Objective To analyze the effect of empathy nursing on surgical wound healing and scar aesthetics in patients undergoing hysterectomy. Methods A total of 88 patients undergoing elective hysterectomy in our hospital from February to December 2023 were selected. According to the random number table method, they were divided into control group and observation group, 44 patients in each group. The control group was given perioperative nursing, and the observation group was given empathy nursing on the basis of perioperative nursing. The width and thickness of scar, wound healing, quality of life, mood state and pain score were compared between the two groups. Results The width and thickness of scar in the observation group were smaller than those in the control group (P <0.05). The healing rate of grade A in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the healing rate of grade B and grade C was lower than that in the control group (P <0.05). The scores of all dimensions of quality of life in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). The HAMA and HAMD scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P <0.05). The pain score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group on the 3rd after operation (P <0.05). Conclusion Empathy nursing can optimize the wound healing of patients undergoing hysterectomy, improve the thickness and width of scars, reduce postoperative incision pain, relieve adverse psychological emotions, and improve the quality of life of patients.