How to cover incisions tanning?

Question

I have incisions under my areolas from breast implants in Feb 2016. I also have an incision over my belly button from a piercing scar I had removed. What is the best way to cover these in a tanning bed? Are bandaids sufficient? And is it okay to leave my incisions exposed in normal sun for a few hours here and there as long as I use sunscreen? Thanks!

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Scars take up to 18 months to go through their maturation phase.  Sun exposure during this time may result in red or even hypertophic scars.  Direct sun exposure should be avoided.  Cover you scars with a dressing to avoid damaging the scars or avoid direct sun exposure all together.

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

I agree with the other surgeons that it is best to avoid sun exposure on the scars during the first months following your operation.  This will help the scars heal as well as possible.I would recommend protecting the scars with bandaid or clothing if they are likely to be exposed to the sun directly.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Sun exposure or tanning over fresh surgical scars can cause redness and a hypertrophic scar.  It takes at least 7 months for scars to cease to be pink and less susceptible to sun injury.  I recommend that my patients avoid direct sun exposure and cover the scars with Band-Aids or tape to completely block  the sun.

How to cover incisions tanning?

Answers (3)