When can you expose the belly button to the sun without affecting the scar negatively?

Thanks for your question. The main consideration with the sun is with the incisions.  The sun is the enemy of scarring and so we want you to be really careful with sun exposure for a year or so after surgery.  This does not mean to not be in the sun, it means to make sure to use sun protection (50 sf) on the incisions so they don't darker. 

Generally speaking, scars are healing and changing for close to a year. The aesthetician at our office recommends patients to wait atleast 2-3 months before sun exposure, or if they are going to wear a 2 piece, SPF should be used and reapplied constantly throughout the day. If your surgeon does not have a aesthetician at his office who can give their recommendation, he probably knows one he can refer you to in order to get the best outcome possible.

Sun exposure to healing scars can cause permanent pigmentation issues.  It is best to keep your scars from sun exposure for a year.  If your scar is completely closed you can use sunscreen on the area to protect it from the harmful rays.