How long after surgery can I be out in the sun for long periods of time?

Ultraviolet light, whether from the tanning bed or the sun at the beach, can make a scar redder for a longer period of time. I tell my patients not to go tanning until three weeks post surgery and not to swim until that time, either, so that the incision is healed and water won't penetrate it and cause an infection. If you use a strong sunscreen and stayed covered during the heat of the day, you should be fine. Enjoy the concert.

Thank you for your question.It takes a good 3 months for scars to mature, in this time they need protecting from the sun and ultraviolet light such as sunbeds.I would recommend that you use a total sunblock if you are planning to go out in the sun within the first three months.

Sun exposure i.e. ultraviolet light has a negative effect on scar healing and can cause hyper-pigmentation of the healing scar. However this will not be an issue if you have your scar covered, either with your bikini or concealed with steristrips. Use of a sunscreen cream is however recommended at all times with sunbathing.
Hope this helps,
Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey