Recovery from Fibroid Removal Surgery: What to Expect

Uterine fibroids are a type of non-cancerous growths made of smooth muscle tissue that develop on or within the uterus. They’re incredibly common — 80% of people with a uterus will have fibroids by age 50. While some fibroids cause no symptoms, others can lead to heavy periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, and even fertility challenges.

When symptoms become severe, surgery may be the best option. A hysterectomy removes the entire uterus, and may give you longer-lasting relief from symptoms, but this isn’t the best option if you’re hoping for more kids. A myomectomy, on the other hand, removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, so it may be a better option if you’re planning for future pregnancies.

If you're preparing for a myomectomy, it's natural to have questions about what comes next. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of fibroid removal surgeries and what recovery may look in the weeks that follow. 

What are the different types of myomectomies?

There are many different types of myomectomies:

• Abdominal Myomectomy: A traditional open surgery with an abdominal incision, often recommended for large or multiple fibroids.
• Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Uses small abdominal incisions and a camera-assisted tool to remove fibroids with less risk than open surgery.
• Robotic-Assisted Myomectomy: Similar to laparoscopic, but with robotic precision, often used for hard-to-reach or multiple fibroids.
• Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: A no-incision approach using a tool inserted through the vagina, ideal for small fibroids near the uterine lining.

How long does it take to recover from fibroid removal surgery?

Depending on the type of surgery you have you may need to stay in the hospital for up to 2 days. But the fibroid surgery recovery timeline can be different from person to person.

Here are some general timelines you can expect after a myomectomy:

• Hysteroscopic myomectomy has the shortest recovery time, with most folks able to get back to their normal activities within a few days. 
• Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted myomectomies can take 2 to 4 weeks to recover from. 
• Abdominal myomectomy may require up to 6 weeks of healing.

Your personal recovery experience may differ based on things like your overall health, age, and how well you follow post-operative instructions. Staying active within your limits, managing pain effectively, and allowing your body time to heal can all help support a smoother recovery.

What to expect in the first few days after fibroid surgery

In the first few days after surgery, your body works to stop bleeding, attract healing cells, and clear out germs and dead cells. Pain and swelling are normal, but proper care can support healing and keep discomfort under control.

Tips for Early Recovery

• Manage pain – Stay on top of your medication schedule and report unusual symptoms to your doctor.
• Control inflammation – Some swelling is normal, but you can ease it with an ice pack, a post-op abdominal binder, or high-waisted yoga pants for gentle compression.
• Balance rest and movement – Get plenty of rest, but take short, pain-free walks to encourage circulation and muscle activity.
• Care for your incision – Keep it clean and dry, follow your surgeon’s instructions, and check daily for signs of infection.
• Support digestion – Hydrate and eat fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to prevent common post-op constipation.

What to expect in the first 1 to 6 weeks after fibroid surgery

During the first 6 weeks of recovery, your body works to repair surgical wounds and strengthen injured tissues. New skin and blood vessels form, helping the healing process.

The good news is, you should feel a little better each day. So, try to increase your activity a little each day, too. In fact research suggests that folks who resume their normal activities sooner were able to get back to work faster — in under 8 weeks after laparoscopic myomectomy.

Most people are back to their usual activities by around 3 weeks after a laparoscopic surgery (according to research). It may take a bit longer after more complex procedures like an abdominal myomectomy.

Tips for getting back to activity in the first 6 weeks

Supporting your recovery during this time means caring for your bowels, gently reactivating your core, and protecting your incision. Here are some tips to start with:

Avoid strain on healing incisions:

• Prevent constipation with plenty of water, fiber-rich foods, and these helpful tips for healthy poops.
• Use good posture on the toilet — prop your feet up to relax your muscles.
• Breathe while pushing — exhale like blowing out a candle instead of straining.
• Hug a pillow when coughing or pooping to protect your incision.

Gently engage your abs and pelvic floor

• Do Kegels — gently squeeze and release the muscles around your vagina and anus.
• Activate your abs — pull your belly button toward your spine on an exhale.
• Try hands-and-knees breathing (belly lifts) to engage your core without straining.

Care for your myomectomy scar:

• Protect sensitive areas by placing a soft cloth between your scar and clothing.
• Start gentle scar massage on the skin around (but not on) your scar. A physical therapist can help you with specific instructions.

To support healing:

• Gradually increase activity as you feel able — safe movement may speed up recovery.
• Follow your care team’s guidance on lifting limits.
• Maintain pelvic rest (avoid inserting anything into your vagina) to reduce infection risk and support healing.

What to expect after 6 weeks: Long-term recovery

By weeks 4 to 6, your incision may look healed, but internal healing continues for weeks to months. For example, full uterine healing after a myomectomy may take 3 to 6 months before you should try to conceive. Once your surgeon clears you for full activity, you can focus on rebuilding strength, endurance, and returning to all your usual activities — including more intense work and recreational activities.

Tips for long-term recovery

Here are some things to focus on to set up your recovery in the long term:

• More direct scar massage can help reduce excess scar tissue and minimize adhesions once your scar has fully healed.
• Prioritize good body mechanics, like proper lifting, bending, and movement habits to protect your core and pelvic health long-term.
• Check in on your pelvic floor health — while pelvic floor symptoms can improve after surgery, it’s important to let your healthcare team know if painful sex or bladder issues continue. A pelvic PT can help.
• Regain full strength — you don’t need to limit exercise forever. With proper guidance, you can safely progress back to lifting and high-impact activities.

Recovery can feel overwhelming, but expert support makes a difference. The pelvic physical therapists at Origin are experts in the pelvic anatomy, understanding of the surgical impact of gynecological surgeries like a myomectomy. The can guide you through scar care, deep core rehab, and overall recovery to help you feel strong and confident again

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