Tanning After a Tummy Tuck

A lot of us tan, including me. I usually try to begin tanning a couple months into the new year partly to get ahead of those who tan in the spring preparing for prom dances, the summer, tropical vacations etcetera. 

Fortunately, I was blessed with a base tan at birth so it doesn't take long for a nice tan to appear.  Usually within 7-10 days I have a nice dark tan. I then tan here and there through the spring to maintain it through the summer months and then rarely tan into the winter.  

After having a tummy tuck however, my surgeon stresses no tanning for a minimum of six months.  He even suggests using a sunblock of 50 SPF if going to be out in the direct sunlight.  I'm sure you're thinking "Why? The scar can't be seen."  Yes, but still use it under your clothes, frequently too.  

Two obvious reasons unrelated to the tummy tuck are skin cancer and premature aging aka WRINKLES.

Two less obvious reasons related to the tummy tuck:

1) The scar area is fresh and inclined to be even more sensitive to the UV light thus causing a darker scar, something about it being hyper-pigmented.  Keep in mind, typically scars will lighten over a period of time and tanning can send this process in the wrong direction.  

2) Because of that same fresh scar it is possible to burn easier in your scar area. Furthermore, even in using sunscreen on the scar it still does not completely protect the area from the UV light, whether it be via sunlight or bulbs in a tanning bed.

If you're really feeling the desire to tan before the six month mark, a spray tan would be the best alternative all around.

NOTE: Always, always, always check with your PS on his or her suggestions if you've had a tummy tuck and are thinking about tanning.  Keep in mind, all plastic surgeons are different in their recovery process and what I post is based on my experience and what my PS suggests.