Old Laparoscopy Scar - red cut like mark...?

[Nessicle]

I'm feeling a bit scared that my old laparoscopy scar from about 5 years ago is going to tear open. I had a horrible post surgical infection after the op where the tissue was damaged but it's had plenty of time to go back to normal and heal. I've just been to the toilet and noticed that there is a red 3mm cut like mark to the side of it leading off from the old scar. It's a cut underneath the skin which is what's freaking me out like my belly is going to rip open as I get bigger.....I'm pretty scared if I'm honest!

Anyone else ever experienced this or know what i should do?xx

 

[fizzymum]

Hi there!

Is it the scar on your belly button that you are worried about? I had a laparoscopy years ago and have had 2 children since and expecting another and everything was fine. I was a bit worried this time as I had an umbilical hernia repaired last september and was worried about the stitches that are still inside but have been reassured that it shouldnt be a problem.
If you are worried, speak to your midwife or gp, they should be able to reassure you
hth
xx

 

[Nessicle]

thank you for replying!

Yeah I have two scars as had two laparoscopies - one in November 2005 and one in July 2007. The 2005 one I ended up with a post surgical infection so it burst open and I had to have it cleaned out every day and a lot of tissue was eaten away by the infection but obviously over 5 years it's rectified and gone back to normal (as far as I'm aware).

The scars have stretched which I don't worry about but it seems like I have a tiny tear next to one of the scars and its scaring me a little that it's going to get bigger and rip open...got mw in two weeks so going to mention it to her then see what she says.

Thank you for your reassurance though - especially after the umbillical hernia that they've reassured you xx

 

[sossypops]

I've had 5 laparoscopies and am really scarred round my belly button. I also have 4 big scars from gallbladder surgery. I was worried about them being a problem too and asked my consultant. He said there wouldn't be a problem at all, and so far there hasn't, apart from them looking stretched. But please get yours checked just in case. It might just be a stretchmark which is in the same place?

 

[starcrossed]

Ness, I'll take a piccy of my belly, I look like a road map.

2 keyhole procedures and 1 from boobs to under belly button Then my tummy tuck scar.

I spoke to the surgeon about these and he said they may go red, like strechmarky but nothing much to worry about.

Pop some moisture on and I hope you feel better with it soon!!

Delly xxx

 

[Terangela]

Your tissue will be weaker there, so it is likely a stretch mark appearing in the weakened tissue. I have bad stretch mark scars from my first and they turned red and looked like it was cutting open when I had my second. I am expecting the same to happen this time as well. After your belly stops stretching it will likely fade as it did after the surgery and go back to norm after your belly has shrunk back down and isn't being stretched.

 

[KimmyB]

Ness, hope you're doing OK apart from the scar issue My laparoscopy scar from the ectopic (in my belly button) has also gone bright red (aswell as my csection style scar where they removed my tube) Both look stretched but I'm sure they won't rip open. As someone else said, scar tissue never regains it's full strength but it's highly unlikely it would rip open (and I only had my op 5 months before falling pregnant) I did however have some pain around my belly button around 20 weeks (think it was just my uterus aggravating the scar tissue on the inside) but don't think its anything to worry about x

 

[Nessicle]

Thank you all I really appreciate your comments! You've all really helped I'm relieved to know you guys all have scars too and I know I'm probably being silly about my scar bursting open lol especially after so long!

You're probably right Terangela about the stretchmark - maybe I just didnt expect it to look like that and I'm over reacting

I'm putting cocoa butter on 3 times a day now especially as it's so itchy, flaky and red round my laparoscopy scars so will keep up with that.

Will defo point it out to my midwife too but sure she won't be concerned.

Thanks again guys
xxx

 

[Nessicle]

Ness, hope you're doing OK apart from the scar issue My laparoscopy scar from the ectopic (in my belly button) has also gone bright red (aswell as my csection style scar where they removed my tube) Both look stretched but I'm sure they won't rip open. As someone else said, scar tissue never regains it's full strength but it's highly unlikely it would rip open (and I only had my op 5 months before falling pregnant) I did however have some pain around my belly button around 20 weeks (think it was just my uterus aggravating the scar tissue on the inside) but don't think its anything to worry about x

Hi honey

I'm really good thank you apart from the scar thing te he!!

How about you? not long left now xx

 

[2016]

I have scars from a gallbladder op and en ectopic op. They were virtually invisible before I got pregnant and now they all seems to have stretched and look about 3mm wide each and quite red. I rub E45 cream all over my bump every day which helps with any itching. Like KimmyB, I also had pain where the scars are as my uterus grew. The skin should hold together but I would always say to check with your doc or midwife to be sure if you are worried. Perhaps you could take a picture so we can see exactly what you mean...

 

[Nessicle]

Ok here's a piccie - I've put a ring round the red cut like mark I'm referring to, it doesnt look like much at the moment but that's what I'm worried about - it stretching further lol it's like a proper red cut in real life. My scars are really red and itchy too but again you can't really tell on the piccie. Bizzarre seeing my belly button this close the line down the left side is just from my leggings lol x

 

[2016]

It looks ok to me at the moment hun. I would keep an eye on it, maybe measure it and see if it is getting bigger and how quickly. Like others said it is most likely just a weakness in the skin there. Your bump is beautiful and round btw. Wish mine looked that good!

 

[Nessicle]

Aw thank you hun i look like I've swallowed a footbally from the front my ass is getting bigger to match it now though lol not happy about that ha ha!

Yeah good idea I'll measure it every week when I do my bump piccies and see if I notice any change x

 

[KimmyB]

I'm great thanks, just can't wait for little man to arrive!

 

[secretbaby]

I had keyhole surgery in november and was worried about if my scar was healing o.k (due to prev healing problems) the doctor was able to examine it and he was able toassure me the lower layers were very well knitted together and the top layer would get there in time - he was right.

Get your gp or midwife to have a look if you are worried and they should be able to put your mind at rest.

 

[Nessicle]

thank you secretbaby, it doesnt apear to have stretched over the last few days but keeping my eye on it til my mw appt in just over a week x

 

[rosiepops]

* WARNING PHOTO ATTACHED *

I am really freaked out about my laparoscopy scar breaking open. It is sometimes a bit wet and smelly (very occassionally) still despite the fact I had it in 2007 - should I be worried? Initially it did seem infected but GPs assured me it was ok.
I have attached a photo of my belly button as it is today. I am also 19 and a half weeks pregnant. Please help if you can.
Thanks