When Stomach Muscles Are Stitched Together, What is Used, is It Strong and Holds Up Long?

The rectus muscles, that you see as a "six-pack" in body builders, typically get pushed apart during pregnancy (called a diastasis.) Because the direction of contraction of the muscles is up and down, not sideways, they cannot be pulled together with exercise which is why they are repaired with a tummy tuck. This repair does not involve cutting the muscles, or even putting the stiches into the muscle. They are encased in a tough lining called fascia, which holds the sutures. After the repair is done the body has to heal it just like with a hernia repair. So in the long-term, it is your own tissue that supports the repair regardless of the sutures. However, we use permanent suture material just to make sure that it holds up long enough for strong healing.

Many people use the term "muscle tightening" when referring to a full tummy tuck / abdominoplasty.  What is actually happening is a rectus diastasis repair.  This means that the fascia between the muscles is sewn together.  Usually a permanent sutures such as Nylon is used.  In my patients I do two to three layers of sutures to create a very strong plication (attachment).  I hope this answer is helpful.

 

Good Luck.

Preference for suture material varies depending on the surgeon- some using absorbable sutures and others permanent sutures. Various suturing techniques are also employed, some using continuous sutures while others using separate or interrupted suture. As long as the grade of suture material is thick enough the technique may not matter, although my personal preference is interrupted permanent suture for the most secure closure. Whatever technique is utilized it is most important that during the post operative period heavy lifting or significant exercise that could potentially disrupt the repair be avoided for 6 to 8 weeks.