What happens to the internal sutures in a Tummy Tuck when correcting the diastasis recti?

Both permanent and dissolvable sutures can be used.  A combination of them is also used quite frequently.  Studies have shown long term repair with dissolvable sutures. 

Typically the sutures use doing an abdominoplasty for muscle repair a permit. The permit sutures create a scar that holds the muscles in place. Therefore, the muscles did not relapse and the sutures do not dissolve

its been pretty well shown at this point in the literature that permanent sutures are not required for muscle tightening in an abdominoplasty and may in fact cause more problems then slow dissolving absorbable sutures. We switched from a permanent nylon suture to an absorbable PDS suture based on the increasing scientific literature. The PDS lasts long enough for mature scar to form, while the nylon or other permanent sutures tend to gradually tear small holes in the muscle over years/decades.

The inner edges of the tissue covering the muscles are often brought together in the mid-line during a tummy tuck procedure.  Some surgeons use permanent sutures, others use slowly dissolving sutures, and some surgeons don't do anything to the muscles, leaving them completely alone.  I have use each of these options, varying the choice depending on the physical findings and the desires of the person undergoing the surgery.  If you are thinking about this type of surgery, visit with a surgeon who has a lot of experience in body contour procedures.  That surgeon should be able to customize the treatment to you, helping you achieve what may be an amazing result!

The repair of the muscle separation during an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is most often performed with permanent sutures. The edges of the rectus abdominis muscles are sutured together which restores the pre-pregnancy position and contour of the muscles .The permanent sutures will be incorporated into the scar and will not be felt. Permanent sutures are used as most women who have an Abdominoplasty are not planning on having more children. Absorbable sutures can be used but the repair is much less stable.

When I put the two edges of the muscle back together I use permanent suture. These are sutures that will never dissolve, so they will always be there holding the muscles together.

Not silly at all. It depends on the surgeon really. In the case of dissolvable sutures they are merely there to hold things together until the healing process locks everything in place essentially. Many people use permanent stitches for muscle plication and in that case they remain in addition to all the healing basically forever. If considering a tummy tuck you can ask the surgeons you consult with what they do and have them explain it as well. Best of luck.

Hi and thank you for your question.  What suture is used during the procedure depends on the surgeon but most surgeons use the kind that are absorbable and by the time these have dissolved the repair of the muscles will be strong enough to withstand the normal stresses of the body.  Please see a plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss your options.

some surgeons use permanent, others use a long lasting suture.both work fine and rarely cause problems. remember the surgeon is suturing the fascia, which is the layer over the muscle. the muscles willstill work normally - it will narrow the space that has occurred between the muscles.david berman md