Canadian Society for Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery/Société canadienne de chirurgie plastique esthétique

Abstract

Umbilicoplasty is a component of abdominoplasty to achieve a nice, natural looking umbilicus with minimal scarring. Various techniques have been attempted to achieve the natural looking umbilicus. One hundred cases of umbilicoplasty have been done and are presented with good and pleasing results. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: A 10 to 12 cm. position is maintained from the suprapubic area to the umbilicus. At that level, an inverted u-shaped incision is made for the desired umbilicus. The original umbilicus, in the meantime, is tacked to the abdominal fascia to shorten the pedicle. The abdominoplasty flap is secured to the suprapubic incision to stabilize the skin. After the u-shaped incision is made in the abdominal flap, defattening of the umbilicus and u-flap is done. The original umbilicus is sutured onto this flap, burying the suture, securing the umbilicus. This u-shaped flap becomes a tongue which is sutured to the inferior component of the original umbilicus to give a natural hood. This completes the repair and steri-strips and compressive dressings are applied. The rest of the body contouring procedure is then completed. One hundred cases have been done. Complications seen: 2 inferior separations, closed by secondary closures. Infections – nil. Keloid formation and hypertrophic scar formation less than 1% – treated by Kenalog injection. Revisional procedures – nil. Overall satisfaction over 99%. SUMMARY: This technique has shown predictably good and very natural looking umbilicus, complimenting the abdominoplasty procedure for aesthetic body contouring surgery.