Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Side Effects from Tummy Tuck Sutures?

Hi, I am considering having abdominoplasty as I have a large diastasis from pregnancy and an umbilical hernia. I am worried about a foreign body, ie: permanent sutures. What are the sutures usually made of for this procedure and which one has been shown over years to cause little if any long term side effects?

Also, is there a technique I could ask for to get a normal small sized belly button? The pix I have seen of before and after belly button reconstruction have shown half dollar sized belly buttons. Thank you very much.

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belly button

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by JB in Florida in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA

Doctor Answers (15)
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Either suture material is fine

I used to use permanent sutures for the muscle repair, but years ago, I switched to dissolvable sutures. I tried them on smaller patients first and now I use them in every abdominoplasty. There's no difference in the results regarding the muscle repair. I also use dissolvable sutures to close the abdominal wall incision. I bring out the patient's belly button through an inverted "V" incision and this creates hooding superiorly and no outside scar can be seen inferiorly.... more

I use dissolvable sutures to repair the diastasis recti.

Hi! In Manhattan, we use absorbable sutures to repair the diastasis in a tummy tuck. The repair is permanent because the internal tissues heal together, not because of permanent sutures. And there is less risk of a deep infection with absorbable sutures. But many experienced plastic surgeons use permanent sutures, and that works well too. You can certainly have your belly button made smaller during an abdominoplasty.

Tummy Tucks and Permanent Sutures

There are both absorbable and permanent sutures that can be used to correct a diastasis. Most of the time, patients are unaware of the underlying sutures. Occasionally in very thin patients, prolene permanent sutures can be felt as a small knot. If the patient is very bothered, then a small incision can be made over the offending suture and it can be removed. Most other suture material is not palpable and doesn't cause problems. The final result of your belly button may be determined... more

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Use a board certified plastic surgeon who performs many tummy tucks

If you use a board certified plastic surgeon who you meet and feel comfortable with and who has before-after photos that you find appealing, then you will do well. The exact type of suture will not be an issue. Also, you can see the type of belly buttons that he creates and make sure you like what you see. Spend your time finding a top board certified plastic surgeon with excellent training and results and the rest will fall into place. Good luck.

The key is to find a surgeon you like and feel you can positively interact with...

Hi there- The type of suture used is going to depend a lot on the particular surgeon's preferences, but as long as you find a surgeon who does a fair number of tummy tucks, and feel comfortable with him/her, like what you see when you view photos of his/her work, and are able to confirm your positive evaluation by speaking with satisfied former patients, you should not worry that the sutures used will cause you problems down the road. I don't think this can be emphasized enough- find a... more

Either type of suture is acceptable

Either permanent or dissolvable sutures are acceptable, and it really depends on the individual style of your surgeon. Both have a low complication rate as well, so you should feel comfortable with both options. Your belly button can certainly be made smaller and more youthful in appearance, and most experienced plastic surgeons can get you this result. Good luck! Dr. S

Tummy tuck sutures

Each surgeon has his or her own preference for sutures used for diastasis repair. I tend to use absorbable sutures for most of my patients. My main reason is that many of my patients are thin and can often feel the not from the suture through their skin. With an absorbable suture, this not will disappear as the suture breaks down. With a permanent suture, the not will persist and may be bothersome for the patient. I don't think there is any significant difference in the long-term outcome... more

Variable technique for abdominoplasty

Different surgeons prefer different techniques and suture materials. Permanent sutures are usually very well-tolerated. What can happen however is that large knots may be palpable along the diastasis repair if you are very thin. Surgeons can bury the knots if that is the case. In addition, some surgeons use interrupted suture technique and others a running technique. I use an interrupted technique so that if there is an episode of increased pressure with straining or coughing, the repair... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

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Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck, belly button size, suture materials

We typically use non-dissolving sutures, even in thin ladies. Most of the suture materials are soft and literally become incorporated into the body's tissues. The incidence of palpable sutures is very very low. More commonly, it is the self dissolving sutures that cause issues as they dissolve away and produce an inflammatory reaction, and with it the suture extrudes. While this is not serious, it can be irritating to see a "pimple" develop on the incision even weeks to months... more

No side effects from permanent sutures

Hi, Every surgeon has his or her preferred sutures for use during tummy tuck surgery. We all use permanent sutures to repair the rectus diastasis (muscle separation), and this is made of materials such as polyester or nylon. These sutures are designed to have very little reaction with the patient's body. In addition, all sutures have been tested for safety prior to being released for patient use. The sutures for closing the fat and skin are usually dissolvable. Regarding your... more

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.