UV Rays and Silicone Breast Implants?

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!

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.

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