What do hysterectomy scars look like?

Abdominal Hysterectomy Scar Pictures

Abdominal hysterectomy usually leaves one large scar around the "bikini line," about halfway between the belly button and the pubic bone. A visible crease is usually visible even after the incision is fully healed.

What kind of scar does a hysterectomy leave?

Abdominal hysterectomy scars

Typically, the surgeon makes a horizontal cut above the pubic hairline, but they may also do it vertically from the top the hairline to the belly button. Both of these incisions leave a visible scar. Today, surgeons generally avoid using this approach in favor of less invasive techniques.

How long does it take for your stomach to shrink after a hysterectomy?

You will probably notice that your belly is swollen and puffy. This is common. The swelling will take several weeks to go down. It may take about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover.

Does a hysterectomy scar fade?

Here's where the problem lies: C-section scars and hysterectomy scars will be there, and they may take years before they fade on their own. They'll still leave marks, but they'll be less visible by then. But when worse comes to worst, the healing process can go sideways and create keloids or hypertrophic scars.

What fills the space after a hysterectomy?

After a hysterectomy, your small and large intestines, which are the largest organs near your uterus, will move to fill most of the space that your uterus previously occupied.

Hysterectomy Incision Healing | HOW

Can a man feel the difference after a hysterectomy?

Conclusion: The majority of women and their partners reported no negative impact on sexual satisfaction after abdominal hysterectomy, regardless if subtotal or total. The only predictor of negative sexual experience of partners after hysterectomy was negative sexual experience before hysterectomy.

Does stomach look flat after hysterectomy?

Internal lower abdominal and pelvic swelling can take a number of months to subside after a hysterectomy. Abdominal hysterectomy and abdominal incisions can cause the deep abdominal muscles to stop working. When these muscles stop working, this can make your belly look floppy and larger in size.

Do your hips get wider after a hysterectomy?

The uterine ligaments are the pelvis' support structures so the torso collapses after those ligaments are cut to remove the uterus. The hips widen and the spine and rib cage fall. This explains why hysterectomized women have shortened and thickened midsections and no curve in their lower backs.

Is it harder to lose weight after hysterectomy?

The bottom line. There's no connection between hysterectomy and weight loss. Any weight loss noticed after a hysterectomy probably has an unrelated cause. Always talk to your doctor about any unintentional weight loss, as there could be an underlying condition at play.

How long is bed rest after a hysterectomy?

Depending on various procedures, the individual may be advised to rest from two to six weeks, with the first two weeks consisting of bed rest.

How painful is hysterectomy?

You may feel discomfort at the incision site for about four weeks, and any redness, bruising or swelling will disappear in four to six weeks. Feeling burning or itching around the incision is normal. You may also experience a numb feeling around the incision and down your leg.

Will I gain weight after a hysterectomy?

It's a fairly prevalent post-op side effect, even in the absence of adjustments to diet or physical activity level. A Journal of Women's Health study concluded that there is indeed a greater chance of weight gain after a hysterectomy, especially in the first year.

Where do they make the incision for a hysterectomy?

To perform the hysterectomy, your surgeon makes a cut (incision) in your lower abdomen, using one of two approaches: A vertical incision, which starts in the middle of your abdomen and extends from just below your navel to just above your pubic bone.

Does having a hysterectomy age you faster?

Having a hysterectomy is a big change for your body. Depending on where you are in your menopause journey, this type of procedure can cause hormonal changes resulting in different side effects. A hysterectomy by itself usually doesn't affect your hormones and aging as much.

Does your skin change after hysterectomy?

Skin Changes After a Hysterectomy

Post-hysterectomy, some women report increased oiliness and breakouts while others experience skin dryness. The type of hysterectomy one's undergone and whether they are using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) plays a major role in the skin's reaction.

What are the disadvantages of having a hysterectomy?

Con: hysterectomy is a major surgery

The procedure is classified as a 'major surgery' and around 3% of recipients experience a major complication. ³ Major complications include hemorrhage, bowel injury, bladder injury, pulmonary embolism, adverse reactions to anesthesia, wound dehiscence, and hematoma.

How much does a uterus weigh in lbs?

Uterus = 2 pounds. The uterus is the place inside you where your baby grows.

Has anyone lost weight after hysterectomy?

It may be that removing the uterus and any subsequent pain may result in a decrease in appetite, resulting in weight loss. Losing weight after a hysterectomy is fairly common, but if you were underweight to begin with or experience rapid weight loss after a hysterectomy, you may wish to speak with your doctor.

Will a hysterectomy ruin my tummy tuck?

A: hysterectomy will not affect a tummy tuck result

A hysterectomy will not affect your contour after a tummy tuck procedure. Many women have multiple intra-abdominal surgeries, such as C-sections, appendectomies, ovarian surgery, etc.

Can you get a tummy tuck during a hysterectomy?

With the cooperation of your gynecologist, an abdominoplasty can be performed at the same time as hysterectomy. There is the obvious saving of an anesthesia and recovery period but the costs may not be shared. The procedure must be planned well in advance with each surgeon understanding his area of responsibility.

Is oral OK after hysterectomy?

Can you have oral sex after a hysterectomy? This is also something you'd want to run by your doctor, but in most cases, once you're fully healed after the hysterectomy, oral sex should fine.

How will my body change after a hysterectomy?

Since estrogen affects tissues throughout your body, system-wide changes take place such as: Loss of bone density and increased risk for osteoporosis. Accelerated skin aging due to dehydration and loss of collagen. Changes in blood vessels that increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Is Pap smear necessary after hysterectomy?

Pap test, also called a Pap smear, is a routine screening test for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. If you had a partial hysterectomy — when the uterus is removed but the lower end of the uterus (cervix) remains — your doctor will likely recommend continued Pap tests.