Living in Southern California means year-round sunshine, beach weekends and outdoor everything. It’s one of the best parts of life here. But if you’ve recently had cosmetic surgery or are planning a procedure this summer, there are a few things worth understanding about how sun exposure affects healing skin.
At Pacifica Plastic Surgery, Dr. Daniel Kolder sees this firsthand with patients from Camarillo, Studio City and across Ventura County. The advice that applies in other parts of the country applies here too, but it matters more when the sun is this strong and this constant.
Why Sun and Healing Scars Don’t Mix
Fresh surgical scars are especially vulnerable to UV exposure. When healing skin is exposed to the sun, it can darken permanently in a process called hyperpigmentation. Unlike a regular tan that fades over time, this kind of discoloration can be very difficult to reverse.
This applies whether you’ve had a tummy tuck, a breast procedure or any surgery that requires an incision. Even incisions tucked low on the abdomen or under the breast can be affected if you’re spending time in a swimsuit outdoors.
Dr. Kolder recommends keeping incisions covered or protected with SPF 50 or higher for at least a year after surgery, since scars continue to mature long after they appear healed on the surface.
Heat Can Prolong Swelling
Summer heat is another factor to contend with while healing from plastic surgery this time of year. High temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, which increases fluid retention and can extend the swelling phase of recovery. For patients who’ve had breast or body contouring procedures, this can be particularly frustrating when you’re eager to see your final results.
Staying cool, especially in the first several weeks after surgery, helps your body to recover more efficiently. That means staying in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day, avoiding prolonged time in direct sun and steering clear of hot tubs and saunas until Dr. Kolder clears you for those activities.
Timing Laser Treatments Carefully
For those interested in our laser skin treatments, summer requires some extra planning. Most laser treatments increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light, which means significant sun exposure before or after a session can lead to complications including burns or uneven pigmentation.
This doesn’t mean you have to skip laser treatments entirely in the summer, but you will need to do some careful planning, diligent sun avoidance and consistent SPF use. Our team will walk you through what to expect and how to schedule treatments in a way that works with your lifestyle.
Make SPF Part of Your Daily Routine
The simplest advice is also the most important: wear SPF every day, all year. Southern California sun doesn’t take seasons off, and neither should your sun protection. A broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher applied daily goes a long way toward protecting both your healing skin and your long-term skin health.
If you have questions about timing a procedure around your summer plans, or you’d like to discuss what post-op sun care looks like for your specific situation, we’d love to help. Give us a call at 805-484-2855 or reach out to us online.
Author: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.