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How long after breast augmentation can you go tanning?

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?

Doctor Answers 17

Sun & Scars

February 4th, 2016
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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
Sheila S. Nazarian, MD
February 4th, 2016

Sun & Scars

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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
Sheila S. Nazarian, MD

Tanning post op

February 2nd, 2016
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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.

Web reference: http://drnichter.com/breast-augmentation/

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS
February 2nd, 2016

Tanning post op

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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.

Learn more: http://drnichter.com/breast-augmentation/

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS

Tanning after breast augmentation

January 31st, 2016
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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."

Web reference: http://drtedeisenberg.com

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS
January 31st, 2016

Tanning after breast augmentation

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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."

Learn more: http://drtedeisenberg.com

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS

Tanning post aug

January 31st, 2016
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Since you are 3months you are good to go.The incision,if it is still red,may require a little protection.

Web reference: http://beauty-by-brueck.com/breast-augmentation-fort-myers

Robert Brueck, MD
January 31st, 2016

Tanning post aug

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

Learn more: http://beauty-by-brueck.com/breast-augmentation-fort-myers

Robert Brueck, MD

Tanning

January 31st, 2016
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 Almost all doctors would ask you to refrain from tanning. We all know this increases the risk of wrinkling and of course skin cancers. In direct answer to your surgery, ultraviolet light can turn a red scar brown in the long term and that should be afforded for sure. I think the cancer risk is the real reason to avoid any and all excess  ultraviolet light. 
Virgil Willard, MD

Virgil Willard, MD
High Point Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 2 reviews

January 31st, 2016

Tanning

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 Almost all doctors would ask you to refrain from tanning. We all know this increases the risk of wrinkling and of course skin cancers. In direct answer to your surgery, ultraviolet light can turn a red scar brown in the long term and that should be afforded for sure. I think the cancer risk is the real reason to avoid any and all excess  ultraviolet light. 

Virgil Willard, MD
High Point Plastic Surgeon

Scar pigmentation and tanning

January 31st, 2016
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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.
Richard G. Reish, MD
January 31st, 2016

Scar pigmentation and tanning

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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.
Richard G. Reish, MD

How long after breast augmentation can you go tanning?

January 31st, 2016
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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.

Web reference: http://nelsoncntr.com/2015/09/08/what-are-the-best-ways-to-protect-myself-from-the-sun-and-what-about-vitamin-d/

Nelson Castillo, MD
January 31st, 2016

How long after breast augmentation can you go tanning?

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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.

Learn more: http://nelsoncntr.com/2015/09/08/what-are-the-best-ways-to-protect-myself-from-the-sun-and-what-about-vitamin-d/

Nelson Castillo, MD

How long after breast augmentation can you go tanning?

January 31st, 2016
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In my private practice you are good to go BUT you need to ask your chosen operative surgeon to be sure! 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD
January 31st, 2016

How long after breast augmentation can you go tanning?

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In my private practice you are good to go BUT you need to ask your chosen operative surgeon to be sure! 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Breast Augmentation

January 31st, 2016
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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.
Brian K. Reedy, MD
January 31st, 2016

Breast Augmentation

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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.
Brian K. Reedy, MD

Tanning after breast augmentation

January 31st, 2016
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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!

Web reference: http://bradleyhubbardmd.com

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD
January 31st, 2016

Tanning after breast augmentation

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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!

Learn more: http://bradleyhubbardmd.com

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD

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.