Tanning Booth question

[Zipper]

Hi everyone.......I know it's still winter, but.......a question about tanning booths while looking forward to spring and summer!

Does anyone with a valve replacement have any wisdom on the use of the 'sprayed tan' ? I've never used artificial tanning of any kind, but being very fair skinned I would love to have a nice tan without exposure to the sun rays. Is this a safe way for valvers to obtain a tan? Please, anyone know about this? Any info will help.

Thanks,

Zipper

 

[LUVMyBirman]

You caught my attention Zip, lol.Just the thought of warming up right now! Brrrrrrrrr.

Never tried it. Considered it.
I am sure the spray on is much safer than exposing yourself to that artifical UV light.

Beleive you need two applications to see the "total effect". If you try it....let us know. And or post a photo sporting your great tan.

 

[Abbanabba]

I can't see why they should cause any problems - after all, it's only an external application, but any reputable salon should be able to fill you in on all the details.

A : )

 

[Jean]

Haven't tried the new spray booths, but do use the chemical tanners myself in early spring to get started. Don't think they do any harm. Have never read or heard of any reports to that end.

Yes, I am trying to remember sunbeams baking into my back!

 

[Bunny_Rabbit]

Hi Zipper

Hi Zipper

I haven't had my valve replacement yet, however I have used the spray tanning stuff (Vichy Express Self-Tan Spray). It works rather well, you just have to make sure that you've taken a shower prior to applying it to remove all the dead skin. Otherwise you're gonna flake and look all patchy.

Oh and it may come off on your bed sheets, so you'll wanna watch that.

MmMMmmMmm summer. I can't wait, it's too cold here.

 

[Zipper]

Thanks Ladies! I'll see my Cardio in a couple of weeks and ask if any of the chemicals or machine (booth) could interact with meds and/or valve. I really think not....but I'm always cautious when trying something new. I'll let ya know!!! Zip ;-)

 

[pegne]

Zipper

Zipper

Although I have never used a spray on (I use the beds for a couple weeks in spring to get a base) my sister and neice own a salon. Before my neice became pregnant she applied the spray. Believe it or not she would have 5 to 10 customers a day. The only thing she told me about the spray is that people with eczema and other dry skin conditions should not use it. I thought I would be a good candidate because I don't have much uneven coloring in my skin. It's also very messy. You have to stand still and not touch anything for a while or take a shower for a while. Otherwise with all the fear about tanning booths this is definately a good option. I also asked about side effects and was told other than discoloring from uneven skin there isn't any.

 

[ticktock]

Haven't tried the spray on, but do use the tanning beds for a few weeks just prior to summer. Living on the beach, it seems almost safer than the intense exposure without any preparation. I have two valves, and a pacemaker/defib and have no problems!

 

[Zipper]

Hi all,

I saw my cardiologist and got the OK for the tanning booth (spray)....now I just hope I don't turn out a 'patchy orange' LOL. It sure would be nice to have a tan the 'safe' way. After a month or so ;-) of 'exfoliating'....I'll start my new self indulgence for a 'healthy glow' all over !

Zipper

 

[Dee]

Hi girls,

I too have thought about the spray on tan, so I decided to do some research on the internet. I found that the FDA hasn't approved this type of tanning yet. There is some question about how safe the fumes are that you are inhaling as it sprays you since it sprays your face and everything. The other thing was if it could hurt your eyes if it got into them. Sure enough, a day or two after I read this on the net, they had a special on TV about the safety of spray on tans, and them not being FDA approved. So, I have decided to not go there until they have more info on how this might effect you if you breath in the fumes.

What have you all been told about exposing your scar to the sun? I'm one that always has a tan when it comes spring time (usually from a tanning booth), but this year since I'm only 4 mths. post op, I'm not sure how long I need to wait before I expose it to the sun Does it make the scar worse if it's been exposed? We're getting ready to go to Florida in 3 weeks and I sure don't want to go looking like a ghost!! I guess I'll stick to the lotion tans and be sporting some nice streaks

I would appreciate any input on tanning!! Thanks!
Dee

 

[pegne]

Dee

Dee

I don't know about you since you are only 4 mths post op but my body is like a road map, scars everywhere from heart surgeries and surgeries connected to them. I go to a tanning salon every spring to get a good base. I never noticed it making my scars anymore worse then they already are. I really suggest you ask your doctors. I had my last surgery in Mar. of 1999. I did not get a base before we went to Tenn. in June and I fried. I think it would have been better if I would have tanned first but I would ask your doctor. Have fun in Florida.

 

[ticktock]

Dee
From my experience, you need to protect the scar for a good 6 months or so.... probably a year would be better. I once tanned within about 2-3 months of surgery (in 1978) and the results were awful!! Didn't realize the scar would burn so much faster than the rest of me, that skin was new and tender and actually seeped and then scabbed over. A pretty ugly sight for a while. Sorry to be graphic, just don't want you to do what I did.

