Will infrared saunas help with scarring? Is it safe after Tummy Tuck?

Question

I recently started a cleanse, and one of the reccomendations is to go to a sauna a few times a week. I don't like steam saunas, and I prefer infrared saunas instead. My question is what type of effect will it have on scarring? I know it claims to help with skin elasticity and acne scarring (surprisingly my face has cleared, although i attribute that to the cleanse-not the sauna) I will be getting Lipo/BBL and TT in a few months, is it safe to go into the sauna after? Will it help the TT scar?

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

I do not see how infrared heat will help scaring and there is a risk of any heat to a healing area since you have decreased sensation and could get burned without realizing it. I have seen it happen with heating pads. Pressure and scar creams seem to help scars the most. Good luck.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Definitely heat is not recommendable after any type of Plastic surgery, because it will cause more swelling and may even cause burns.Be vary careful and ask your doctor before doing any type of treatment specially after your surgery,  it may impact negatively.Dr, Cardenas

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

Notwithstanding the fact that I am philosophically against this cleanse idea…I would NOT recommend getting into a sauna, steam room, or jacuzzi for quite some time after having a major operation like a tummy tuck.  There are dramatic electrolyte changes that can be dangerous, blood pressure can drop significantly causing a patient to lose consciousness, and then there is the obvious threat of infection.Please, do yourself a favor and use silicone gel for the scar - or any other method, but don't get into a sauna.  You could hurt yourself.  Really.Good Luck!

Jan Garcia Jr., MD · Answer

I'm not sure infrared therapy will help with the scarring. If anything it might produce hyperpigmentation of the scar. There are other modalities for improving scars that have been proven to work. Silicone strips with overlying pressure seems to work in most cases.

Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS · Answer

As already stated, heat is not recommended after major surgery.  There are excellent scar care products you can use.  In addition, taking Vitamins and minerals derived from natural sources will also give your body the proper building blocks to make good scars.  Avoid pharmacies when it comes to buying supplements because they tend to be synthetic products.  Also, in case you or someone you know has breast implants, you should never go into an infrared sauna.  It can cause chemical changes and damage to the implants.

Will infrared saunas help with scarring? Is it safe after Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)