A new technique for creating a neo-umbilicus in abdominoplasty

Abstract

The umbilicus is an essential feature of the abdomen. In this article, we describe a new technique for creating a neo-umbilicus in abdominoplasty. Thirty consecutive women underwent abdominoplasty with our new technique for recreating the navel. The new navel is created at the midpoint between the xiphoid process and pubic symphysis by defatting a cylinder of fat tissue as far as the dermis that is then sutured to the rectus muscle to enable it to "take" in the same way as a total skin graft and form a hollow, which will be the new navel. Patients were divided into three groups according to BMI (group A<25; group B 25-29.9; group C≥30). Results were rated on a scale of 0-10 by external observers and by the patients. Complications were recorded. Groups B and C obtained median scores of 10/10 from both the external raters and patients (range 1), while group A obtained median scores of 6/10 and 7/10, respectively (ranges 6 and 5). Our new technique presents a series of advantages: it allows the positioning of the new navel in any location, it does not create periumbilical scarring, and it can be used in cases in which the original pedicle and vascularization of the navel cannot be preserved. It appears to achieve good aesthetic results and high levels of satisfaction among patients; however, it is less effective in very thin patients whose navel remains flat due to the lack of adipose tissue.