After a Mommy Makeover (tummy tuck, BL and BA) when would you be cleared to tan?

Question

Mystic spray tanning or uv tanning? I constantly see after photos nicely tanned so curious.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Please ask your surgeon as you have given no additional information about how long ago your surgery was and any details. Staying out of the sun or tanning beds is the best advice. Minimal exposure to sunlight is prevents hyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Because of the health concerns of UV radiation best to have spray tans instead which can start 6-8 weeks after surgery assuming no wound healing issues.  Hope that this helps.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing after the  procedures will take time. I have my patients out of bed and walking the night of surgery
and every hour while awake.  I allow my
patients to return to work at one to two weeks with 14 days preferred.  No lifting or straining.  At three weeks increased level of activity
and full, no restrictions, at 6 weeks.In regards to things like tanning and such I would recommend to ask your surgeon for his advice regarding how long to wait. Best of luck to you.

Patrick L. Basile, MD · Answer

I never recommend UV tanning as it increases your chance of skin cancer. Spray tanning should be okay after several weeks once all the incisions heal. I would make sure that all of your scars are hidden from the sun or you wear sun block to prevent any pigmentation of them .

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

It is best to wait at least 6-8 week after surgery before starting any treatments with tanning spray. Best of luck

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

UV tanning is not recommended.  Your best option is spray tanning but its best to wait until six weeks after surgery assuming you don't have any wound healing issues.  Scars take 18 months to go through their maturation phase and exposing the scars directly to sunlight could results in raised, red, hypertophic scars.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

I would allow my patients to get a spray tan after 3-4 weeks from their surgery.  This is provided all incisions are  well healed.   Due to the harmful effects of the ultraviolet radiation on your skin, no plastic surgeon should recommend uv tanning, whether in the sun or a tanning booth.

After a Mommy Makeover (tummy tuck, BL and BA) when would you be cleared to tan?

Answers (7)

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