Can you apply sunblock over sutures 4 days into rhinoplasty and blepharospasty?

Question

I have not gotten my suture removed from rhinoplasty and blepharospasty but need to go out to run an errand. Is okay to apply sunblock directly onto sutures? I'm using absent for babies 56+ sunblock. Will it cause scarring?

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

It is important to avoid direct sunlight on the incision,
wear a wide brim hat. Starting at week 6 you may apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen with both
UVA and UVB protection on the scar. Please see your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for
more specific post op wound care instructions.

Albert W. Chow, MD · Answer

I would ask your surgeon, but I advise my patients not to.  Any topical medicine applied to a recently cut area can harm the healing edge, since these medicines were made to be applied to intact skin.   If the cut line is exposed then keep it from drying up.  A petroleum based antibiotic ointment like bacitracin is typical.  Definitely check with your surgeon. Dr. Chow

Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD, FACS · Answer

It is best to direct specific post-operative questions and concerns to the surgeon who performed your procedure to go with their preferences. Sunblock should be applied to the incision to protect it from the effects of the sun.

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hi Victoria,It's best to ask your surgeon, but I normally tell my patients to wait 10 days before applying anything because antibiotic ointment to the incisions.  Cover the incisions with sunglasses, hat, etc.  Good luck!

Michael M. Kim, MD · Answer

Hello victorialee,It is probably best to check with your surgeon to get an answer specific to your case, but for my patients, I suggest waiting about 2 weeks before putting sunblock on suture lines. Instead, I have them put an ointment like vaseline, or bacitracin on the wounds for those 2 weeks. Areas away from the sutures (bridge of the nose, etc...) can take sunblock soon after the cast comes off.Have a nice day,Michael M. Kim, MD

Javier Galindo, MD · Answer

I would recommend you use a mineral based sunscreen (that is mineral powder with sun protection activity), for example Mineral radiance from skinceuticals. Anyway, direct sun avoidance is the best way to treat your incisions.

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

I would not apply sun block at this point. I would recommend wearing a large hat and just do your best to stay out of the sun. I stay away from anything but Vaseline until the sutures are removed. Each surgeon is different so I would run it by them first.Best of luck

Can you apply sunblock over sutures 4 days into rhinoplasty and blepharospasty?

Answers (7)

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