Does SPF number matter and would I need to increase to 75-100 after rhinoplasty?

Question

I have heard about discoloration possibilities and nose being more susceptible to sunburns post rhinoplasty. My question is does SPF number matter? I have heard that spa 30 isn't much different than spa 75. I use SPF 40 daily but if I had a rhinoplasty would I need to increase my daily SPF to 75-100? Does it make much difference?

George Bitar, MD · Answer

There is not a significant gain in blocking power (SPF) once you get above 40.  The more important factor is the type of sunscreen.  I generally recommend a physical sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  The sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours while outdoors and more frequently if you are sweating or swimming.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

The SPF of sunscreen: The protection provided by sunscreen increases as the SPF number goes up. However it does not seem to be a linear relationship. By this I mean that SPF 100 is stronger than SPF 50, but probably not really buy double. I do recommend SPF 75 to 100 for patients in the early postop period to avoid sunburn and hyper pigmentation.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The higher the SPF number, and the longer the sun screen will work for you. You could also try sunblock. More importantly is to choose your surgeon wisely based on extensive experience, since rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult procedures to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery

Does SPF number matter and would I need to increase to 75-100 after rhinoplasty?

Answers (3)

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