How long do laparoscopic incisions take to stop hurting?

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, often called 'keyhole surgery,' accounts for a significant portion of modern surgical procedures due to its smaller incisions and faster recovery. But even with these advantages, patients understandably want to know: how long do laparoscopic incisions take to stop hurting?

Quick Summary

The most significant pain from laparoscopic incisions typically subsides within the first week, while residual discomfort can last several weeks. The total recovery time is influenced by the procedure's complexity and your overall health, so managing expectations and following post-operative care are key.

Key Points

Initial Discomfort: The first 1-3 days are the most painful, often managed with prescribed medication and characterized by incision soreness and gas-related shoulder pain.
Quick Relief: Referred gas pain in the shoulder and back usually disappears completely within 2-3 days after surgery.
Rapid Incision Improvement: Surface pain from the small incisions typically fades significantly within the first week, and external healing progresses notably by weeks 2-3.
Internal Healing Takes Longer: Despite feeling better externally, internal healing and strengthening continue for 4-6 weeks or longer, requiring caution with heavy lifting and strenuous activity.
Individual Factors Matter: Your total recovery time depends heavily on the specific procedure performed, your overall health, age, and lifestyle habits.
Avoid Overexertion: Pushing yourself too hard too soon can delay healing; gentle, progressive movement like walking is recommended.

The Laparoscopic Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Recovering from a laparoscopic procedure is a journey with distinct phases. While individual experiences vary, a general timeline can help you understand what to expect.

The First Few Days (1-3 Days Post-Op)

Immediately following surgery, it is normal to experience pain and discomfort. This is the period when pain is most acute, and you will likely need prescribed pain medication.

Incision Site Pain: You will have soreness and tenderness around the small incisions on your abdomen. This is to be expected, as the body has just undergone a surgical procedure, and tissues need time to heal.
Shoulder and Back Pain: A unique aspect of laparoscopic surgery is the use of carbon dioxide gas to inflate the abdomen, which gives the surgeon a better view. This gas can irritate the diaphragm, causing referred pain in the shoulder and back. This discomfort is temporary and usually resolves within 48 to 72 hours. A heating pad can provide relief.
Other Symptoms: Drowsiness and nausea from anesthesia are common during this initial period but should subside quickly.

The First Week

As you move into the first week, you should notice a steady improvement in pain levels. Most patients can transition from stronger pain medication to over-the-counter options like acetaminophen.

Decreasing Pain: The sharpest incision pain will begin to fade, becoming more of a dull ache or sensitivity.
Increased Mobility: Gentle walking is encouraged to boost circulation and prevent complications like blood clots and pneumonia. Start slow and gradually increase your activity level. You may return to light, low-impact daily activities, but avoid strenuous tasks.

Weeks 2-3: External Healing and Light Activity

By the second and third weeks, the external signs of healing become more visible, and your energy levels should increase.

Incision Appearance: The incision sites will start to close and heal over. The stitches or surgical glue may begin to dissolve or fall off during this time.
Returning to Work: For many with desk jobs or less physically demanding work, it may be possible to return within this timeframe.
Lifting Restrictions: Continue to avoid heavy lifting or straining to protect the internal healing process.

Weeks 4-6 and Beyond: Full Recovery

By the fourth week, most individuals feel significantly better and are near a full return to their normal routine. However, it is crucial to remember that internal healing continues long after external scars have formed.

Internal Healing: Tissues and muscles are still strengthening and recovering. Surgeons often advise waiting until at least 6 weeks post-op before reintroducing heavy lifting or intense exercise.
Scar Remodeling: Scars will continue to change over time, fading from red and raised to a thinner, flatter appearance that more closely resembles your skin tone. This remodeling phase can last for months or even up to two years.

Factors Influencing Recovery Speed

Your personal recovery timeline is not set in stone and can be affected by several key factors:

Type of Surgery: The specific procedure performed laparoscopically makes a big difference. A simple diagnostic procedure or appendectomy has a much faster recovery than a more complex procedure like a hysterectomy or bowel resection.
Individual Health and Fitness: A person's age, overall health, and fitness level play a significant role in healing speed. Chronic conditions like diabetes can slow the process.
Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can impede healing. In contrast, staying active with gentle walking can speed up recovery.
Post-Op Care: Following your surgeon's specific instructions regarding medication, hydration, diet, and activity level is paramount for a smooth recovery.

Comparison: Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgery Recovery

To highlight the advantages of laparoscopic procedures, here is a comparison with traditional open surgery.


Feature	Laparoscopic Surgery	Open Surgery
Incision Size	Multiple small incisions, typically less than an inch.	One large incision.
Pain Level	Generally less severe postoperative pain due to minimal muscle and tissue disruption.	Higher levels of pain due to larger incisions and more significant tissue trauma.
Hospital Stay	Often a day or two, with some procedures being outpatient.	Usually a longer hospital stay, often 7+ days.
Recovery Time	Faster recovery, with return to normal activity often within 2-4 weeks.	Longer recovery, typically 4-8 weeks or more.
Scarring	Smaller, less prominent scars.	Larger, more visible scar.

Managing Pain and Monitoring for Complications

Effective pain management is crucial for a comfortable recovery. Your care team will provide guidance, but here are some general tips:

Medication: Take prescribed pain medication as directed during the initial recovery phase. Use over-the-counter options as your pain lessens, following dosage instructions carefully.
Heating Pad: Applying a heating pad can be very effective for relieving the referred gas pain in your shoulders and back.
Gentle Movement: Walking stimulates blood flow and helps your body process the gas used during surgery, reducing discomfort.
Incision Care: Keep the incision sites clean and dry as instructed. Watch for any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge.

For more detailed information on a wide range of health topics, visit MedlinePlus.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body for Best Results

In conclusion, the answer to how long do laparoscopic incisions take to stop hurting? is a spectrum. While the worst of the pain subsides within days, and most patients feel largely recovered within a few weeks, the deeper healing process can take up to 6 weeks or more. The key is to listen to your body, follow your doctor's instructions diligently, and have realistic expectations about your recovery journey. By taking it one step at a time, you can ensure a smooth and safe return to your normal routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Referred gas pain, which is often felt in the shoulder or back after laparoscopic surgery, typically subsides within 48 to 72 hours. Gentle walking is the best way to help your body absorb the gas and alleviate this discomfort.

Initially, you can expect soreness and tenderness at the incision sites, as well as potential referred gas pain. As healing progresses, the acute pain will lessen, becoming a milder, dull ache. Any sharp, shooting pains may indicate nerve healing and should decrease over time.

After the initial recovery period (usually the first few days), you may be able to transition from prescribed medication to over-the-counter options like acetaminophen. Always follow your doctor's advice and package instructions, as some medications might not be suitable for the early post-op phase.

Normal pain should decrease over time. You should contact your doctor if you experience increasing or severe pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or thick, yellow, or green discharge from the incision sites, as these could be signs of infection.

Yes, a feeling of tightness or pulling around the incision sites is normal as the tissue heals and a scar begins to form. This sensation is part of the body's natural healing process.

While walking is encouraged early on, you should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and intense activity for at least 4-6 weeks, or until your surgeon gives clearance. Your surgeon's specific timeline depends on the procedure performed.

Using a heating pad for gas pain, moving gently with short walks, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding heavy lifting and straining can all contribute to a more comfortable recovery. Ensure you follow all post-operative instructions provided by your doctor.