Sun exposure 2-3 weeks after rhinoplasty and septoplasty, could I have caused damage already?

Question

I came back to work one week after my surgery and my parking garage is across the street. I haven't been wearing sun block because it's a short walk. I know now to wear sunblock everyday and stay in the shade when outside or wear a hat.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Sun exposure is usually not a significant concern after rhinoplasty.  If an incision was made on the external skin, then this area should be protected from the sun whenever possible to avoid hyperpigmentation of the scar, but even a rhinoplasty incision across the columella will receive minimal exposure while walking short distances. Sun exposure to the skin will not affect the structure of the nose or any internal healing.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear R. Perez1123,
  
 
  
It is usually recommended to avoid sun exposure to a healing wound for the first three months.  In light of your history, it does not sound like that was a significant amount of exposure.  More importantly, a severe sunburn on tissue that has been raised up and sewn down again (a flap) could actually be seriously damaged, so use precautions.

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

The incision would be the most sensitive area to sun exposure and it likely hasn't been affected. Sun exposure wouldn't affect the deep structures so I wouldn't worry too much.

Bradford A. Bader, MD · Answer

Sun exposure is not recommended for healing surgical incisions. A rhinoplasty incision is not in a sun exposed area and so I doubt it has received much sun during your short walks. Sun exposure will not cause any structural damage to the nose after rhinoplasty.

Sun exposure 2-3 weeks after rhinoplasty and septoplasty, could I have caused damage already?

Answers (4)