What impacts, if any, can sunbathing have on breasts and breast implants?

Answers from doctors (12)


Zenn Plastic Surgery

Published on Sep 19, 2019

They may make you look better in your swimsuit! My only suggestion is a zinc oxide block over your scars for the first year to prevent them from getting too dark.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8730_1541186865.jpg
Answered by Zenn Plastic Surgery

They may make you look better in your swimsuit! My only suggestion is a zinc oxide block over your scars for the first year to prevent them from getting too dark.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Hamilton Surgical Arts

Published on Aug 18, 2016

Right after surgery, if you have bruising, sun bathing is discouraged. The sun bathing can result in a dark brown spot where the bruise is located. After there is no bruising, it is permissible, but I would strongly recommend sunscreen of at least SPF 30. It should be reapplied every two hours.

Answered by Hamilton Surgical Arts (View Profile)

Right after surgery, if you have bruising, sun bathing is discouraged. The sun bathing can result in a dark brown spot where the bruise is located. After there is no bruising, it is permissible, but I would strongly recommend sunscreen of at least SPF 30. It should be reapplied every two hours.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Jun 16, 2016

There should be no problem with sunbathing and breast implants, but remember to use a good sunscreen with moisturizer like Organoderm Day Cream with spf30+.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7193_1500928629.jpg
Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

There should be no problem with sunbathing and breast implants, but remember to use a good sunscreen with moisturizer like Organoderm Day Cream with spf30+.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Jun 15, 2016

None at all. However, I do not recommend getting sunburned. Sunbathing, and even more so sunburns, increase your risk for skin cancer. It is always advised to wear sunblock.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7741_1455309146.jpg
Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

None at all. However, I do not recommend getting sunburned. Sunbathing, and even more so sunburns, increase your risk for skin cancer. It is always advised to wear sunblock.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kathleen Waldorf M.D, FACS

Published on Jun 14, 2016

Sunbathing does not have a direct relationship with breast implants. We do recommend SPF use with a broad spectrum UVA/UVB 30 or greater to help reduce the risk for damage due to harmful rays. If you have any concerns, you should address them directly with your plastic surgeon.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6324_1431012455.jpg
Answered by Kathleen Waldorf M.D, FACS

Sunbathing does not have a direct relationship with breast implants. We do recommend SPF use with a broad spectrum UVA/UVB 30 or greater to help reduce the risk for damage due to harmful rays. If you have any concerns, you should address them directly with your plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Perry Liu MD

Published on Jun 14, 2016

Thankfully the sun doesn't have too much affect on the breasts and breast implants. It can, however, cause the scars from sun exposure to heal poorly if there is no covering or sunscreen. Overall, too much sun exposure can cause the skin to weaken from destruction of collagen and the skin to be saggy, thus making the breasts look saggy as well. But, overall, there is no "harm" to the implants or the breasts with sunbathing.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7748_1500929471.jpg
Answered by Perry Liu MD

Thankfully the sun doesn't have too much affect on the breasts and breast implants. It can, however, cause the scars from sun exposure to heal poorly if there is no covering or sunscreen. Overall, too much sun exposure can cause the skin to weaken from destruction of collagen and the skin to be saggy, thus making the breasts look saggy as well. But, overall, there is no "harm" to the implants or the breasts with sunbathing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Jun 14, 2016

Sunbathing can darken scars. Also, sunbathing is not good for your skin as it can cause skin cancer. Therefore, it is best not to sunbathe and to wear a sunblock with a high SPF when expected to be in the sun for extended periods of time.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

Sunbathing can darken scars. Also, sunbathing is not good for your skin as it can cause skin cancer. Therefore, it is best not to sunbathe and to wear a sunblock with a high SPF when expected to be in the sun for extended periods of time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Jun 14, 2016

None.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6345_1431389523.jpg
Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

None.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jun 14, 2016

You are more susceptible to sunburn in the areas stretched by implants until tissues relax. So this is something to keep in mind. Wear sunblock if you plan to be in the sun.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8050_1464367751.jpg
Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

You are more susceptible to sunburn in the areas stretched by implants until tissues relax. So this is something to keep in mind. Wear sunblock if you plan to be in the sun.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Steven Camp, M.D.

Published on Jun 14, 2016

Thanks for your question. Sunbathing should not have any impact on breast implants after breast augmentation as the skin and muscle covering the implant is a dense shield. The main concern is that overexposure from sun can lead to skin cancer and aging skin. Make sure to frequently apply sunscreen to avoid the untoward effects of the sun.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8058_1465496889.jpg
Answered by Steven Camp, M.D.

Thanks for your question. Sunbathing should not have any impact on breast implants after breast augmentation as the skin and muscle covering the implant is a dense shield. The main concern is that overexposure from sun can lead to skin cancer and aging skin. Make sure to frequently apply sunscreen to avoid the untoward effects of the sun.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

Published on Jun 14, 2016

Nothing really. If you are just post-op, you may not have normal sensation and could thus be more susceptible to burns due to this lack of sensation and understanding when you've had enough sun to that area. So, given that, I'd be sure to use a good sunblock. And regardless, sunblock, whether you have implants or not, is always recommended.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7692_1454431251.jpg
Answered by Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

Nothing really. If you are just post-op, you may not have normal sensation and could thus be more susceptible to burns due to this lack of sensation and understanding when you've had enough sun to that area. So, given that, I'd be sure to use a good sunblock. And regardless, sunblock, whether you have implants or not, is always recommended.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


ELLIOT B. DUBOYS, MD, FACS

Published on Jun 14, 2016

The sun will not have an adverse impact on your implants, but it can have an impact on your skin. Make sure to use a good quality sunscreen all over your body. Enjoy your implants as well as your new bikini.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8033_1461799827.jpg
Answered by ELLIOT B. DUBOYS, MD, FACS

The sun will not have an adverse impact on your implants, but it can have an impact on your skin. Make sure to use a good quality sunscreen all over your body. Enjoy your implants as well as your new bikini.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for General

General -6 answers
My breasts droop only slightly, but I'd like to take preventative measures now. Are there any exercises I can do to lift my breasts naturally? If so, which do your recommend?
See More
General -7 answers
I am thinking of putting in 350cc or 375cc. What do you think? I want a normal size for me, not something that is huge.
See More
General -2 answers
I have recently been diagnosed with a contact allergy to preservatives called methylchoroisothiazinolone/Methylisothiazinolone & iodopropynyl butylcarbamate. Are any any of these preservatives in the outer case of the Natrelle saline breast implants? I have gotten rid of them everywhere, but am still having reactions. Has anyone else out there experienced anything like this?
See More
General -5 answers
I want a natural droopy look to my breast Should I get over-the-muscle or keep them under?
See More
General -1 answer
I've seen a number of scar creams online but I don't know which to choose. Are there any you recommend? When can I apply it and how long before I see results?
See More

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR