An Algorithmic Approach to Umbilical Inset during DIEP Flap Reconstruction

An aesthetically pleasing umbilicus is a critical component to the overall cosmesis and resultant patient satisfaction after deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. Because of variables in body habitus, comorbidities, and technical aspects of the procedure, patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction are at a higher risk of umbilical complications and poor aesthetic appearance of the neoumbilicus compared with those undergoing cosmetic abdominoplasty. To minimize these potential problems and maximize the overall aesthetic appearance of the abdomen, the authors propose an algorithmic approach to umbilical inset after DIEP flap harvest that takes into account several critical factors: the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal flap, the length of the umbilical stalk, and the depth of the umbilical bowl. This simple algorithmic approach is a useful tool that will assist surgeons in minimizing umbilical complications and delivering a superior cosmetic appearance to the abdominal donor site in DIEP flap reconstruction.