What Are the Long Term Side Effects of Using Permanent Undesolvable Sutures for Muscle Repair in a Tummy Tuck?

Many plastic surgeons use permanent sutures for the muscle repair.  This generally does not represent a problem.  Some plastic surgeons may prefer dissolvable sutures that may take many months to dissolve.  Both techniques are acceptable.  It is more important to be comfortable with the surgeon then the actual types of suture used.  

I have used permanent sutures for muscle repair in almost all tummy tucks for the past 12 years.  I have not seen a problem with regard to them.  In a slim patient with little body fat the suture knots may be able to be felt and in those cases I use a long lasting dissolvable suture. Most American surgeons use permanent suture for the muscle repair.

Thank you for your question.

I do not feel that there are any significant long-term problems with the use of permanent nondissolving sutures for the muscle repair portion of a TT.  I have used them for many years and never found them to be a problem, but they do need to be properly buried.