Permanent and Visible Sutures for Tummy Tuck: Normal?

There are a variety of options available for wound closure.
However, there is one general trend. Most surgeons use permanent sutures for the muscle repair.
You must understand that permanent sutures don't always assure a permanent result of effect. Let me explain with an analogy.
IF you graft two tree limbs together, duct tape (= permanent suture) is commonly used to hold them together unitl they heal. Once they heal, the tape (suture) can be removed.
In performing a muslce repair, we often use permanent sutures in the same fashion. Some surgeons feel that the muscles never truly heal together. However, the scar tissue surrounding the repair tends to subsitute for the sutures over time and hold the muscles together. This does not mean that subsequent pregancies or weight gain could disrupt the repair.
In regards to the other layers, there is great variation in the techniques used with some surgeons using permanent sutures in the SFS layer.
Some surgeons use permanent sutures immediately below the surface of the skin with the belief that this will prevent the scar from becoming wide. However, this sets up a potential condition where sutures can "spit" for the rest of your life due to the proximity to the skin surface and can become a nuisance.
Regardless of technique or sutures, some people heal with excellent scars while others heal undesireably.
I have overly simplified this complex and debated subject but I hope this helps you gain a better understanding.

Both permanent and absorbable sutures are used in most abdominoplasty procedures.  Permanent (but not visible) sutures are often used to tighten the muscles.  It is variable what type of suture is used on the skin.  If permanent sutures are used on the skin they are usually removed by one week.

A tummy tuck procedure utilizes both absorbable sutures for the suture line and non-absorbable sutures for the midline abdominal muscle tightening. The type of suture and more importantly, the method of suturing, is critical to acheiving excellent results.
One of the most crucial factors in the long term outcome depends on the sutures used to reapproximate a very important fascial layer known as Scarpa's fascia. If this is not performed, the incision may splay apart and become depressed.