Incisions and Sun Exposure

[Artista]

I'm coming up on the 6 month anniversary of my ankle surgery. Does anyone have any definitive info on how long incisions should be protected from the sun to reduce scarring and permanent discoloration? I remember reading in some old TE threads that the recommendation was 1 year but all of my Google searches suggest 6 months.

[OakLeaf]

Well, all my searches when I busted my lip last year said a year. I was pretty diligent about it (not so easy with a lip) and the scar doesn't look too bad now. Better safe than sorry if you're concerned about the appearance, IMO. I sure have plenty of old dark scars that got sun right away.

[Artista]

Oh yeah, I'd be really careful with a face scar too. I've also got some small, dark scars on my legs that don't bother me and a big, dark, bruise "stain" on my shin from the surgery that bums me out. These incisions are looong and kind of frame the bruise stain. I'm thinking that I'll be happiest over the years if I do what I can to reduce the darkening of the incisions now. It's a good thing that my husband didn't marry me for my legs

[zoom-zoom]

I seem to recall when I had my boob reduction surgery that everyone said 1 year...not that it matters, since the girls never see the light of day, anyhow. I think I'd put some really good physical sunblock on your scars or taller socks, in the meantime.

[Wahine]

Maybe use it as an opportunity to embrace a funky knee sock look.

[Miranda]

+1 on the 1yr answer. And I've also had a plastic surgeon tell me that the rays of the sun can penatrate clothing. Thus, sunblock is still recommended under the fabric.

You could also try sunblock underneath a water proof bandage of some sort. Just so you keep it from the adhering edges of the bandage. Some of the best sticking water prooof bandaids I've found are the kids/decorative ones called Tatoos... http://www.drugstore.com/nexcare-ban...-vary/qxp75863

[Artista]

Maybe use it as an opportunity to embrace a funky knee sock look.

Actually, I've already been doing that with my capris this winter I'm thinking that knee socks would leave pretty funky tan lines this summer, though I'll probably go for band-aid shaped tan lines instead.

[Artista]

Some of the best sticking water prooof bandaids I've found are the kids/decorative ones called Tatoos... http://www.drugstore.com/nexcare-ban...-vary/qxp75863

Now those are fun! I could go for those with my casual looks and plain for dress-up