Tanning and Breast Reduction Scar Protection?

Question

I had a breast reduction in February and will be going on vacation to mexico in a few weeks. What can I do to protect my scars? is there UV blocking surgical tape for the incisions? My surgeon is currently away so I cannot ask her.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Keep the sun away from scars is your best bet. Scars behave differently in different people and can become too dark permanently (hyperpigmentation or dyschromia) if exposed to the sun. Better to spray tan if you want to hide it. Definitely use a strong SPF (>30) sunscreen on it even though it is hidden by your bathing suit as some sun goes through the fabric.#tanningpostop#scarmanagement

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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!

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Tanning a scar while it is healing will  cause permanent darkening.  It is not recommended.  The best way to avoid the problem is to avoid the sun.  Sunscreen alone will not be sufficient if you are out in the sun in a swim suit. Sun avoidance is the only solution.  If you proceed, you need to take responsibility for the choices that you have made.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

This is a good question, and not a lot of people think about it. You will need to use sun block (Zinc or Titanium oxide) on your scars and preferably on other exposed body parts. Swimwear will protect you as well. Remember to reapply the cream every 4 hours if you are in the sun and more often if you go swimming. Have a wonderful vacation!

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

You do not want to tan your new scars. Use a sun screen to protect the scars and understand that a T shirt has about an SPF of 6. If the scars get to much UV radiation they will stay dark permanently.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

Enjoy your trip... you have good advice from the other doctors.  If your swimsuit is truly sun blocking, even better.  I advise my patients to avoid sun exposure for as long as the scars are red.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

In addition to Dr Park's and Dr Marosan's recommendations, consider using silicone gel strips that are opaque (not the clear ones). NewGel (and other companies) make some that are specific for breast reduction. Remember that the sun can penetrate through clothes.

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

Be super careful to keep your fresh scars out of the sun.  I wouldn't trust this to a sun block unless it is the thick, gooey zinc oxide stuff that you have to scrub off.  Opaque tape, swimwear or clothing would give the best protection.

	And consider this: Don't get a tan.  It's possible to do.  Stay inside during mid-day, seek out shade, wear a stylish rash guard when swimming and a stylish coverup when not.  Get a great hat and some great shades.  Oh, and sunscreen first thing in the morning after you shower.  Your skin will thank you in twenty years. 

	Haven't you heard?  Tanning is the new smoking.

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I'm glad that you are concerned about exposing your early postop scars to the effects of UV light. Exposure to the sun can cause excessive redness within your scars that take longer than normal to resolve. I recommend that you find the highest SPF sunscreen to apply along your scar line. You could even apply zinc oxide, which will block out nearly all UV light. And, of course wear a swim suit to cover your breasts and scars.

	Have fun on your vacation!

Tanning and Breast Reduction Scar Protection?

Answers (9)

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