Question:
how soon after the surgery can i start to use tanning beds?

will tanning to soon cause the scar not to heal properly?    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 12, 1999)

August 12, 1999
It probably would be better if you wait untill your incision heals before tanning. Skin heals better when it is moist and tanning will dry it out. Years ago they used to put lights on wounds to heal them faster but now we know that that is not the best way. Moist and clean is better.
   — Lisa O.

August 12, 1999
Tanning is bad for the skin, causes premature aging and neoplastic growths (skin cancer) Scars darken more than normal skin and are probably more susceptible to the cancer causing effects of the solar or artificial radiation. Use a 30-45 SPF sun block on the scar for 1 year, if you must injure your skin.
   — Bruce B.

August 12, 1999
I started tanning 2 or 3 weeks after I had surgery. It made my scar much, much better. I put some lotion with Vitamin E in it on my scar all the time. It looks very good considering the size. I asked my doctor about tanning and they said it wouldn't hurt at all.
   — Rhonda B.