Umbilicoplasty in abdominoplasty: a new approach

Various techniques have been suggested in the literature for umbilicoplasty. These techniques result in a reconstructed umbilicus with a deep cavity shape, and visible suture line. Furthermore, these techniques have in common the difficult step of suturing the umbilicus to the base of the abdominal fascia to create a periumbilical concavity. The new technique described in this article results in a noticeably smaller and shallower cavity while the scar is hidden inside the natural umbilical scar. This new technique's procedural simplicity gives it an important additional advantage. The umbilicus is incised within a very large skin island on its tip which is subsequently exteriorized out of a 2-cm vertical incision. The stalk is then opened by 4 clamps in the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. The skin between the clamps is incised up to the umbilical base, fixed, and the excess skin flaps are resected. The technique was successfully implemented in 62 consecutive cases.