What kind of scarring can I expect?

Keywords: Scars. Keyhole. Surgery.

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Written by IAPMD
Updated over a week ago

This will depend on the type of surgery you  have.

Laparoscopic (including vaginally assisted surgery) :

This ‘keyhole’ surgery is the most common and least invasive form of surgery. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny instruments to remove the uterus (and/or ovaries) through small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon starts by inserting a laparoscope through a small incision in the belly button. This is a thin, flexible tube that contains a video camera. It gives surgeons a clear view of internal organs without the need for a large incision. Next, they’ll make two or three small incisions in the abdomen. They’ll use these small holes to insert small surgical tools. These incisions will leave a few small scars, each about the size of a dime.

Vaginal:

A fully vaginal hysterectomy would leave no external scars - an incision is made around the cervix and then the surgery is performed internally and the reproductive organs are removed via the vaginal canal.

Abdominal:

Abdominal hysterectomies are performed through a large abdominal incision. Typically, the surgeon makes a horizontal cut above the pubic hairline, but they may also do it vertically from the top of 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.


Visit www.iapmd.org/surgery for lots of evidence-based information and resources for those considering, going through or recovering from surgery for PMDD/PME.

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