Can I go tanning after a tummy tuck?

Hello! Thank you for your question! After any surgical procedure, you should be careful with incisions as well as avoidance of direct UVA and UVB rays in order to lessen the chance for hyperpigmentation of the skin and scars, which can take several months to resolve, if it ever does. Sunblock of 35 or above is recommended regardless. The ability of the affected area to heal has been slowed and you should try to avoid additional swelling to the area. The area will likely be numb for several weeks to months and will be difficult to feel when sunburn is coming on.  Typical recommendations include wearing a hat and/or sunblock to the affected area for at least 6-12 weeks following the procedure. It takes up to one year for scars to fully mature. You should also avoid trauma to the area for several months to protect the refinements made during the procedure. Also, avoidance of pools/lakes/jacuzzis/etc for 4-6 weeks is usually recommended to allow adequate healing and protection from stagnant water, that could potentially harbor bacteria. Lifting/exercise restrictions are common for at least 6 weeks. Certainly discuss the postoperative instructions with your surgeon, as thoughts differ among surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

To answer your question very directly: as long as you cover the incision to protect it from sunlight, tanning will not affect your scars. But – and this is a big but – be very careful tanning your abdomen. You probably have some remaining numbness and may not be able to judge if you are burning the skin.  Perhaps consider a spray tan instead. Be well!

After 3 weeks I let my patients tan as long as they COVER THE INCISIONS!!  If you burn immature scars they turn red or brown and stay that way forever.  Cover them until they are faded and mature, usually 6-18 months.  Good Luck!