 

[Granbonny]

Dee

Dee

I wish you a good trip to Fla....the first summer after my AV ..I couldn't stand the sun...We have a pool where I live..and just would feel awful if I sat pool-side, chatting and watching Grandson swim... I kelp my scar covered...Sun would just drain me of energy. I'm sure the humidity in Fla..will get to you, too. this soon out from surgery...Have fun..but don't overdo it...Bonnie

 

[Dee]

Granbonny, Ticktock and Pegne,

Thanks for all of the wisdom!! I really don't want to have a problem with the scar, so my first thinking is to keep my chest completely covered. But I would like to get color to the rest of my chest, just not my scar. Have any of you tried putting a higher spf sunscreen on your scar than on the rest of your body?? Is that enough protection or am I just asking for trouble? I just so bad want some color!! These Colorado winters are long and leave us pale!! LOL

Any other suggestions or experiences would be greatly appreciated!!

~DeeDee~

 

[Granbonny]

Dee

Dee

I have several..pullover tops, sleeveless.little v-neck and mid-drift sp? that I wore over my bathing suit.. I got a tan on my arms and neck..but I'm too fat for a 2 piece bathing suit If you wear a 2 piece .should get some sun on your tummy. Where are you going in Fla..?Beachside will be hotter..but middle Fla. humidity. You are on coumadin? Take it before you leave. (INR) Are you driving or flying. Noisy.. Just wondering how your INR will hold up. Have fun..Bonnie

 

[Dee]

I have in the past worn 2 pieces (bikini's), but I don't think I'll be sporting one this summer!! I got one of those new Tikini suits (tank top style), a two piece but it covers the tummy. The only thing is, it has a V neck and the top part of my scar shows. I'm worried about getting it sunburned. Do you think sunscreen will keep it from getting burned or do I need to cover it up with a shirt or something?

We're going to Venice, just south of Sarasota. Staying on the beach. I am on Warfarin and we are flying. Will the traveling change my INR alot?? I do have a Coaguchek, so I can keep track of it real close. I'm not sure what to expect, this being my first big trip since OHS. I just can't wait to get away and do some R&R!! We'll have 3 teenagers with us, so I'm not sure how much R&R I'll actually get! I guess my husband and I will have to go on a little trip of our own for that.

Thanks for the info and I look forward talking to you more in the future!

~DeeDee~

 

[bvdr]

I wasn't going to respond to this thread but here I am. Please forgive me if this offends anyone.

I spent from 6am to 5pm yesterday at Duke University Hospital in their Cutaneous Oncology Mohrs Surgery unit. Everyone was nice, the area was pleasant, but the experience was awful. It is not nice having your lip and face carved out because of excess UV exposure in your life. It is cumulative in your body.

I was asked specifically if I used tanning beds. I don't now but I had on rare occassions when they first came out. Some of us can not take much sun and there is no such thing as a healthy tan.

As I laid there I was really wishing I had been more careful throughout my life. The surgeon told me I have a very large proportion of atypical cells present in the non-cancerous sections of the slides as well that could convert at any time. He said...NO MORE SUN!

I have had my lip reconstructed and the results will probably be acceptable but I have alot of self-blame here since this could most likely been preventable.

So please everyone.........please be careful

Oh, by the way, Dee. I lived in Venice for many years and in fact worked in the Venice Hospital. I worked nights and used to ride my bike to and from since for a while we lived one block from the beach on Armada. This was more than 20 years ago.

 

[Dee]

Betty,

You didn't offend me at all, in fact made me think twice about having that tan that I always think I need. Isn't it funny how we can get so caught up with something like having a tan? In fact when I came out of my OHS and I was alive and doing well, I told myself that I wasn't going to worry about the 'little' things in life, like having a tan, that I was just going to be happy to be alive and enjoy life! Wouldn't you know it, the weather starts getting nice and what are my first thoughts??

I'm so sorry about what you have had to go through!! I'm glad that you didn't just sit back and 'cringe' listening to us go on and on about getting tans. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and opening my eyes again! I am no longer going to be the 'sun worshiper' that I once was! Thank you!!

~DeeDee~

 

[pegne]

Betty

Betty

I can understand your concern for everybody after all you have been through. I am so sorry you had to go through that. I still am not, or ever have been, a sun worshiper. I like to get a base at the begining of the year so I don't burn. I have literally had third degree burns and ended up at the emergency room from staying out in the sun too long. Stupid, I know, but that is how bad I burn. I am not real pale or red haired either. Just real sensitive to the rays of the real sun. Dee, I too bought a tankini last year. It is the first suit I really feel comfortable in. I haven't worn a bikini since after my first heart surgery at 18. Since they came out with these tankinis I feel I can be a little stylish and still cover up.

 

[Zipper]

FDA says:

FDA says:

I did a search and obtained the specifics of the FDA regulations for Sunless Tanning Booths. I will question my local facility and make sure they have the safety requiremets before I try it.

The warnings about sun exposure are always good reminders for everyone. I burn very fast also, and do avoid the sun rays as often as possible, even if I end up with 'HAT HEAD'..LOL at the end of an outing. The 'spray booth' sure seems like an answer...we'll see. Can't promise a picture tho!!! The Teddy avatar is much cuter ;-)

I think everyone can read about FDA Reg's at:

http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tan4.html

Hope I did that right..if not...just try the search for DHA-Spray Sunless "Tanning" Booths.

Best to all,

Zipper