I was told after TT, I won't be able to wear my bikini because you can't expose belly button to the sun for a year. Is it true?

Question

If I have tummy tuck in April, can I wear my bikini in June ?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Scars generally take a year or so to mature. During this period, they can be permanently darkened by sun exposure. If you don’t want this to happen, please follow your surgeon’s advice and keep your scars protected from the sun. That includes the scar around your belly button, horizontally across the lower part of your stomach and anywhere else.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Although there is no direct contraindication, it would be best to avoid direct sun exposure for a year to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.  Hope this helps.

Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS · Answer

You can absolutely wear a bikini but keeping sun off of your scars is prudent. To be cautious, wear a covering (such as a Band-Aid) or copious zinc oxide :)

Craig S. Rock, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes and no.  Any tummy tuck that requires repositioning of the belly button will create a scar around the belly button.    Scars that are exposed to the sun may darken permanently, so it is generally recommended to protect any scar from sun exposure (ultraviolet radiation) for at least one year.  Your options would be to keep reapplying a high SPF sunscreen to your bellybutton (keeping in mind that sunscreens don't stay effective very long, even the waterproof versions), apply a band-aid over your belly button, or wear a swimsuit style that covers your belly button (the safest option).  Best wishes.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Cover your incisions with clothing when you can. Always use sunscreen on incision areas once they heal. I advise that scars not be exposed to sunlight for the first year due to risk for hyperpigmentation. Silicone sheets, Mederma, and Biocorneum are reasonable and popular options. I recommend that the scar therapy begin after the scars have healed and there are no open areas, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Compression garments are typically worn for six weeks.
Your board certified plastic surgeon may have a different opinion and will have the benefit of knowing know how you are healing so ask him/her.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

With a full tummy tuck there is a scar around the belly button and sun exposure should be avoided. Just use sunscreen and don’t get too much sun.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This all depends on your plastic surgeon's ability to create a belly button with no visible scars. On this platform you can see a whole spectrum of standard tummy tucks to sculpted tummy tucks, but a scarred belly button will detract from the end result. Even a mature scar cannot hide an unnatural belly button (often referred as the "Target" sign). I prefer to hide my scars inside or create a belly button later with no visible scars (no sun exposure). If you want to wear a bikini, make sure your surgeon uses a low pubic bone level incision (4 cm above the labia majora confluence) so you will not end up with a scar above the bikini line.
See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.
See attached web reference. I removed the patient's belly button and created on one month postop under local anesthesia with no visible scars.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns, and the recommendation regarding your belly button involves scar maturation and exposure to strong sunlight. 
It takes one full year for surgical scars to mature and during that time if they become exposed to strong, summer sun and become tan, the tanned scar can be permanent and more noticeable. However you still should be able to wear a bikini, you need to protect the scars with sunblock or tape. This will leave a bit of an uneven tan on your belly, but in the long run it will be worth it. Discuss this issue with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Eclectic425962,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. Your scar should be protected from direct sun exposure. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ali Gurlek, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.

A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck can also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the bellybutton. However, a tummy tuck won't correct stretch marks outside of this area.
If you've previously had a C-section, your plastic surgeon might be able to incorporate your existing C-section scar into your tummy tuck scar.
A tummy tuck can also be done in combination with other body contouring cosmetic procedures, such as breast surgery. If you've had fat removed from your abdomen (liposuction), you may decide to have a tummy tuck because liposuction removes tissue just under the skin and fat but not any excess