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Sun exposure after Rhinoplasty. Does sun exposure cause scar tissue?

Is being outside with sunscreen advisable 1 week after rhino? I was running errands and was under the sun for about 30-45 minutes. I did use sunscreen and I am not sunburnt. Does sun exposure cause scar tissue?

Doctor Answers 4

Sun exposure post rhinoplasty

October 5th, 2016
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Dear Sam,

Short exposure to sun will not cause sever scaring or damage to your rhinoplasty results. Follow your surgeons post operative instructions. long exposure to sun may cause increase in swelling of nose. 

Web reference: http://orangecountyfacialplasticsurgeon.com/procedures/nose/recovery/

Kevin Sadati, DO


Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 208 reviews

1 week post op, some advices:

September 25th, 2016
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Thank you very much for enquire.

It's too early to make value judgments with only  1 week after a rhinoplasty.
Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.
In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.
To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.
Kind regards, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-  

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD
Dominican Republic Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 273 reviews

Post Operative Rhinoplasty Sun Exposure

September 23rd, 2016
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Dear Sam 12321, You should always use sunscreen applied carefully before going in the sun after rhinoplasty surgery. While sun exposure does not cause scar tissue heat from sun exposure can cause swelling and delayed healing. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Web reference: http://michaelelammd.com/rhinoplasty-gallery

Michael Elam, MD

Michael Elam, MD
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 210 reviews

Post operative sun exposure

September 23rd, 2016
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Sun exposure does not cause scar tissue however if you have an external incision on your columella, it can cause that scar to become more pink/purple in color.  In general, it is always a good idea to use sunscreen.  Apply it carefully to your nose especially post-op.


All the best!

Babar Sultan, MD

Babar Sultan, MD
Towson Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 7 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.