Do Absorbable Sutures Work for Rectus Diastasis Repair in Abdominoplasty Patients?

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Background:

• Rectus diastasis correction via rectus sheath plication is standard in abdominoplasty.
• Debate exists regarding absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures for lasting diastasis repair and recurrence rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate long-term patient outcomes after rectus diastasis plication using long-lasting absorbable sutures.
• To assess the recurrence rate of rectus diastasis following this surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 71 female patients undergoing abdominoplasty (2018-2022).
• Rectus muscle plication utilized a combination of polydioxanone and Maxon absorbable sutures.
• Outcomes assessed via physical examination and retrospective chart review with >6 months follow-up.

Main Results:

• No recurrence of rectus diastasis observed in any patient (0% recurrence rate).
• Average follow-up was 21.1 months; average patient age was 43 years, average BMI 27 kg/m².
• Complications included delayed wound healing (11%), seroma (8.5%), hematoma (2.8%), and DVT/PE (2.8%); no reoperations were needed.

Conclusions:

• Double-layered closure with long-lasting absorbable sutures is a safe, effective method for rectus diastasis during abdominoplasty.
• The technique demonstrated a 0% recurrence rate and a favorable complication profile.