How long after surgery can I start using silicone scar strips? How soon can I go tanning?

Question

I go for surgery in 22 days (Fluer de lis panniculectomy). How long after surgery can I begin using scar strips? Additionally- I know "tanning is bad" but How long after surgery should I wait before tanning? I find that tanning makes my imperfections (cellulite, scarring, veins etc.) less visible, as well as makes skin look tighter.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Scar treatment (silicon sheets, creams, etc) should start until all of the scabs have fallen off completely, because that means your incision is totally healed, none of little open spots. This normally happens 3-4 weeks postop.Tanning is tricky because It may create dark spots permanently on the liposuction and specially on the scars. So no sun exposure or tanning for at least 4-6 months postop. You will be looking astonishing!!!Dr. Cardenas

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for this question. I appreciate your concern and I let my patients use silicone sheets around the 4th week postoperative. However, I make sure the incisions are fully healed on all my patients, therefore, you should get a clearance from your surgeon to use silicone sheets on your incisions. Tanning is harder to say as I usually do not recommend it because of the risks of skin cancer later in life. I suggest you get your surgeon's opinion on this as well.Good luck. Dr. ALDO

How long after surgery can I start using silicone scar strips? How soon can I go tanning?

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How long after surgery can I start using silicone scar strips? How soon can I go tanning?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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