See hysterectomy scar pictures from 3 different techniques and the types of incisions they require. Dr. Lalezarian discusses the 3 different techniques, where the hysterectomy scar is, how it heals, and shows pictures of the stomach after a vaginal, laparoscopic, and abdominal hysterectomy.
In this Article
Types of hysterectomy surgery
Laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy scar locations
Pictures of laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy scars
A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus or womb. Hysterectomy may be used to treat uterine fibroids, endometriosis, cancer, severe vaginal bleeding, or chronic pelvic pain. To perform a hysterectomy, incisions are required to access and remove the uterus. Depending on the location of these incisions, different scars can develop – some of which are much larger and more visible than others in the stomach area.
For many women, it’s not just the surgery that bothers them, but the scars. In fact, a doctor in Florida surveyed women in his area about the scars and surgery, and most women agreed that the ideal procedure would be scar-free, or at worst leave small hidden scars.¹ This is particularly important in the case of hysterectomy for fibroids, as women in this group are more likely to be young, active, and concerned about the long-term reminder of the operation.
Hysterectomy Incision Types & Locations
Over the past couple of decades, surgeons have invented ways to minimize both the risks of the operation and the long-term cosmetic effects. Hysterectomies can be divided into three categories based on how the uterus is accessed: vaginal, laparoscopic, and abdominal.² Each of these approaches requires different incisions and leaves scars in unique locations when the incisions heal.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus through the vagina. In most cases, vaginal hysterectomy is the preferred method because it is very low risk and leaves no external scars. Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons a vaginal hysterectomy cannot be performed is because the uterus is too large, which is often the case when a woman has fibroids. Typically, surgeons will attempt a vaginal hysterectomy if the uterus is smaller than the size of the uterus that is 12-weeks pregnant.³⁻⁴ For women who cannot undergo a vaginal hysterectomy, the laparoscopic and abdominal approaches are still options.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus using small incisions and cameras. In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen, usually off to the side from the belly button, and removes the uterus with tools that can go through these small incisions. Laparoscopic hysterectomy uses a number of tiny incisions rather than one large one so there is minimal scarring.
The laparoscopic approach may be preferred because it has a lower risk for infection, results in less pain, and has a faster healing time. However, there are times when a laparoscopic approach is started, but the surgeon decides to convert to the abdominal approach during the surgery. We cover more on conversion in hysterectomy surgery below.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
Abdominal hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus through the abdominal wall. The uterus is accessed through one large horizontal incision about halfway between the belly button and the pubic bone,⁵ sometimes called a “bikini cut.” This is the most invasive approach to hysterectomy and leaves the largest scar of any hysterectomy technique.
Conversion in Hysterectomy
In hysterectomy surgery, conversion is when the surgeon changes from one strategy to a different one midway through a surgery. This can happen for strategic or reactive reasons. A large study was undertaken in 2013 to evaluate how often a laparoscopic hysterectomy may be converted to an abdominal hysterectomy.⁶ They found that conversion happened roughly 5% of the time, and when it did, it was for strategic reasons 69% of the time, most often due to visibility or mobility problems of the uterus or surrounding structures as a consequence of the patient’s BMI or uterus size. A separate study in 2016 found similar rates of conversion but also confirmed that experienced surgeons (with >20 laparoscopic hysterectomies) were much less likely to convert to the abdominal approach.⁷
Pictures of Stomach After Hysterectomy
Below you will find pictures of the stomach after a hysterectomy (laparoscopic and abdominal).
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Scar Pictures
Laparoscopic hysterectomy usually leaves 2 to 4 small scars at various locations through the abdomen. There are many successful laparoscopic approaches, so many scar patterns are possible. Laparoscopic hysterectomy scars are much less visible than abdominal scars. Below are two pictures of the stomach after a laparoscopic hysterectomy showing the scars.
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. Below are four images of an abdominal hysterectomy scar.
Hysterectomy for Fibroids – Best Option for You
Hysterectomy continues to be a common treatment option for fibroids. The benefits of a hysterectomy are worth considering, but invasive surgical procedures also carry significant risks. And depending on your specific case, hysterectomy scars may be an absolute certainty. Learn more about the pros and cons of a hysterectomy.
Major surgery is a major decision. Women seeking treatment for fibroids should be aware that there are effective alternatives to hysterectomy that keep the uterus intact and provide faster recovery without any scarring. Contact the Fibroid Specialists of University Vascular to learn about your fibroids and alternatives to hysterectomy.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Lalezarian is a practicing interventional radiologist with the Fibroid Specialists of University Vascular in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to patient care, Dr. Lalezarian teaches and supervises medical students, residents, and fellows as a full time teaching Professor in the Department of Radiology at UCLA. He is regarded as an expert in uterine fibroid embolization. You can view Dr. Lalezarian's full bio here.
This blog post was written with research and editorial assistance from OnChart™.
References
[1] Mccarus SD. Scar assessment for patients undergoing minimal invasive hysterectomy. Surg Technol Int. 2014;25:150-6.
[3] Mohan Y, Chiu VY, Lonky NM. Size matters in planning hysterectomy approach. Womens Health (Lond). 2016;12(4):400-3.
[4] Panda S, Behera AK, Jayalakshmi M, Narasinga rao T, Indira G. Choosing the Route of Hysterectomy. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2015;65(4):251-4.
[5] Raghavan R, Arya P, Arya P, China S. Abdominal incisions and sutures in obstetrics and gynaecology. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist. 2014;16:13-18.
[6] Twijnstra AR, Blikkendaal MD, Van zwet EW, Jansen FW. Clinical relevance of conversion rate and its evaluation in laparoscopic hysterectomy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2013;20(1):64-72.
[7] Keurentjes JHM, Briët JM, De bock GH, Mourits MJE. Surgical volume and conversion rate in laparoscopic hysterectomy: does volume matter? A multicenter retrospective cohort study. Surg Endosc. 2018;32(2):1021-1026.
Medical Disclaimer
The Materials available on the FibroidSpecialists.org blog are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients.