Posted: May 18, 2016
plastic surgery procedure, it is important that you take steps to protect your skin from excessive sun damage. While some amount of exposure to UV rays can be good for your body, overexposure can burn or otherwise damage skin, which can impact the proper healing of your incisions.
According to the American Cancer Society, UV rays can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight bacteria that may cause infections. This makes minimizing exposure after surgery an important step in reducing certain postoperative complications. As if that wasn’t reason enough, healing skin is very sensitive to sunlight. Exposing incisions before they are fully healed can result in a permanent darkening and thickening of scar tissue – scar tissue that will detract from the aesthetic of your final results.
Board-certified Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. John Corey recommend you take steps to protect your skin against sun damage both before and after your procedure. Easy steps to take include:
- Limiting time in the sun and avoiding the midday sun altogether
- Wearing long sleeves and pants while outdoors
- Covering exposed skin with a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunblock
While it is near impossible – and very unpleasant – to avoid the sun entirely in Arizona, taking steps to protect your skin is essential for ideal plastic surgery results. During your initial consultation we can discuss this in greater detail to help you better understand the most effective ways to protect your skin and preserve your surgical results.
To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Corey, please contact us today. Located in Scottsdale, our board-certified plastic surgeon serves all areas of Arizona including Tucson, Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler.