Can I go to a tanning salon before my vacation if I just got two moles removed?

Question

I just got two moles removed on my back and they are still being tested at the lab. I am getting ready to go to Virginia and I wanted to go to a tanning salon before I go. I couldn't figure out who to ask about this...

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would not recommend tanning any skin that has had recent surgery as it can cause hyperpigmentation or darkening in the healing scar.  Additionally, I would not recommend tanning beds at all as they lead to premature aging of the skin and increase the risk for skin cancer.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would say it is never a good idea for your skin to go to a tanning salon.  If you are going to go to a tanning salon, I would not recommend tanning over the areas where the moles were removed.  You could put a small spot bandaid over the areas to protect them from the tanning rays.

Can I go to a tanning salon before my vacation if I just got two moles removed?

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