How long after breast augmentation can you go tanning?

Question

I got breast augmentation 3 months ago. Can I go tanning or would that make my scar more visible? Can I put sunscreen and just put something to cover my boobs?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Yes, you can tan, but make sure that any scars are covered and that you wear plenty of sunscreen. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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. Or as you mentioned it may stay white while your skin tans around it. 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.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Follow the advice of your surgeon, but I advise my patients that they can go tanning as early as three weeks after surgery. I tell them to be sure to protect their incisions with sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Ultraviolet light, whether from the tanning bed or the sun at the beach, can make a scar redder for a longer period of time. For more information on this and similar topics, I
recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A
Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I recommend that you avoid sunlight and/or tanning on the incisions for 1 year in order to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.  Scars take one year to fully mature.  With good surgical technique and appropriate postoperative care (avoiding tanning), you may have a scar that is almost impossible to see.Best wishes and good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Though no surgeon will advocate tanning for its aging and skin cancer risks, it is important to protect your skin and incisions from any UV exposure to optimize cosmesis.  Wearing appropriate clothing and sunblock is important but see the attached link for further information.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can use a tanning bed as long as you keep your scars covered.Scars take up to a year to heal and lighten . You risk the scars becoming darker if left unprotected. Best of luck.

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Covering your incisions will protect them from the harmful effects the tanning bed. However, that won't protect the rest of your skin from the harmful effects of UV light. There is unarguable evidence that tanning beds are associated with premature aging and increased rates of skin cancer (melanoma). You should consider spray tans. Best of luck!

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

You would be advised to avoid tanning fresh healing scars for 6-12 months.  Tanning will not affect wound healing, but can cause hyper pigmentation of the scar itself that could be permanent and detract from the long term appearance.  Cover the scar with an opaque dressing or blockade during this time.

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

Scar control is a specific topic discussed at the time of the first consult and my patients are asked not to tan for 4-6 weeks and cover the incisions when tanning for 3-6 months. I suggest a scar cream to my patients that is a topical silicone gel as well for best healing.

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

Since you are 3months you are good to go.The incision,if it is still red,may require a little protection.

How long after breast augmentation can you go tanning?

Answers (17)

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