When can I start applying sunscreen on my nose after rhinoplasty and alarplasty?

Question

Is it safe to apply tinted sunscreen directly on the incision site after the stitches are removed? If it is safe to do so, how long do I have to wait till I can start applying it?

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

It is best to wait until your incisions have completely healed before applying sunscreen.  This can take a couple of weeks in most cases.  I recommend you contact your surgeon for further guidance as each surgeon has specific post op recommendations.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Once the stitches are removed, it's safe to apply products. You can start applying sunscreen to your nose following your Rhinoplasty after two weeks.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well. based in your question its recommended if you ask for your plastic surgeon before.

Justin C. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically, antibiotic ointment or Aquaphor is applied to the incisions for the first 7-10 days. After that it should be fine to apply sunblock.  Direct sun on the nose should be avoided for the first year after surgery to minimize swelling and scar tissue deposition. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear namelessren,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative 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

William Portuese, MD · Answer

You can apply sunscreen to the bridge of your nose once the cast has been removed. Probably best to wait a week to apply sunscreen over any areas with stitches.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Following closed rhinoplasty, we recommend the use of sunscreen as soon as the nasal splint is removed. Following open rhinoplasty, sunscreen is recommended beginning 48 hours after suture removal. Use at least SPF 30 applied liberally and frequently if sun exposure is anticipated. Avoid prolonged periods of sun exposure until healed.
Best wishes...P.S. I live and work in Florida, where the effects of excess sun exposure are paramount!

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Namelessren, It is best to apply sunscreen once your surgeon advises this after the splint removal. I generally have patients apply sunscreen right away so their is no visible incision after surgery. See example in the video below. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Shepherd G. Pryor, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I would state that after 14 days you can comfortably apply sunblock or sunscreen to your nose.  Typically a cast dressing will remain for 7-10 days and a few extra days will be needed to let your skin settle from the adhesive.  Afterwards wearing sunscreen should be no problem.  Here in Scottsdale, Arizona I recommend that patients use this also to the transcolumellar incision (between your nostrils) at the same time frame even if they are only doing something simple like sitting pool side as the sun will reflect off the water.  As long as you are judicious with wound care and postoperative recommendations you should do excellent otherwise!!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It is best to avoid sun exposure on the nose for several weeks.  If you are out in the sun, apply sunscreen when the incisions are completely healed.

When can I start applying sunscreen on my nose after rhinoplasty and alarplasty?

Answers (10)

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