After you've undergone plastic surgery, your surgeon will give you a list of directions to care for your skin. It's important to use caution during the healing process so you can recover healthily and prevent further complications. Here are a few reasons why avoiding direct sun exposure after plastic surgery can give you the post-op results you desire.
1- Collagen Production
Collagen production slows down as we age. This protein helps to protect the body and occurs naturally in the skin. Collagen is essential for healing the skin, especially after surgery. The UV light from the sun breaks down the body's collagen which makes the skin less supple. To keep your skin firm and accelerate the healing process, stay out of direct sunlight, especially in the days following your surgery.
2- Scarring
After your operation, your scars will likely be pink or red while you're healing. Scarred skin is extremely vulnerable to UV light. While your skin's tissues are recovering, chemicals that cause inflammation are released at higher levels. When you spend time in the sun during post-op recovery, melanocytes will form. These cells produce pigment which causes dark spots on the skin.
Your scars will become more prominent if you expose your skin to the sun too soon. It is especially important to stay inside between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. The sun emits a considerable amount of ultraviolet light during this time. However, UV rays are emitted by the sun even when it's cloudy outside. Your surgeon will likely advise you to avoid going into direct sunlight for no less than two weeks after surgery. However, you may need to follow this advice for up to four weeks depending on the severity of your surgery.
3- Sun Exposure Can Lead to More Skin Problems
Even if it's been a few weeks and you think you've fully recovered, going into the sun too soon can cause your skin to develop the same issues that led to your desire for a cosmetic procedure. Since excess sun can damage the skin, spending too much time outdoors can lead to hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. To maintain the results of your procedure, stay indoors as much as possible.
4- Post-Op Swelling
It is normal to notice bruising and swelling after a plastic surgery procedure. This is part of the healing process and you even may notice more inflammation a few days after your operation. This is a crucial time in your healing journey. Staying out of the sun will prevent further swelling. If you sustain more inflammation during your post-op recovery, your surgeon may have to administer additional treatments to soothe and restructure the skin.
Be sure to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions for skincare following a procedure. If you have to go outside for any reason, limit your time in the sun. Wear large sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat to shield your skin from sun damage. Wear loose and light-colored clothing so your body won't absorb as much energy from the sun and be sure to wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 50 to give your skin a protective barrier.
