Tanning after surgery

[puffysucks]

Is there any way to accomplish this without making the scars more visible? I'm assuming sunblock wouldn't work well in a tanning bed, but is there something you can cover them with for the 5-10 minutes you're in the bed that would be effective?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

I am adamantly opposed to tanning beds of any kind -- you are just begging for skin cancer in the future. If you want additional skin color, go for a spray tan -- it is much safer.

Further, any tanning on a fresh wound/scar will keep it redder for a longer period of time. 

If you must tan, put on a really high number sun block or cover the scars with zinc oxide or a bandaid.

Dr Jacobs

[DrPensler]

I am not sure what the this in your question is.

[puffysucks]

Sorry, I should have clarified. By "this" I meant tanning. Is there any way to go tanning without making the scars more visible. I was looking for suggestions on what to cover the nipples with that will block 100% of the UV rays.

[Litlriki]

Dr. Jacobs has made the most important point about tanning, namely that it puts you at increased risk of skin cancer.  With regard to tanning after surgery, protecting the scars with zinc oxide for a 100% block can help to prevent the hyperpigmentation that might otherwise occur.  Because my patients wear compression for 4 weeks after surgery, the bruising is usually resolved by the time they might have sun exposure.  Nonetheless, I always emphasize that if a bruised area encounters tanning rays (sun or otherwise), the bruises may darken more than the surrounding skin, and this can be permanent or at least takes a long time to resolve.  Additionally, there may be resolving bruises that your eye can't see, but which can be affected by sun exposure.

So wear your sunscreen!

Rick Silverman

[DrPensler]

Anything that will block the UV rays will be effective at reducing the effect of the various UV rays.The greater the blocking (reduction) the greater the effect.I have a different approach than my colleagues here, after 4 to 6 weeks I like my patients to get some exposure sun/UV for the areolar scars.I typically suggest 2 to 4 times, will be sufficient.The effect of sun /UV radiation on relatively fresh scars will be to cause hyper-pigmentation. The hyper-pigmentation results in a darker scar which for the areolar incision is great,it blends in with the areolar better.This is exactly the opposite of what I would recommend for a scar on the face for example.

[puffysucks]

Thanks for all the replies. I've went used a tanning bed twice already. I cut a bandaid to size and put it over the nipples, making sure none of the adhesive is on the nipple itself, I then put 3 pieces of cloth tape over the bandaid for extra protection for the UV rays. The scars haven't gotten any worse in the two times I have went. I'll take your advice into consideration, Dr. Pensler. Thanks again for the replies.