Epidermal inclusion cyst of the umbilicus following abdominoplasty

The incidence of retained epidermal inclusion cyst at the site of the umbilicus following abdominoplasty has yet to be well documented. Compliant patients who are seen in scheduled follow-up, and who display signs of infection or wound issues at the site of the umbilicus, usually have these factors addressed before inclusion cysts manifest. Here, however, we present a patient who underwent abdominoplasty, lost her surgeon because of geographic relocation, presented to our office 1 year following surgery with a large retained umbilical epidermal inclusion cyst. This case gave us a unique opportunity to observe a well-developed retained umbilical epidermal inclusion cyst. Her evaluation and management are reviewed in an effort to familiarize the practicing plastic surgeon with a rare, but significant potential complication of abdominoplasty.