Is it safe to lay in the sun a couple days after my Breast Augmentation?

Keep the sun away from scars is your best bet. Scars behave differently in different people and can become too dark permanently (hyperpigmentation or dyschromia) if exposed to the sun. Better to spray tan if you want to hide it. Definitely use a strong SPF (>30) sunscreen on it even though it is hidden by your bathing suit as some sun goes through the fabric.#tanningpostop#scarmanagement

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 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 7 weeks. Certainly discuss the postoperative instructions with your surgeon, as thoughts differ among surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

I would recommend against it. Two days post-op is just too soon. Your breasts are going to be swollen and the energy from the sun, in and of it self, will significantly increase this swelling.I have been in practice in the Miami area for the past 29 years performing quite a number of breast augmentations. My rule of thumb is 4 weeks. I advise you to give yourself the highest chances of success. Cosmetic breast surgery is not without its complications and risks. To the patient it represents a physical, emotional and financial sacrafice...........why not wait. You will enjoy years at enjoying the sun. Good luck

Hi.  In addition to the concerns about a sunburn on top of the normal postop swelling being a bad combo for the healing skin, sun exposure can make fresh scars hyper-pigmented....and that is hard to fix.  You want scars that are as invisible as possible, not an obvious brown line.  We recommend that our patients avoid sun tanning or UV tanning booths for these reasons, especially in the early post-op period.  I'd rather you go get a spray tan treatment, which is OK.All the best,

If you keep your breasts totally covered, particularly in the area of your incisions, you should be okay. Make sure you don't go into the pool, though, as that could compromise your recovery.

I really see no problem with you laying out by your pool as long as you're appropriately clothed covering your incisions and your breasts. The last thing you want to do is to "sun tan". Good luck

Hello and thanks for your post. I don't usually recommend sun-tanning so soon after breast surgery. You can certainly spend time outside and enjoy the weather, but prolonged sun exposure is probably not a good idea. In Arizona, where I'm at, one could easily sunburn badly if they fall asleep outside because some post op meds make you drowsy. Best wishes on your breast augmentation. Dr. Aldo.

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon I generally discouraged people from unnecessary sun exposure.  Furthermore, within the first several weeks after surgery, I recommend patients do what they can to avoid sun exposure as it could have negative effects on the scar, and even the area where there is postoperative swelling might react differently.  You should do fine allowing your friend to go out for walks, but I discouraged you from the sun exposure that you ask about in question.

While I wouldn't recommend laying out and tanning just 2 days after your breast augmentation, sitting in the sun in your backyard covered up should be ok.  You may feel better being outside but tanning so soon after your surgery can cause your skin to burn easier and the swelling to increase from the heat.  Also keep in mind that sun exposure to your incisions can make them darker which is something no one wants.  It would be best for you to ask your surgeon prior to doing anything post-operatively.  ac

Practicing in Florida, this is a common question. I recommend patients do not lie out, even if covered for several weeks. This is partially because of easier burning with their swollen skin, but also because of uncomfortable swelling in the heat. If you are in a part of the country that is not hot then I see no problems lying out while covered. Having said that, is is more common than not, that my patients return for their 3 week post-op visit with "new" tan lines and noone has suffered any consequence. Just be aware and cautious.