Can a muscle repair ever cause more harm than good? (Photo)

Hi there,
Certainly muscle repair can cause issues if done incorrectly over fixed overly tight. The sutures we use to repair the muscle could also become infected, however this is very rare. This usually goes off without any complications and helps return the muscle to their natural position, increasing the wall strength, and making the lower abdomen flatter.
You appear very thin from the photos you sent so lipo, in my opinion, will likely have a minimal effect in giving you an hour glass shape as there is very little fat to remove
What you may want to consider is getting a full tummy tuck. This will remove the excess loose skin from your abdomen, create a new smaller more aesthetic belly button, and possible repair an umbiilcal hernia if present (possible based on the photo but you would need a physical exam or imaging to be sure).
Mini tummy tuck is always an option was well but would depend on the MD you go to, as we all do it a little differently
All the best

From your side view, you can see your abdominal wall protrudes slightly forward. If you want the most hourglass shape, I recommend the fascial repair. The muscle is not repaired but the fascia, which is the envelope containing the muscle, is tightened. You would not benefit from liposuction as you appear much too thin for that.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

I have never seen a muscle repair during a tummy tuck cause any harm. In my experience most patients have some degree of separation of their rectus muscles when I am performing a tummy tuck.

Your abdominal muscles obviously look excellent, so a small repair or no repair may not really make a difference in your situation. So the question really becomes "Am I really going to gain much benefit from a muscle repair?" and the answer is probably not.

However, I would make that determination when I was operating and if I thought it would be beneficial I would do a muscle repair. If I didn't think it would really change anything I wouldn't do the muscle repair, not because it will cause you any harm, but because as surgeons we try to do what is needed and not perform a procedure for the sake of performing a procedure without much benefit.

For example, we never want to be in a situation where we do a muscle repair that is not really going to help the patient only to find out later they have a stitch that is visible through the skin. And for very thin patients, such as yourself, it is more likely to see the stitch from the muscle repair through your skin because there is no fat to conceal the stitch.

So really no benefit and a possibly noticeable stitch wouldn't make much sense.