It is completely natural to wonder what scars you will be left with after donating a kidney, how visible they might be, and how long it takes to heal. The reassuring news is that modern living kidney donor surgery is far less invasive than many people expect, and most donors are left with small, neat scars that fade well over time. This page explains how the kidney is removed, what a kidney donor scar typically looks like, and how it heals, so you know what to expect. 

How is a living donor kidney removed? 

There is no single way to remove a donor kidney. Transplant teams in the UK use a few different surgical techniques, and the approach your team uses will affect the size and position of your scars. 

In most cases, the kidney is removed using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, which is the standard approach in most UK transplant centres today. Rather than one large cut, the surgeon works through a few small incisions using a camera and fine instruments, and then makes one slightly larger cut to lift the kidney out. 

Some centres use variations on this. With hand-assisted keyhole surgery, the surgeon makes one slightly larger incision to guide the kidney out by hand. A growing number of units are also beginning to offer robotic-assisted surgery, where the surgeon operates through small incisions using a robotic system for added precision. Open surgery, which uses a single larger incision, is now rarely used for living donors in the UK, but may still be the preferred option depending on the situation. 

Because techniques can differ from one transplant centre to the next, the best way to know exactly what your living kidney donor surgery and scars will involve is to speak to your transplant team. They will talk you through the approach they plan to use and why it is best for you.  

What does a kidney donor scar look like? 

This depends on the surgical technique used, but for most donors the scarring is small. With keyhole surgery, you can typically expect a few small cuts of around one centimetre each, where the camera and instruments were placed, plus one slightly longer cut where the kidney was removed. This longer cut is often made low down on the abdomen, near the bikini line or below the navel, so it can be covered easily. 

The exact number, size, and position of your scars will vary depending on your surgical team, your own anatomy, and the technique used. Keyhole and robotic approaches are designed to be minimally invasive and tend to leave smaller scars than traditional open surgery. Your transplant team will explain everything to you well ahead of time so you are aware of what to expect. Whatever the approach, kidney donor scars usually fade significantly over the months and years that follow. 

How kidney donor scars heal over time 

Healing happens gradually, and your scars will change a great deal over the first year. In the first few weeks, it is normal for the cuts to look red, raised, or slightly swollen, and to feel tender. This settles as the wounds knit together. Over the following 6 to 18 months, scars usually soften, flatten, and fade to a paler, less noticeable line. 

There are some simple things that can help your scars heal well: 

• Keep the area clean and follow any advice your transplant team gives you 

• Avoid exposing the fresh scars to strong sun, which can make them darker 

• Give yourself time, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity until your team recommends it is safe 

Everyone heals at their own pace, and factors like skin tone and how your body forms scar tissue play a part. If you have any concerns about how a scar is healing, your transplant team is there to help, and you are always welcome to get in touch with us too. 

What real donors say about their scars 

For many donors, the reality of their scars turns out to be far less daunting than they imagined beforehand. People often say their scars were smaller than expected, and many come to see them as a quiet reminder of something they are proud of. 

You can read more about real experiences of living kidney donation, in donors’ own words, in our donor stories, or you can speak to someone with experience of donating a kidney through the UK Living Kidney Donation Buddy Support Service.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

How big is a kidney donation scar? 

With keyhole surgery, most of the cuts are around one centimetre, plus one slightly longer cut (usually a few centimetres) where the kidney is removed. The exact size depends on the technique your surgical team uses and your own anatomy. 

Will the scar affect wearing a bikini? 

For most donors, no. The longest cut is often made low on the abdomen, near or below the bikini line, so it can usually be covered comfortably. Scars also fade over time, becoming much less noticeable. 

Does the scar hurt long-term? 

Most donors find any tenderness settles within the first few weeks to months. It is normal for a scar to feel slightly numb, tight, or sensitive for a while, but long-term pain is uncommon. If you do have ongoing discomfort, speak to your transplant team. 

Ready to learn more? 

If you are thinking about becoming a living kidney donor and want to understand what is involved, we are here to help. You can explore what the donation journey looks like from start to finish, read about recovery after donation, and work through our getting started checklist when you feel ready. 

You can also request a buddy and talk to someone who has donated, including how they felt about their own scar and recovery. There is no obligation, and getting in touch does not commit you to anything. If you have any questions, please contact our team.