Are Tummy Tuck Muscle Sutures Permanent?

Q: Dr. Eppley, how many years does the sutures used to tie the muscles together in a tummy tuck last?

A: The type of sutures used for rectus muscle fascial plication in a tummy tuck are variable and dependent on each plastic surgeon’s preference. Most commonly large O gauge permanent sutures are used composed of non-resorbable polymer (plastic) materials such as Prolene and Ethibond. These materials never degrade and are permanent. Some plastic surgeons may use slowly dissolveable sutures such as PDO or PDS, plastic materials which are hydrophilic and do eventually break down. The resorption of these materials is known to take around one year, give or take a few months.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana