How many layers of stitches are used in a full tummy tuck? Are they permanent or will they dissolve?

It is possible that there are 4 layers of suturing:The muscular fascia:  This is the deepest layer and typically involves pulling together the strectched out fascia or "diastasis recti".  This midline is designed to stretch with pregnancies but doesn't snap back very well.  The repair essentially brings the rectus abdominus (six pack) muscles back together giving another dimension of tightening of the abdominal wall.  Another possible repair in this layer is called "progressive tension suturing" which approximates the muscle fascia to the overlying subcutaneous scarps layer.  This technique reduces the tension of the final skin closure and helps to reduce seromas (decreasing the need for prolonged drains).Scarpas layer:  This is a fibrous layer within the subcutaneous fat and is important in the final closure of the  skin in reducing tension.Deep dermis:  This is the deep white part of skin that is sutured without  penetrating the outside surface.Dermis-Epidermis:  This is the outer layer where a fine subcuticular (under the skin) closure or external closure can  be done.The muscle fascia should be closed with a permanent suture because absorbing sutures don't last long enough to allow adequate healing of the high tension closure.  The other layers can be done with absorbing sutures all under the skin. 

Suturing techniques vary quite a bit from doctor to doctor.Some use self-dissolving sutures, others permanent sutures.  Some use mesh, others hate it.  Some have sturdy deep layer closures, others don't.  Some use self dissolving skin sutures, others pull-out sutures.  Drains/no drains.  Pumps/no pumps.  Aftercare/no aftercare.  Different dressing types.  Different postoperative limitations.While there should be a good rationale for which sutures are chosen, would the average consumer be able to make heads or tails of these choices when doctors obviously haven't?  After all there are so many different methods still being used!  More important still is what type of tummy tuck to choose.  There are many options.It is probably more productive to focus on what the experience of other patients have been with a given surgeon, the credentials of the doctor, his or her bedside manner, the experience during the consultation, and, most importantly of all, that 'gut instinct' once all factors have been considered.