Usually 6-12 weeks is a good rule of thumb, however tanning is not great for your skin in general. Tanning or direct sunlight can either hyper or hypo pigment the scar. To be safe, put a small amount of SPF 30 over the scar to protect it until after 12 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

We do not recommend anyone use a tanning bed because of the skin cancer risks and premature aging of the skin. Likewise, we recommend a good quality sun protection when outside with frequent reapplications. Anytime you have incisions, the skin and melanin has been disrupted. It is possible to develop hyper (increased) pigmentation in these areas.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

We normally tell patients to stay out of the sun after surgery for a few weeks and use sun-tan lotion. There is no data on the exact time. It should be safe by 6 weeks post-op.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Cover up the scar areas, and you should be fine. The newly healed scars are more vulnerable for hyper and/or hypo pigmentation from the sun.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I never recommend in door tanning as in door tanning beds have been categorized by the World Health Organization as a "known human carcinogen.” From a purely cosmetic standpoint, you should wait until all scars have completely healed because a healing scar will pigment and be darker than normal skin, therefore making the scars more visible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is a common question. I recommend waiting until all the bruising and incisions are well healed. Incisions take at least 6 weeks to heal and some longer. Wear a sun block over the incisions for at least 3 months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012