Surgery?

Scars after having Cosmetic Surgery will vary in length, width, shape, colour, location and visibility. It depends on which procedure you have. Remember, every patient is different, and results can vary. In general, however:

Where we place the “scar” (incision line) during surgery.

For breast surgery, it will depend on if you have your breast implant placement through the inframammary fold (IMF) or through the armpit area (known as a transaxillary approach). Either way, you don’t want your scars exposed to sunlight until they fully heal and settle – typically you’ll need to wait at least a full 6 months – but often 12 months is best before the skin is healed properly. Too much sun, too soon? You could end with a much more visible scar than you would have otherwise.

For breast reduction or breast lift scars, are typically a lot longer and more noticeable than breast implant scars. But if you care for them properly using our scar minimisation strategies, surgery aftercare tips and scar treatments, you can usually minimise them nicely.

Liposuction scars are relatively small in size, but still, benefit from proper scar management and staying out of the sun after Liposuction. The risk if you don’t? More noticeable scars.

For most body surgeries, such as Tummy Tuck surgery or Belt Lipectomy, Thigh Lift Surgery or Arm Lift/Brachioplasty surgery to reduce upper arm flab, the scars are typically long and need proper management to help keep them minimised.

As a leading Female Plastic Surgeon, Dr Rebecca Wyten frequently advises her patients: “…the scar that remains after plastic surgery is related to the type of incision line that is needed [to aim for optimal results from your procedure.” Dr Patrick Briggs agrees. He states that for body lift surgery after weight loss (excess skin reduction): “…you need to place the incision lines in the areas that need reduction. For Belt Lipectomy surgery, Brachioplasty (arm reduction) surgery and other body contouring surgeries after significant weight loss, we aim for strategic scar placements whenever we can. We aim to hide the incision line where a swimsuit or undergarment would cover it, when possible. But sometimes the incision line has to be in an area where it will be visible, in order to get good contouring results.”

Scars tend to need a full 12 months to heal properly and there’s a lot you can do to help them heal better.

Incision scars can take several months to heal properly, and they tend to go through various stages as the skin heals where there has been a break in the protective dermal barrier.

Our top team of Melbourne Surgeons offer patients special scar management strategies, along with Rapid Recovery packages; to help the body heal and minimise the scars for certain procedures.

Getting the skin prepped BEFORE surgery can also help – ask your Surgeon or the Coco Ruby Dermal Clinicians how to get your skin in tip-top shape before you have surgery, to help with healing.

Scar treatments AFTER Surgery may include:

Smoking RUINS your Healing Capacity and Makes Your Scars Worse.

If, however, you smoke, are not getting good nutrition and/or experience wound complications, your incision line scar may end up more visible or wider than it would otherwise.

And if you tan too soon? Sun exposure on a fresh surgery scar can make your scar look worse.

Can you tan after Cosmetic Surgery – or will sun exposure make your scars look worse?

Tanning after surgery can make your scars look worse. That’s because scar tissues don’t create the protective cells that help reduce the damage from the sun’s rays.

Why is that? Scar tissue is not the same as normal skin; it has a different texture and function. The skin involved where the scar area is located (the incision line area) is less resistant to ultraviolet rays. This means that area of the skin is actually more prone to sunburn, not less, especially while the surgery scars are still fresh.

And because scars take 12 months to fully heal, you’ll be best off avoiding sun exposure on your incision lines for a full 12 months (or longer) to maximise the fading processes of your incision line scars.

So tanning after surgery and before your scars have fully settled is a NO-NO.

Prolonged sun exposure and tanning may also permanently darken a scar, making it worse; especially in people with melanin-rich, darker skin complexions.

But depending on your skin type and responses to incisions and skin wounds, your scar may end up either darker OR lighter than the surrounding skin. However, you won’t know the full outcome of your scar for approximately 12 months after surgery. And even older scars can be treated by the scar treatment team at Coco Ruby Skin; but the fresher the scar, the more chances of getting a good result from special scar treatments.

Cosmetic Surgery Scars and Tanning: Should you tan after surgery? No. Avoid the sun for best results.

In summary, when it comes to sun exposure and “sun-based tanning” of scars after cosmetic surgery, wear adequate sun protection and avoid the sun as much as possible.

Tanning is bad for your surgery scars/incision lines.

Not to mention that tanning prematurely ages your skin, particularly on the face, decolletage, shoulders, arms, legs and hands! It also leads to heightened Melanoma cancer risks and can be deadly over time.

Scars also need a full 12 months (sometimes longer) to heal properly (meaning scars will change colour over time but tend to fade nicely for a majority of cosmetic surgery patients, depending on your skin type and healing capacities and how well you follow your Surgeon’s instructions).

So purchase the right gear, stay under a UPV tent and away from sunlit windows, and wear high SPF sun block plus top-rated UV protective clothing (50 UPV) whenever you DO find you’re going to have your scars exposed to sunlight. And happy Summer!

Does a Suntan Help Hide Scars? Tanning Guidelines After Breast Surgery

TANNING AND SPRAY TANNING RECOMMENDATIONS AND WARNINGS: SUN EXPOSURE AND BREAST SURGERY SCARS

If your breast augmentation or breast lift surgery goes to plan this Spring, you may feel amazing after your initial recovery. You’ll want to hit the beach or pool-side chairs for a bit of warmth and relaxation. But is tanning too soon after surgery a good idea? And is any form of tanning really a good idea, after all? If you are wondering if tanning will help hide your scars – or heal them – read on to find out the real story about why you need to WAIT before you exposure surgery scars to sunlight or spray tanning chemicals.

DOES TANNING HELP HIDE SCARS? DOES SUN EXPOSURE AID YOUR HEALING?

No, UVA and UVB exposure from sun tanning can actually make scars look worse. Sun exposure on fresh surgery scars is NOT recommended and can make them appear more visible as well as impede the healing processes of the dermal layers.

Tanning Guidelines and Time Frames after Breast Augmentation Surgery – FAQs

After recovering from breast augmentation surgery in particular, you may feel your new curves look wonderful and want to share your results with the world by heading to the beach. The summer sun may finally be lancing the blue waters of Australia’s coastlines again and your pool-side recliners are calling to you after the emotional surgical experiences of your last few weeks. You figure you’ve earned some time under the sun’s warm rays, especially as you’re potentially still a bit sore. That noted, your incisions are healing and moving has become easier again. Even the gym beckons. But your Surgeon warns you that you’re not quite ready for a session on the elliptical trainers yet. But the beach? The pool? Or Bali? You can do this, you tell yourself. But should you?

Is tanning too soon after breast augmentation really a good idea? Or is getting sun exposure and tanning harmful to your incision lines and scar formation? Originally Published in Feb 2014 and revised/updated in October 2018.

TANNING AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION: WHEN IS IT SAFE TO GET SUN EXPOSURE ON YOUR BREAST INCISIONS?

There is a lot of data that suggests excess sun exposure causes all kinds of havoc to the body’s cells. It can prematurely age your skin, lead to hyper-pigmentation problems and mottled-looking skin, pre-dispose you to Melasma and increase your Melanoma risks. That noted, Australia is an outdoorsy, coastal-focused country, with much time in the sun.

can you go in a tanning bed with stitches