During a Tummy tuck, do you use permanent sutures to close the diastasis or dissolving sutures, and why?

As plastic surgeons, we all have different experiences and based on those have different preferences. There are plastic surgeons that will swear permanent sutures must be used and those that swear that there is no difference between dissolving and permanent suture in rectus plication. You know what this means? Well, it means that either way is probably just as good as the other and it doesn't really matter as long as the muscles are brought together in the right manner. I prefer to use permanent suture. I have had no problems using this suture to date. I do not think you should base your decision on who you go to based on the suture used. The most important things are how you feel about the surgeon when you met him, what do his results look like and does he have mostly good reviews/good word of mouth. There are many other factors that should be used when picking a board certified plastic surgeon to perform your tummy tuck but those were just a few I think are important. Ankur Mehta MD

Thank you for your question.  I would say it would be surgeon preference. I use permanent sutures for the diastasis repair.  Best wishes.

Thanks for your inquiry, I use two layers of suture, first permanent interrupted suture, followed by a long lasting continous absorbable suture.  As you have experienced there will be no consensus, as you have heard both approaches already.  Hope more of colleagues give you their input and best of luck.