When Can I Apply Self Tanning Lotion After my Implants?

Question

The last thing I want to do is mess anything up or harm my implants. I'm curious when can I start applying self tanner on my chest??? I'm exactly at 14 days since my surgery! (425l 475r silicone unders)

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

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Once the incision is completely healed a tanning lotion would be okay, although when the incisions are still fresh, pigment can collect and permanently darken them. You may want to wait about a year until the incisions are mature before you apply tanner. However, please ask your surgeon for their advice.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I would say three weeks to prevent unknown consequences that would happen with the lotion getting into a healing wound

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

I also agree that avoiding the incision is the way to go. Id probably wait at least 8 weeks before placing on the incision but your PS may feel differently. A quick call to their office should answer your question.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

If you avoid the incisions, you are safe to apply the self tanning lotion now. And the incisions are probably already healed fairly well at this point too. But, everyone heals slightly different, so it is probably best to get the OK from your surgeon before getting it on the incisions.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

There is no definite time period when you can start to apply. The best time would be once the incisions are healed. I am conservative and would advise you to wait longer than that. It will be ultimately up to your surgeon's judgement. 

	Dr. ES

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You need to make sure that your incisions are completely healed before applying a tanning lotion. Get clearance from your surgeon first. Good Luck

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

I would wait one full month prior to applying a self tanner scar near your scars.  But do have the scars checked out by your plastic surgeon first.  Best of luck.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

I would not recommend placing self tanner around the incisions.   If you can avoid the area of your fresh scar completely, then I would say there is no problem doing it now.    I wish you a safe recovery.

	 

	Dr. Gill

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Your incisions must be completely closed and healed before using such a product. Best advice is to call your surgeon, who has followed your recovery.

When Can I Apply Self Tanning Lotion After my Implants?

Answers (10)