How many stitches are used to fix the muscle repair?

Question

Just sitting around thinking and never thought to ask my doc.. How many stiches are used to fix the muscle repair??

Aftab Siddiqui, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Generally a single continuous suture is used to muscle repair , i use one running above the belly button and one below the belly button. Sometimes a two layer repair is done and rarely mesh is used in the muscle repair. Both absorbable and non absorbable sutures are used to repair the muscle.

Chad Douglas Tattini, MD · Answer

There are a lot of actual stitches but the actual number doesn’t matter. What matters is the type of stitches. I use 2 long permanent stitches and then reinforce it with alot of interrupted absorbable sutures. This is a very common and long-standing technique.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. There are many ways to repair the abdominal muscles; some surgeons use dissolving stitches and others use permanent sutures. The repair can be done with interrupted sutures (meaning each stitch has its own knot) or a long, running suture with only a know at either end. There are even stitches called barbed sutures that "lock" into the tissue and don't back out easily, so knots aren't required. I personally use a layer of interrupted sutures that are reinforced with a double layer of barbed sutures, and they all dissolve over time. You will need to ask your surgeon what type of repair they plan to use, and the advantages/risks of their procedure.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Philosophical,
The number of stitches depends on how the surgeon performs plication, and how wide and long the plication would be.
Rectus diastasis can be above and/or below the belly button, and can be different widths at different locations. Sometimes surgeons will plicate (close the gap) using one layer of stitches, and sometimes using two. Some surgeons will use running (continuous, or baseball stitches) and some will use interrupted (a knot tied after each stitch). 
There's lots of variations--and your surgeon should be able to tell you how he or she typically closes the gap.
Hope this helps,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At the time of tummy tuck, the muscle itself is not repaired.  The enveloped containing the muscle, called the fascia, is repaired often times with running sutures or uninterrupted.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Angelica Kavouni, MD, PhD, FRCS(Eng) · Answer

This is a good question but the answer will vary depending on the type of repair . Usually it is a long continuous repair and typically 20-30 stitches are needed. Also there may be lateral repairs, not just in the midline so it may be up to 60 stitches. It helps to reinforce the sheath and strengthen the repair

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are several ways to repair a muscle separation (diastasis.) Some surgeons use a continuous suture, some use individual sutures, some a double layer, and for a wide separation with weak tissues we might use mesh such as Galaflex or Durasorb. Your surgeon will select the technique that works best in his or her experience.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Philosophical2312,
it depends on surgeon's technique. Some use interrupted sutures, others use continued sutures, some use one layer of sutures, others multiple layers. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. The number of stitches used to repair the muscle diastasis varies based on each individual patient’s anatomical need but can range between 40-50 stitches. Each surgeon’s technique of repair may also be different.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The number of sutures used during a tummy tuck with muscle repair will vary by degree of muscle diastasis as well as the surgeon's technique.  Some surgeons use layers of sutures during the procedure.   Some use running sutures and some use interrupted.  But the purpose is to get you the correction desired for a beautiful flatter, tighter tummy.

How many stitches are used to fix the muscle repair?

Answers (14)

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