Lipo Hyperpigmentation and Tanning?

I had lipo done 4 months ago. The incision sites are still very red. I am going on vacation and will be in the sun however I always wear sunblock. Will this hyperpigmentation get worse in the sun even with the sunblock? Will it prolong the fading time? Is it too early to laser these red marks off (ex.IPL)?

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Boston84

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (1)

Hyperpigmentation and Tanning

This can occur for up to a year. Use a strong (rated 30 or higher) waterproof sunblock, and re apply regularly. Enjoy your trip. All the best.

Sun and scars

Sn exposure will cause red or pink scars to become brownish in color. Thus, as long as scars are pink or red, you should avoid sun exposure to the scars and use sun protection. Sun screens need to be applied every hour or so you are in the sun or each time you get out of the water. A complete sun block like zinc oxide, like the life guards use, is probably best if you are going to be in the sun for extended periods of time.

Todd C. Case, MD

14 reviews

Tucson Plastic Surgeon

Scar Hyperpigmentation and Sun Exposure after Liposuction

Scar hyperpigmentation is always a concern within at least the first year following surgery. Sunblock can be helpful in preventing this. Avoidance of exposure is best but can be impractical. Lasers at 4 months may be early but should be evaluated on an individual basis. Liposuction Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Sun and Scars

It is important to use sunscreen on scars for at least 6 months to a year after surgery. They can hyperpigment from sun exposure. Be sure to use a physical block sunscreen and put it on all scars- even those that will be covered by clothing as the sun's rays can penetrate some fabrics.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD

8 reviews

Houston Plastic Surgeon

Scars and the Sun

Any scar that is in the sun can hyperpigment (turn brown) until its color fades. Sunblock by itself will not prevent this unless it is an "opaque" or total cover sunblock (think zinc oxide on the lifeguards nose). Zinkus makes a flesh tone sunblock like this that could be helpful. You can order it on the internet. Completely covering them can also help (example would be a strip of the sticky part of a bandaid). Remember that sun can pass through bathing suits and... more

Incision healing

Yes, it is good to put sunblock over your incisions or cover them with clothing if you are going to have sun exposure while they are healing. A good treatment for red scars is the V Beam Perfecta laser which can significantly diminish red discoloration of scars. Good Luck.

Incisions from liposuction and hyperpigmentation

The incisions from liposuction will take some time for the redness to go away. It is a good idea to use sunblock when expoed to the sun.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Sunlight will aggravate hyperpigmentation in an access point for liposuction.

The small puncture sites used for liposuction heal at the same rate as any incision. During the healing process the access point should be sheltered from the sun to prevent aggravation of inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

Red marks will fade

At 4 months, the red marks will still fade a lot with time. Sunblock is critical, and you should use a zinc based product that blocks the sun rather than a chemical based one. Over time, the marks will not be an issue for you- don't bother with lasers at this point

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Comments (1)

AussieRose 7 Feb 2013

I personally started my sunbed sessions 6 weeks after I had DH Vaser Lipo and highly recommend it to anyone who had the same procedure especially if you are planning a vacation.

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