Is suntanning harmful to your incision scars after BA? (photos)

Great Question! Everything you have heard about tanning beds is true. They are awful for scars (& the rest of you), but especially fresh scars that are less than 6-9 months old.  The UV light can permanently tattoo the red to purple hue into the dermis which makes it very difficult to fade properly over time. I would keep the scars covered as much as possible for 9-12 months, the scar needs to be completely mature to avoid this risk.

Thank you for your question, You are very early in the healing process. You should keep your scars covered. UV light will darken them. Regards 

Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the telltale signs of your surgery—namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible. There are many possible causes for scars that are enlarged or not healing well. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions, or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices.

It is important to not get sunlight on scars during the healing phase.   I recommend for at least 6 months.   As scars fade, they progress through a red/purple stage.  UV light can cause the scars to be permanently discolored.   Best wishes,Dr. Michelle Spring

Hello, I'd suggest speaking to your surgeon before tanning your chest area.  I advise my patients to avoid sun exposure to their scars for at least several months postoperatively.

Thank you for your question.  In general, tanning isn't a great idea because of how unhealthy it is for your skin.  Yes, having a tan is nice in the short term but it also leads to higher rates of skin cancer as well as dry, leathery skin down the road.However, if you have to go tanning, please be sure to cover your incisions.  For the next few months the skin where your incisions are is going to be much more sensitive to the sun/tanning booths.  If they are exposed to the sun, the incisions can get dark very quickly and can stay permanently dark.  I advise my patients to keep their incisions out of the sun for 3 months in order to prevent this.Good luck,Dr. Seth

Generally
speaking, it’s not recommended that you expose your scars either to the sun or
UV light from tanning beds this soon after your procedure. Sun exposure can
affect the pigmentation of your scars, which can result in unwanted
discoloration of the skin. Keep in mind that it can take up to 18 months for a
scar to fully mature and heal, and it will gradually fade on its own during
this period. If you must go tanning, cover your incision sites very well.

Most plastic surgeons will tell you to avoid suntanning and tanning beds period!  Sun damage to skin is often irreversible and can predispose you to skin cancers.That said, if you are going to tan, it is very important to cover your scar and avoid sun exposure until it is fully mature.  Like the rest of you, a scar that is still healing will darken with UVA/UVB exposure.  The problem is that scars don't always fade when the rest of you does - leading to a hyperpigmented (or dark) scar.  These can be very visible and unsightly.  The process of scar maturation can take up to 18 months.Maybe try a spray tan, which is much less damaging to your scar and to your skin!

Thanks for sharing your question. I can
appreciate your concern.Sun tanning will favor pigmentation of the scars making them more noticeable. Avoid it for a year if possible.  Finally, make sure that your doctor is
aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Thank you for your question. I tell my patients that any surgical scar breast or otherwise, while it is red, is more sun susceptible to turning brown. I would recommend that you cover this new incision while in the tanning bed. Congratulations on your surgery.