Can I wear a light sunscreen the day-of surgery?

Question

I had my pre-op yesterday for my breast reduction and was told I can’t wear make-up or lotion. The hospital facility is roughly an hour drive there, and since I have fair and superrr dry skin, I’m not excited about not being able to wear a light sunscreen that will help my skin stay moisturized and protected for the nearly 7 hours I’ll be there. Will it be okay to wear the sunscreen or is it really THAT risky to do so?

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.
Do not put on any creams, lotions, or sunscreen unless your surgeon has approved it. Reach out to him/her with your concerns. Best wishes!

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

It may seem unrelated but sunscreen on your face can interfere with a number of things. The specifics will have to be discussed with your plastic surgeon or his staff. By the way, best of luck with your reduction surgery.Leland Deane MD FACS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ky891,every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. 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

Juan Quintero, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question
You can wear a sunscreen while driving down to your procedure and then just bring a makeup remover wipe and wipe it off before surgery. The only reason they don't like you wearing makeup is because of the monitors they use in surgery. Best of luck!

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

As your surgeon has already told you, do not put any creams, lotions or potions on the skin in the surgical area. When having surgery your surgeon will instruct you carefully in preop and postop care, you would do well to follow those instructions carefully. They are there to help you.

Can I wear a light sunscreen the day-of surgery?

Answers (5)