How many stitches are used to fix the muscle repair?

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

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.