Should I Avoid Getting a Tan on my Belly Before my Tummy Tuck?

Tanning six weeks prior to a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) should not interfere with your surgery as long as you do not suffer any significant sun damage such as a sunburn.  A severe sunburn could lead to cancellation of your surgery.  It is also important to remember that tanning postoperatively has to be done very carefully.  First, the scars need to be protected from the sun for several months to prevent hyperpigmentation (darkening).  Second, the skin on the abdomen will lose some sensation for several months.  So if you are not careful, you can develop a significant sunburn without even knowing it.  Be careful and be smart!

Hello! Thank you for your question!  Tanning prior to your procedure should not have a significant impact on your result - avoid sunburn, of course. After any surgical procedure, you should be careful with incisions as well as avoidance of direct UVA and UVB rays in order to lessen the chance for hyperpigmentation of the skin and scars, which can take several months to resolve, if it ever does. Sunblock is recommended regardless. The ability of the affected area to heal has been slowed and you should try to avoid additional swelling to the area. The area will likely be numb for several weeks to months and will be difficult to feel when sunburn is coming on. Typical recommendations include wearing a hat and/or sunblock to the affected area for at least 6-12 weeks following the procedure. It takes up to one year for scars to fully mature. You should also avoid trauma to the area for several months to protect the refinements made during the procedure. Also, avoidance of pools/lakes/jacuzzis/etc for 4-6 weeks is usually recommended to allow adequate healing and protection from stagnant water, that could potentially harbor bacteria. Lifting/exercise restrictions are common for at least 7 weeks. Certainly discuss the postoperative instructions with your surgeon, as thoughts differ among surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

A nice tan is actually helpful coming into surgery like a tummy tuck or liposuction.  This can help me place your incisions strategically to hide them under your bathing suit.  As mentioned in other posts, do beware of sunburn and the possibility of darker scars if tanning just before or for several months after your surgery.