Can I Wear a Bikini This Summer? I'm Concerned About Sun Exposure to the Scars.

Question

I will be 6 months post op this summer. While researching scar gels, I read online that scars exposed to the sun during the first year may darken. I want to make good decisions and help my scars fade as much as possible. My tummy tuck incision is low enough that a bikini will cover it. But my belly button scar would obviously be totally exposed to the sun in a bikini. Would covering my scars in SPF 50 be good enough or should I wear a one piece bathing suit this summer for more protection?

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your scar will continue to improve for up to 12 months after surgery. Scars will stay red for an average of 6-8 months but this varies by patient and can persist with sun exposure. It is very important to protect your scars with sunscreen and either a one piece bathing suit or high waisted bikini. Good luck.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! After any surgical procedure, you should be careful with incisions as well as avoidance of direct UVA and UVB rays in order to lessen the chance for hyperpigmentation of the skin and scars, which can take several months to resolve, if it ever does. Sunblock of 35 or above is recommended regardless. The ability of the affected area to heal has been slowed and you should try to avoid additional swelling to the area. The area will likely be numb for several weeks to months and will be difficult to feel when sunburn is coming on. Typical recommendations include wearing a hat and/or sunblock to the affected area for at least 6-12 weeks following the procedure. It takes up to one year for scars to fully mature. You should also avoid trauma to the area for several months to protect the refinements made during the procedure. Also, avoidance of pools/lakes/jacuzzis/etc for 4-6 weeks is usually recommended to allow adequate healing and protection from stagnant water, that could potentially harbor bacteria. Lifting/exercise restrictions are common for at least 6 weeks. Certainly discuss the postoperative instructions with your surgeon, as thoughts differ among surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

Protecting your scars from UV radiation is important. But, I think that wearing your bikini will be fine this summer. Your questions alone indicate that you are being thoughtful about this. Judicious application of sunscreen will be appropriate using the 30-50 SPF. The umbilical scar should not be all that exposed anyway if you are healing well.

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

Although sun screen might be adequate, I would stick with a one piece this summer, just to be safe. There are some one piece suits that are pretty impressive.

	Enjoy your summer.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

When it comes to scar therapy, we are very involved with our tummy tuck patients to ensure optimal healing and to get the best possible scar. Therefore, when it comes to protecting the scars from the sun we recommend constant coverage with either a bathing suit or sunblock. The scars are usually sensitive to ultraviolet light for 8-12 months after a tummy tuck, so I would recommend a one piece and wait for the bikini until next year. If you happen to be in a situation where the scars will be exposed, I would recommend sun block (SPF 30 is more than adequate) and make sure you reapply after swimming. Furthermore, massaging the scars with a moisturizing lotion daily is also great for scars.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

I recommend that you do everything you can to minimize sun exposure to your scars for 1 year. Wearing sunscreen with SPF 50 is a great start but the very best would be to physically cover the incisions with a bathing suit. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The SPF 50 or concealing attire would be appropriate as long as you are completely healed.  Scars will tend to pigment for the first year or so after surgery.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

You shield always stay protected in the sun, ideally with a chemical free sublock. There should be no visible scar around your belly button, so that shield bit be a concern. I've attached a photo gallery that include 129 abdominal images with no belly button scars so you have not a thing to worry about,

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Wearing a good 30-50 SPF block should give adequate protection, but remember to keep applying it when exposed--probably hourly. 

	We were all taught, and we all teach sun avoidance during the first year of would healing, but I am not sure that I have ever seen this happen (hyperpigmentation from sun) in years of practice, and I am quite sure that not all patients follow our instructions!

	Thanks, and best wishes.

Fadi Chahin, MD, FACS · Answer

It is generally regarded that the scar can take anywhere from 12-18 months to completly mature. This being said, it is important throughout that time to protect it from prolonged sun exposure. Should you be exposed for long periods of time with no protection, you run the risk of hyperpigmentation. It is important that while in the sun you exercise extreme caution and use SPF 50 sunscreen applied liberally to the entire scar (including what is covered by your bathing suit) in multiple sessions (sometimes hourly). You would not want to come this far only to have to have a scar revision some day.

	 

	I hope this helps you and good luck

	 

	Fadi Chahin MD, FACS

	Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

	Diplomat, American Board of Surgery

	Diplomat, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Can I Wear a Bikini This Summer? I'm Concerned About Sun Exposure to the Scars.

Answers (14)