laparoscopic surgery scars - #13367
I am freakin’ worried about these laparoscopic surgery scars! Like, I had my gallbladder removed last month, and they did it laparoscopically which I thought was great, but now that it’s healing, I can see these tiny scars and I can't help but wonder if they’re going to get worse? At first, my doc said healing should be pretty good since they’re smaller cuts, but I keep seeing all these online posts about people having visible laparoscopic surgery scars and how some end up looking kinda bad. I have fair skin, and I feel like scars can show up pretty easily on me. I mean, my sister had laparoscopic appendectomy like a year ago, and her scars are kinda noticeable, but she says that they’ll fade over time. I want to believe that too, but what if mine don’t? I always wear shorts in the summer and I’m just not sure how I feel about showing these scars off, especially if they don’t get better. Should I be doing something special to care for them? Any tips or experiences with laparoscopic surgery scars? I'm just trying to figure out what to expect really, any advice welcome!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Laparoscopic surgery is generally less invasive and tends to leave smaller scars than traditional open surgeries, but it’s natural to worry about their appearance as they heal. Each person’s skin heals differently, so it’s possible for scars to vary in appearance. Fair skin might indeed make scars a bit more noticeable, but over time, most laparoscopic scars fade significantly. Typically, this fading process can take several months to a year, but some factors like genetics and how your skin reacts to injury can influence this timeline. Preventive care can help improve the final appearance of these scars. Firstly, it’s important to protect the scars from sun exposure, as UV light can lead to darker or more noticeable scars. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen on the scars whenever they’re exposed to sunlight can be beneficial. You might also consider silicone gel sheeting or silicone-based scar creams. Evidence suggests these can help in reducing scar size and improving scar appearance when used consistently over time. Hydrating the scar area with a good moisturizer, like those containing hyaluronic acid or vitamin E, can support skin healing. It’s typically advisable to massage the scar gently as it heals, fostering better alignment of collagen fibers. If the scars don’t improve or you notice any unusual changes, consulting a dermatologist could provide more tailored options such as laser treatments or steroid injections. Avoid any abrasive treatments or harsh chemicals on the area in the healing phase. If at any point the scars become painful, red, or inflamed, it’s important to get them checked out as these could be signs of infection or abnormal healing. Generally, though, with proper care and patience, most laparoscopic scars do become less conspicuous with time.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.