UV Rays and Silicone Breast Implants?

Question

I was give specific instructions by my surgeons office not to tan for a year after cohesive silicone breast implants, as it can change the consistency of the gel. If this is true, then what will be the case if there is a massive solar flare like the one of 1859?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question!  It is not an issue with the integrity of the implant, but your result with scarring. 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 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 7 weeks. Certainly discuss the postoperative instructions with your surgeon, as thoughts differ among surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although tanning may “hurt/harm” your skin ( and be the cause of skin cancer) it will not affect  breast implants. The ultraviolet rays may also negatively affect incision line healing. Best wishes.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

UV exposure after breast implant surgery is a problem with regard to possible scar pigmentation changes.  Kenneth Hughes, MD breast implants Los Angeles, CA

Michael Horn, MD · Answer

The main reason to avoid sun exposure after breast implant surgery is that it will darken your incision. I have never seen any scientific evidence that sun exposure can effect the implant itself. My thought is that any cosmic event would have to seriously injure you to effect the implants.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

I do not think that there is any scientific evidence to suggest that tanning or sun exposure can affect your implants. I would not suggest exposing your incision site to tanning as it can negatively affect your scar, but the implants should not be affected.

UV Rays and Silicone Breast Implants?

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Answer: Sun and Breast Implants

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Answer: Tanning after breast augmentation

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UV Rays and Silicone Breast Implants?

Answers (7)

Answer: Sun and Breast Implants

Answer: Sun and Breast Implants

Answer: Tanning after breast augmentation

Answer: Tanning after breast augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.