Can non-absorable sutures be used for closure of Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for your question. During an abdominoplasty many sutures are placed. Depending on the type that is used, some will dissolve in 6 weeks, some in 6 months. It is not uncommon for some of the sutures to push themselves out of the incision line. Sometimes hypertropic or keloid scarring can occur. The type of suture may be changed if there are significant amount of spitting sutures or other issues. Non absorbable sutures can be used typically for the outermost layer of skin. Best to discuss with your Plastic Surgeon.

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Yes, non-absorbable sutures can be used for the closure of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). The choice of suture material and technique is often determined by the surgeon's preferences, the specific procedure performed, and individual patient factors.

Non-absorbable sutures, such as nylon or polypropylene, are not naturally broken down by the body and may require removal during a follow-up appointment. These sutures are often used for skin closure, providing strength and support to the incision.

It's important to note that the choice of suture material is just one aspect of the overall surgical technique. Surgeons may use a combination of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, depending on the layers of tissue being closed. Additionally, some surgeons use dissolvable sutures for deeper tissue layers.

If you are considering a tummy tuck or have questions about the specific techniques and materials your surgeon plans to use, it's crucial to discuss these details during your pre-operative consultations. Your surgeon will provide information about the type of sutures, potential scarring, and post-operative care to help you understand and prepare for the procedure.

Dissolving sutures will still be needed internally, but non-dissolvable sutures can be used externally and then later be removed.

Scar hypertrophy is generally genetically determined. During the maturation of scar tissue, the body creates a balance between creating scar tissue and breaking down or the maturation of scar tissue. Individuals prone to hypertrophic, scars, or keloid scar formation typically have an imbalance in these two factors.
Your body is likely to react to any suture material with the same amount of inflammation.
The final skin closure can be done with staples, but staples tend to leave crosshatch type scars. Deep sutures are still needed.
Hypertrophic scars should be managed with silicone sheeting, and if severe enough consider do use of anti-inflammatory steroid injections though steroids have certain potential negative implications as wellUnless something is done differently a scar revision, for the sake of doing a scar revision is not going to change the outcome.
It’s important to take healing history into consideration before contemplating surgery involving long skin incisions. Individuals who are prone to hypertrophic scarring often have a history of abnormal healing from even minor injuries, or even reactions to things like acne. For some individuals doing scar revisions, isn’t going to improve the final outcome. The decision of how scars should be managed needs to be done carefully with insight and proper understanding of how individuals heal, and all the variables that can affect the outcome.
Without seeing pictures, we can’t begin to make an assessment.
I suggest you follow up with your provider or schedule in person second opinion consultations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD