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How do I Minimize a Hysterectomy Scar?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

There are several steps patients can take to minimize the appearance of a hysterectomy scar. For patients who are preparing for a hysterectomy, it is important to talk to the surgeon about the options for the incision, as it may be possible to receive a scarless hysterectomy or to place the incision in a less noticeable place. Patients with existing scars have a range of options available to make their scars less noticeable.

If a hysterectomy is recommended, patients may want to express their concerns about scarring. For some procedures, it is possible to perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy, where surgical instruments are inserted through the navel and the uterus is removed vaginally. This will leave no visible scarring in addition to having a shorter recovery time. If it is necessary to make an abdominal incision, the doctor may be able to place it at the bikini line, where it will be less visible.

A laparoscopic hysterectomy can help to minimize scarring.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy can help to minimize scarring.

After a hysterectomy, following the directions for wound care will reduce the formation of scarring. Once the surface wound is healed, patients can pursue options like specialized bandages designed to break down and minimize scar tissue, along with massage. Massaging a hysterectomy scar will break down the collagen inside, making it appear smaller. Any cream or oil can be used during massage, although products with ingredients like vitamin E can have more skin benefits and may help minimize a hysterectomy scar even further.

When in the sun, bear in mind that scar tissue does not tan like the rest of your skin.
When in the sun, bear in mind that scar tissue does not tan like the rest of your skin.

The earlier people start treatments to minimize a scar, the more successful they will be, as scar formation continues during the healing process. People with old scars are not out of options, though. There are skin resurfacing procedures that can be performed to remove upper layers of scar tissue. Paired with massage of the site after the procedure, these can minimize the appearance of a scar. A dermatologist can provide a consultation for patients interested in exploring this option. Very large and ugly scars can be candidates for scar revision surgery, where a surgeon will resurface the area. This surgery will still leave marks, but they will be less visible.

Vaginal bleeding may occur following a hysterectomy.
Vaginal bleeding may occur following a hysterectomy.

It's important to be aware that tanning around a hysterectomy scar will make the scar more visible, as scar tissue does not tan like neighboring skin. Tattooing over scars is also not generally recommended, although a creative design may integrate the scar and turn it into part of the artwork, making a patient feel more confident about a hysterectomy scar.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

@ddljohn-- Don't worry, you will be fine. I used Vitamin E oil on my incision and now it's barely visible.

stoneMason

@ddljohn-- What type of hysterectomy will you be getting?

Not all hysterectomies are the same, the surgeon can make an incision in three different places to get the uterus out. He can cut right below the belly button, at the hairline or on top of the vagina. The first two have the highest instances of scarring. When the cut is made below the belly button, this is something that can be seen when wearing a bikini. When the cut is made at the pubic hairline, the cut is usually wide but it won't be visible with a bikini. The third type, when the cut is made on the vagina, will not be visible for the most part because of hair.

But it's not up to us to decide which type of incision we will get. It depends on all that is being removed and the size of our organs. There are some topical creams you can use for hysterectomy scar tissue after your surgery, your doctor can prescribe them to you.

ddljohn

I saw some pictures of hysterectomy incisions and they all look so bad. There were abdominal hysterectomy scars in all of them, all across the navel.

I'm due to have a hysterectomy in a week and I'm very worried about scarring now. I'm going to be so ugly.

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    • A laparoscopic hysterectomy can help to minimize scarring.
      By: Grzegorz Kwolek
      A laparoscopic hysterectomy can help to minimize scarring.
    • When in the sun, bear in mind that scar tissue does not tan like the rest of your skin.
      By: Antonioguillem
      When in the sun, bear in mind that scar tissue does not tan like the rest of your skin.
    • Vaginal bleeding may occur following a hysterectomy.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      Vaginal bleeding may occur following a hysterectomy.
    • Hormone replacement therapy can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.
      By: Fernando Madeira
      Hormone replacement therapy can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.
    • Women should refrain from sexual intercourse for up to six weeks following a vaginal hysterectomy.
      By: bonninturina
      Women should refrain from sexual intercourse for up to six weeks following a vaginal hysterectomy.
    • Women should avoid heavy lifting for about two months following a hysterectomy.
      By: jrwasserman
      Women should avoid heavy lifting for about two months following a hysterectomy.
    • Estrogen cream is a form of hormone replacement therapy that can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Estrogen cream is a form of hormone replacement therapy that can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.