Why should we avoid the sun after plastic surgery ?

Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun can be negative and irreversible for exposed scars.

It can cause a definitive epidermal reaction resulting in darker and even redder scars.

That’s why it is so important to keep them well covered, and to apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 50 after any surgery).

In short, after any plastic surgery, it is advisable to avoid the sun’s rays and heat as much as possible.

It is important to know that prolonged exposure to the sun leads to premature aging of the skin, irreversible damage and, in some cases, even skin cancer. So be careful : hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are your best summer accessories.

What are the sun’s effects on scars ?

In the case of a pink or red scar less than 6 months old, the sun can have irreparable effects on it. The scar will tan and retain its permanent pigmentation. It is essential to protect it.

A scar never disappears completely, so take care of it so that it fades as much as possible.

It is particularly important to protect recent scars, those less than 6 months old and pinkish in color.

On the other hand, if your scars are white, they are no longer as fragile.

These recommendations apply to every exposure, especially from April to September (or when on vacation in the sun or mountains).

Even if it seems trivial, scars also need to be protected on short outings.

How long should I protect my scars ?

Whether it is the result of a suture or a plastic surgery involving the insertion of a cannula such as liposuction, a scar bears witness to an alteration in subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue.

The healing process is gradual lasting an average of 6 months to 1 year. After this period, it is advisable to continue applying sun cream even if the scars are less fragile once they have whitened.

After breast prosthesis reconstruction, exposure to the sun in a dark bathing suit runs the risk of serious skin burns that could compromise the reconstruction. The sun is therefore the enemy number 1 when it comes to post-operative care.

In fact, its action can be negative and irreversible if scars are exposed to the sun during tanning sessions.

Is the sun enemy number 1 on scars ?

The most frequent example is of course breast surgery.

Breast augmentation is the most frequently requested operation before the summer.

It is all the more frustrating then to have to hide the result all summer long under a swimsuit that obscures not only the breasts, but also the periphery where the scars are located.

Failure to protect the scars from the sun’s rays will result in definitive skin reactions, often leaving unsightly marks.

In conclusion

It is therefore important to hide any scars from the sun’s rays, not only by choosing a suitable swimsuit, but also by applying thick, greasy sun creams with a high sun protection factor.