Sun Exposure

It may sound crazy, but it is important that you try to stay out of the sun following a liposuction procedure to any area of the body.  Sun exposure can be very harmful to the skin after lipo.  Post-operatively, the skin tends to be numb for 3 months.  During this time period, this area of your body cannot tell you that you are getting too much sun, so you need to remain aware as to how much sun that area of your body is getting.   Additionally, there is deep, unseen healing that takes place for a full year.  Therefore, it is important to always wear sunscreen for an entire year following liposuction to avoid sunburns and potential skin damage.  The incision site areas will appear darker in color and continue to lighten with time. It would be advised to avoid sun exposure, when possible, to your scars during the first year. In fact, Dr. John Millard advises patients to put sunscreen on their scars even when they are wearing clothing.  Sun rays can still potentially reach the skin through clothes.