Sunbathing 7 days post reduction

It
is a bad idea to expose fresh incisions to sun tanning or tanning beds during the
first year after a surgical procedure. After
an incision is made in the skin, a scar will form within the first six
weeks. Over the following year, scar
maturation occurs as the initial collagen is reabsorbed by the body, and new
collagen is laid down. During this
period of time, extensive exposure to sunlight or tanning beds will cause the
body’s melanocytes to increase the production of melanin pigment. The added melanin can darken the scar and
become caught up in the collagen itself; potentially causing permanent
hyperpigmentation. To ensure that scars
will heal their best, it is important that you make every effort to keep the incision
covered for the first year after surgery.

It is not acceptable to sunbathe 7 days after a breast reduction.  The skin will be very sensitive and the scars will get darker than the surrounding skin which will lily be permanent.  The sun is not healing and will not dry out the drain exit sites.

Thanks for your question. At one week you definitely need to avoid sun exposure. Your scar will stay bright red for a long time and you will be frustrated. The scar is vulnerable for the first year. I ask patients to wait at least a month before spray tanning that might involve their scars. Tanning booths are a recipe for skin cancer. Using topical bronzer lotion is probably best bet, but avoid your incisions. Best of Luck!

You should avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds on your incisions for a year to avoid hyper-pigmentation (permanent darkening on the scars) and thickening. Check with your surgeon. Good luck. 

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. No, it is not advisable to allow direct sunlight  exposure to the incision lines. Prolonged erythema and/or pigment changes may result. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.