Will using sunbed help scars fade ?

by annaliese76 25th August 2011, 11:26 am

Hi, I dont use sunbeds often but i do like to get out in the sun when i can and have used them occassionally in the past. I was just wondering if using one after my op would help scars to fade quickly or make them appear more prominant! and also how long would it be post op b4 i should use them. Feeling rather pale at the moment as ive not managed to have a holiday this year as all my funds have gone into my BA (well worth it tho!) xxx

by CandyCupcake 25th August 2011, 11:34 am

Hi Annaliese,

Sunbeds will make your scars more prominent. If your scars catch a tan then they will permanently stay the dark red/brown colour. Your supposed to keep them covered up for atleast 12 months, and most surgeons recommend that you dont go on a sunbed for atleast 6 weeks p/o and even then you should still keep your scars covered.

Hope this helps, I was in the same position as you ya see, felt pale and missed a sunbed :( haha

xxx

by annaliese76 25th August 2011, 11:36 am

Thanks Candycupcake , I will just have to wait i guess, but it will be worth it Will using sunbed help scars fade ? 113752

xx

by misf1 25th August 2011, 11:42 am

Scars need to be kept out of any UV light sun/sunbed for at least a year, this is because it can cause the scars to pigment and they can change colour permanently. This is because a sun tan is damage to your skin, it's your skins self defence mechanism, scars are new skin and have not healed enough to be able to protect itself/tan like the rest of your skin. Be careful when covering scars to tan the rest of you, as bikinis can still let in UV rays. Scars need to be completely covered. Your new boobs will also need to be covered for a while as the skin has been stretched so will burn and damage very easily. I would suggest 6 months for boobie skin and 1 year for scars. But thats me. Others cover their boobs for a while but not long, most will cover their scars for a year. Fake it for a while after :-)

by willows 25th August 2011, 11:53 am

i had a scar unrelated to cosmetic surgery but i went on holiday a few months after my operation and had it in the sun and its very brown even now 10 years later...i regret exposing it in sunlight so soon.. if you plan on using sunbeds cover across with a towel you can even get special uv plasters aswell xx