How Soon After Full TT Can I Get in the Tanning Bed and Get in the Ocean?

If I'm going to be truthful with you, I would say that I never codone sun bathing, period.  Tanning beds in particular are a sure way to end up with skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.  So, I would say never go to them regardless of surgery.  I do tell patients to apply sun screen in a dedicated fashion after having surgery to protect the scar while there is any pink color to it.  That lets you know that the scar is still immature.  Too much sun exposure to the scar can result in a darker scar.  It may stay pink for a year or more.  But, once the skin is reasonably healed (about 2-3 weeks), you can start applying sun screen.  I allow patient's to get into the water after all drains are removed and once the skin is healed.  Provided that the drains come out within my standard 10 day period and the skin has no healing issues, that usually means 3-4 weeks later. 

Hello! Thank you for your question! On average, a period of approximately 3-4 weeks on average is typical. Submerging in stagnant water, be it bathtubs, jacuzzis, pools, lakes, oceans, etc. can certainly increase your chance for infections. I usually await the incisions to be fully healed prior to allowing for this type of activity. If you do have any wound issues or delayed healing, expect that you will be restricted from doing such things. However, I allow my patients to shower and clean incisions at 3 days postoperative. You should also protect your incisions from direct UV radiation for at least a year to optimize the appearance. Regardless, the answer will vary amongst plastic surgeons and you should discuss this with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions. Best wishes!

Thank you for the question.

Tanning: never. Ocean swimming probably around 2 months postoperatively ( assuming cleared by your plastic surgeon).

Best wishes.