New Method for Umbilicoplasty with Bilateral Square Flap and Caudal Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap

The navel is an important cosmetic feature of the abdomen. A vertically long navel with a deep caudal side has recently been preferred by patients. Currently, there is no plastic surgery technique for complete umbilical repositioning or plasty after umbilical keloid resection. This study aimed to examine the effect of a new umbilicoplasty by combining a bilateral square flap with a triangular flap that utilizes the excess caudal skin nourished by the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator.

A total of 23 patients underwent umbilical keloid resection and new umbilicoplasty between April 2018 and March 2020. The mean patient age was 48.2 (range: 36-68) years, and mean body mass index was 23.1 (range: 18.5-33.4). Satisfaction with umbilical morphology was evaluated on a 5-point scale through interviews.

The surgery resulted in forming a vertically elongated deep caudal umbilical fossa. All patients were satisfied with their umbilical morphology (mean score, 4.6). In one case involving a woman who underwent breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, superficial necrosis of the triangular flap was observed. However, no other complications were observed.

Creating a flap with stable blood circulation using the tissue originally excised during umbilical surgery allowed for the reproduction of a desirable umbilical morphology with adequate verticality and caudal depth.