Both methods cause scar tissue to form as the incisions heal.
Typically, these scars fade over time with proper care.
A laparoscopic appendectomy is a less invasive surgery than an open appendectomy.
Андрей Клеменков / Getty Images
Location
Healthcare providers make multiple incisions during laparoscopic appendectomy surgery.
The location of these incisions varies by thesurgeon.
During the healing process, scar tissue forms in each incision.
Size
Laparoscopic incisions are very smallusually less than one-half of an inch.
Open appendectomy incisions are typically between 2 and 4 inches.
Normal Healing vs.
Infected Incision
After surgery, your incisions go through thehealing process.
Initially, they will be swollen and tender to the touch and appear darker than your natural skin color.
Small amounts of fluid will drain from the incision.
This fluid should be clear or have a small amount of blood.
It is normal for the scar to itch during this time.
Eventually, your scar will fade, which can take up to two years.
However, this might not be immediately obvious because pain is expected during the first couple weeks after appendectomy.
Scar Tissue Buildup After Appendectomy
Sometimes, excess scar tissue can develop after appendectomy.
Abnormal scars can behypertrophicorkeloid.
Excess scar tissue is treatable, but there’s no guarantee it will go away.
Treatments can include:
On rare occasions, hypertrophic or keloid scars aresurgically removed.
However, they frequently grow backand often end up more prominent than the original scar.
Appendectomy Scar Endometriosis
Endometriosisoccurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
In one study, 37% of people with endometriosis had endometrial lesion growth affecting the gastrointestinal system.
However, of that 37%, only 3% had lesions affecting the appendix.
Endometriosis can also impact scar tissue after appendectomy or other pelvic procedures, but it is rare.
While it is uncomfortable, pain inside the scar is a normal part of the healing process.
Itching
Similar to pain,itchingis expected during the healing process.
Use firm pressurebut not so much that it causes pain.
Scar tissue forms long after your incision has healed, so keep up the scar massage.
Scar tissue will become softer and lighten in color around two to three months after surgery.
Over time, scars typically become flatter and lighten in color.
In some cases, excess scar tissue forms, leading to hypertrophic or keloid scars.
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