In honor of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, we’re sharing expert insight into how the sun impacts healing, what to avoid, and how to safely enjoy the season after surgery or skin treatments.
Why UV Exposure Matters More After Cosmetic Procedures
Sun exposure is always a concern when it comes to aging and skin health, but it’s especially critical after any cosmetic procedure. After surgery or treatments like laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or microneedling, your skin is more delicate and prone to sun damage. Exposure to UV rays during the healing process can lead to hyperpigmentation, making scars or treated areas darker and more noticeable.
UV radiation can also inhibit wound healing, increasing your risk of complications and poor cosmetic results. Anything that affects your skin barrier, like surgical procedures or resurfacing treatments, can make the area more vulnerable to UV-induced DNA damage, increasing your risk for precancerous changes or melanoma.
Procedures Most Affected by Sun Exposure
While sun protection is always recommended, here are some procedures that require extra caution when it comes to sun exposure:
- Facial surgeries: Rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and facelifts
- Body contouring: Tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or lifts (especially where scars are exposed)
- Laser skin treatments: CO2 laser, IPL, and laser resurfacing
- Chemical peels and microneedling: These treatments remove the top skin layers, increasing sensitivity
Even non-surgical injectables, like Botox or fillers, can benefit from avoiding direct sunlight, as UV exposure can lead to dehydration or skin irritation in treated areas.
Sun Protection Tips After Cosmetic Procedures
Here’s how to protect your investment in your appearance—and your health—while enjoying the sunshine responsibly:
Avoid Direct Sunlight During Healing
Stay out of direct sunlight for at least 2–4 weeks after surgery or skin treatments, depending on the procedure. If you must be outside, seek shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and cover treated areas with clothing or a clean, breathable bandage.
Use Medical-Grade Sunscreen
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients—these physical blockers are gentle on sensitive skin.
Reapply Often
Apply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming. Don’t forget areas like the ears, neck, chest, and surgical scars.
Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
UV-protective clothing, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats add an extra layer of protection. For facial surgeries, hats are especially helpful in shielding healing incisions.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Post-Op Instructions
Dr. Kenrick Spence and the Hillcrest team will provide personalized aftercare guidelines. These may include when it’s safe to go outside, what products to use, and how to manage scars long-term.
What About Tanning?
Avoid tanning beds completely. These emit concentrated UV radiation that can damage the skin, slow healing, and increase your risk for melanoma and other skin cancers. Natural tanning outdoors should also be avoided for at least 6–8 weeks following most procedures.
Skin Health Is Part of Surgical Success
At Hillcrest Plastic Surgery, we believe that sun safety is just as important as surgical skill. Your results—and your health—depend on how well you protect your skin after treatment. Whether you’re recovering from facial surgery or enjoying the results of a skin rejuvenation procedure, practicing sun safety helps ensure long-lasting beauty and reduces your risk of long-term skin damage.
This Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage all our patients to take sun protection seriously—not just during recovery, but every day.
