Will Tanning before a tummy tuck cause problems?

Question

I am scheduled to have a tummy tuck and lipo on April 4th. I have considered going to the tanning bed for a few sessions just to even my color before the surgery. I am filipino and tan rather easy and stay tan for a while. I was going to do it now because I will be avoiding the sun on my tummy area after the surgery. Will doing this affect the outcome of the procedure?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your upcoming surgery!  Tanning prior to your procedure will not impact your results or healing materially.  Exposure to UV radiation after surgery will compromise your final scar result. Hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Tanning before a tummy tuck will not affect your tummy tuck procedure.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear pangans,Tanning before a tummy tuck usually is not be an issue. Tanning, howeve, can make a scar more prominent or cause skin cancer. Followup with your surgeon because every surgeon has individual preferences.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Tanning before your procedure should not cause any issues, however you should discuss this with your surgeon. It sounds like you know you will want to avoid exposing your tummy tuck scars to tanning beds and the sun for up to a year after your surgery. Good luck.

Paul B. Mills, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Tanning before surgery should have no impact on your upcoming surgery.  However, I would not plan on any significant sun or UV exposure to your scars for up to 6 months following your procedure.  This can make your scar permanently darker and not allow it to fade away appropriately.  Good luck!  I'm sure you will love the change.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. Getting a tan does not contraindicates a Tummy Tuck procedure netiher cause any adverse effect.International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
25 year experience

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I do not see it a risk as long as you do not burn or get a rash. Always discuss PRE-OP steps with your PS in great detail before you make a decision.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Pangans,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Tanning before surgery will not harm your results. However, tanning after surgery will harm them. You may want to look into a body contouring procedure that combines liposuction with laser, radiofrequency (RF), and acoustic therapy to produce the best balance of fat reduction and skin tightening and smoothing for your body type and anatomy. We use a proprietary liposuction technique, combined with Emsculpt to help each patient reach his or her desired result. First off, all devices and instruments used are FDA-approved. We start your treatment with Emsculpt to help strengthen your abdominal muscles, augment your buttocks, and reduce any diastasis or abdominal muscle laxity that you may have. This is particularly important for patients who want convert a “round” abdomen to a “flat” abdomen. Emsculpt has been proven to be able to do this based on peer-reviewed research. We then use Smart / Laser Liposuction or VASER (ultrasound) to reduce dense, fibrous fat, and stimulate collagen formation; Radiofrequency-based skin tightening to maximize skin contraction; and Ultrasound, RF, or subcision (Z Wave, Venus, Cellfina) to treat cellulite, maximize fat reduction, and smooth out any irregularities postop. These procedures are usually performed in the office, with only local anesthesia. Patients go home the same day as surgery, do not need any narcotics postop for pain control, and can return to light exercise and work two days after their procedure. In my practice, we select the appropriate treatment for each patient based on their skin quality, amount of fat and surgical goals. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. Preoperative visualization with Crisalix can simulate what your body will look like after surgery and can help you make your decision. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor
  
Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Will Tanning before a tummy tuck cause problems?

Answers (8)

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