Comparison of aesthetic outcome with round and three-armed star flap umbilicoplasty

Background: The umbilicus is an indicative aesthetic component of the abdomen. Many umbilicoplasty techniques have been defined and the most commonly used method is the round incision technique. In this paper, we present a new umbilicoplasty technique involving the use of a three-armed star flap and compare it with the round technique. Methods: Forty-eight female patients who underwent umbilicoplasty during abdominoplasty and free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) procedures between February 2011 and December 2016 were included in the study. Twenty patients had round umbilicoplasty, whereas in the remaining 28 patients the three armed star flap technique was used. Aesthetic outcomes of both techniques were evaluated by a questionnaire which was completed by the patients and two independent surgeons. Results: The mean follow-up period was 22 months. Hypertrophic scarring was seen in one patient with the three armed star flap technique and in two patients with the round technique and a cicatricial ring formation occurred in one patient with the round technique. The patient and surgeon questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the 3-armed star flap group. (p < .05) Conclusion: In this study, round umbilicoplasty technique has been compared with the three armed star flap technique. Patient satisfaction surveys and evaluation by two independent surgeons revealed better cosmetic results with the new technique. We believe that this new technique could be preferred over the round technique since it prevents stenosis, circular scar contraction and provides a natural contour between the umbilicus and abdomen.