A hysterectomy, or the surgical removal of the uterus and possibly the ovaries and fallopian tubes, is performed for reasons such as endometriosis and fibroid tumors, among others. About 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the United States each year. If you have had a hysterectomy, or are planning to have one soon, one of the concerns you may have is about what kind of lasting scar you will have.
Your hysterectomy scar will depend on what kind of surgical procedure is used and what type of incision your surgeon makes. These choices depend on your unique situation, and your particular condition, your personal choice, and your doctor’s opinion all factor in. Some scars are invisible because the surgery is performed through the vagina. Some are small and located along the pubic hairline, and some are long scars visible on the lower abdomen under the navel.
In addition, the type of scar you end up with depends on a number of factors that are individual to you. Some people are simply more prone to darker scars. Since a visible scar can affect how you feel about yourself, and since some scars can cause itching and/or pain, you will want to do everything you can to minimize yours. Fortunately, there is plenty you can do to make your scar lighter, flatter, softer, and less visible.
In fact, how you care for your incision and scar may make more of a difference than any other factors in how extensive your permanent scar turns out to be. The first thing to do is follow your doctor’s instructions for postoperative incision care perfectly. Preventing infection is your first line of defense against scarring, because infection will cause inflammation, delay healing, and ultimately worsen your scar. If you notice any sign of infection, let your doctor know immediately.
Also follow your doctor’s instructions concerning your activity level after surgery. Be sure and get all the rest you are supposed to get – but once your doctor gives you the go-ahead to exercise, do it, and regularly. Exercise gets oxygen-rich blood flowing to the wound, speeding healing and minimizing your scar.
Massage is another way to minimize your hysterectomy scar. Massage improves circulation to the area and encourages collagen production and scar healing. You should also avoid smoking and eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, zinc-rich foods, protein, and plenty of water every day. And keep your scar out of the sun – it may be tempting to try and hide a scar with a tan, but it won’t work. The sun can darken scars, making them more visible, not less. To make matters worse, this change can be permanent.
Read: How Does Smoking Affect Scar Healing?
Read: How Does the Sun Affect Scars?
Finally, be sure to use a scar therapy cream that contains natural and safe ingredients. Avoid hydroquinone, kojic acid, and vitamin E – common scar therapy ingredients – because all of these have either limited effectiveness or potentially dangerous side effects. Look instead for one containing dimethicone silicone along with vitamin C. These are completely safe, gentle and natural ingredients proven to improve the appearance of a wide range of scar types.
Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.
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The information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please speak to your doctor to treat any medical condition. Information on this site is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Well I just had surgery on Nov 1 and iam not happy with the scar I had a hysterectomy done iam so disappointed in all doc in vold iam very unhappy now what is the reasoning for a follow up and what does it consest of
Hi Diane, can you tell us more about the scar? Was your hysterectomy done the traditional way or laparscopically? And there is always a follow up appointment after surgery. This is to make sure your wound isn’t infected, that you are healing the way you should and to be preventative in case there are any issues.