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

Thank you for your question.  With respect to tanning I would recommend that you don't put the scars in danger of being burned for about six months.  The sun's rays can lead to pigment changes in this newly healing tissue.
That said, I would agree with others here that tanning will do you a disservice long term.  The sun's rays can loosen your skin's elasticity and there is clear evidence that it can lead to skin cancer as well.  I would much rather see you have a spray on tan and uses some block on the beach.
Your surgeon will have to guide you with respect to when you can get back into the water.  In my own practice if your healing well return to swimming can be as soon as three weeks.  But if you're having fluid collections under the skin that may delay your return to activity.
Your surgeon will be your best guide. You may wish to consider having your surgery sooner rather than later so that you have more healing time before the summer approaches.
I hope you enjoy your new figure this summer.

Thank you for your post. In general, your incisions need to be perfect, all drains removed and the drain site healed perfect, and the muscle repair needs to be mature with no areas of fluid collection. If the incisions are not perfect, or drain site, then you are at risk of infection in pools, hot tubs, oceans/lakes. You don't have to have perfect incisions to shower, just not submerge in bath or the above. However, I ask my patients to wear their abdominal binder non-stop, except for showers, for at least 4 weeks, so unless you want to hang out at the beach with your binder, then no beach. Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD