Can I tan post-radiofrequency ablation?

I had radiofrequency ablation recently - the last procedure was 3 weeks ago. I am now concerned about being in the sun. I have a trip to Mexico in 3 weeks and am concerned about how my skin will react to sun exposure post-procedure. Will tanning permanently change the color of my skin in the treated area?

Answers from doctors (10)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Apr 30, 2013

Tanning after radiofrequency ablation may cause the treatment area to stain.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Tanning after radiofrequency ablation may cause the treatment area to stain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Apr 23, 2013

It is a myth that sun exposure affects skin color after vein treatment. Have at it!

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

It is a myth that sun exposure affects skin color after vein treatment. Have at it!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Apr 22, 2013

If your last radiofrequency procedure was 3 weeks ago and your trip is not for another 3 weeks, that should be a sufficient enough time to prevent to any discoloration. Usually with RF ablations, there is not a risk of discoloration. With sclerotherapy, however, there is a risk of discoloration but not from tanning. You should be fine. Enjoy your trip!

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

If your last radiofrequency procedure was 3 weeks ago and your trip is not for another 3 weeks, that should be a sufficient enough time to prevent to any discoloration. Usually with RF ablations, there is not a risk of discoloration. With sclerotherapy, however, there is a risk of discoloration but not from tanning. You should be fine. Enjoy your trip!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Apr 17, 2013

I would advise protecting yourself from a sun burn. Three weeks post-radiofrequency, you should be all healed. I've never heard of permanent changes in the color of the skin from tanning.

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

I would advise protecting yourself from a sun burn. Three weeks post-radiofrequency, you should be all healed. I've never heard of permanent changes in the color of the skin from tanning.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 17, 2013

Tanning is OK.


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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Tanning is OK.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

Published on Apr 16, 2013

Sun exposure does not need to be entirely avoided, but using a high SPF sunscreen is always a good idea.

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Answered by The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

Sun exposure does not need to be entirely avoided, but using a high SPF sunscreen is always a good idea.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Apr 16, 2013

I would place sunscreen over the course of the vein to prevent hyperpigmentation.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

I would place sunscreen over the course of the vein to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 16, 2013

I suggest waiting one month after a procedure before sun tanning. Spray on tans are fine.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I suggest waiting one month after a procedure before sun tanning. Spray on tans are fine.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 15, 2013

We usually recommend avoiding direct sun exposure to areas where the skin has been opening (e.g. access site, phlebectomy sites. They can become pigmented. However, if you use a good quality water resistant SPF 50 or more and reapply often, you should be just fine. Enjoy

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We usually recommend avoiding direct sun exposure to areas where the skin has been opening (e.g. access site, phlebectomy sites. They can become pigmented. However, if you use a good quality water resistant SPF 50 or more and reapply often, you should be just fine. Enjoy

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 15, 2013

I tell patients to wait 6 weeks post-radiofrequency or vein closure before tanning. Although I know of no definitive study to say how long one should wait to tan post-ablation, common sense suggests that since the skin above the treated veins could be irritated from the procedure, it would be wise to wait 6 weeks for this to heal.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I tell patients to wait 6 weeks post-radiofrequency or vein closure before tanning. Although I know of no definitive study to say how long one should wait to tan post-ablation, common sense suggests that since the skin above the treated veins could be irritated from the procedure, it would be wise to wait 6 weeks for this to heal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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