Sun exposure after arm lift - when will I be able to wear high SPF and no sleeves?

Question

After losing over 100lbs and ending up with a lot of loose skin on my upper arms, I've finally scheduled my arm lift for the first week of Feb. I spent this summer miserable because I couldn't wear anything sleeveless (it's SO hot here!). I'm hoping that next summer I can wear tank tops again. Will the scar be healed enough by say June or July to get away with a high SPF and no sleeves?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding sun exposure after an arm lift/reduction or brachioplasty. In my opinion, I would suggest you wear a high SPF factor of 50 or more after an arm lift for at least two years. We know from the medical literature that it takes up to two years for a scar to fully mature/heal and optimize the melanin within the scar. Melanin is the skin pigment that protects you from the sun. Therefore, I would suggest you wear SPF for at least two years after your brachioplasty/arm lift. In regards to how soon, really depends on your healing. If all is well and there are no areas of breakdown, you can apply SPF approximately 6 weeks after the procedure. If there are areas of compromised healing, scabs, or wound breakdown you may need to delay the application of high SPF. I hope this is withing your time frame. Thank you for your question regarding when to wear high SPF and no sleeves.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

After any type of surgery or invasive procedure it is extremely important to avoid the sun exposure for about 6-9 months to prevent permanent dark spots or dark scars. The key is the scar must be mature to be out of the risk. Scars are mature once have acquired your natural skin color. If the scars are still red or pink they are not mature and still at the risk of getting dark. 
Be encouraged. Time flies. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jcn23,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

it is best to avoid sun exposure on scars up to 6 months, or the scars may darken. If your surgery is in February, then you should be able to expose your scars by August.  I live in San Antonio, so I understand heat.

Ashley Thorburn, MD · Answer

After an arm lift, it’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s recommendations. Typically, you should avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area until it’s fully healed, which can take several weeks. Once your surgeon gives the green light, you can use high SPF sunscreen and gradually expose the area to sunlight. Always prioritize your surgeon’s advice for a safe and effective recovery.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

At six weeks, the scars have healed enough to be able to put ‘weight’ on them. However, I always instruct my patients to resume activity slowly after the size weeks and listen to their bodies. Early sun exposure to surgical scars causes darkening of the scars, which can be had to correct. It is, therefore, best to avoid it by wearing long sleeves or SPF 30+ sunscreen for the first six weeks and continue to do so until the scar color has faded away and matches your natural skin color.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I recommend protecting scars from the sun for a year after surgery, to avoid the fresh scars becoming pigmented.
February is a great time for this type of surgery.  By summer,  you will have options to cover your scars. A high SPF will work well to protect the scars on the days you are out and about.  If you are going to be spending a full day in the sun, I recommend you cover up for at least part of the day and reapply sunscreen often.  A beach holiday would require a sun shirt if you are in and out of the water.

All the best to you, 
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! It is important to protect incisions from the sun for a full 12 months after surgery.  You should be able to begin wearing sunscreen once your incisions are through the initial phase of recovery.  Your surgeon will give you the go ahead based on how you are healing from surgery.

Sun exposure after arm lift - when will I be able to wear high SPF and no sleeves?

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