Total umbilical reconstruction using a tri-radiate incision technique.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Neo-umbilicus aesthetics are increasingly important in abdominoplasty and ventral hernia repair.
• Umbilical deformation can cause significant psychological distress.
• Current umbilical reconstruction techniques lack a universally accepted standard.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel tri-radiate incision (TRI) technique for neo-umbilicus creation.
• To assess the aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction with the TRI technique.
• To establish a new standard for umbilical reconstruction in abdominal surgeries.

Main Methods:

• A consecutive series of 21 umbilical reconstructions were performed using the TRI technique.
• Procedures were conducted during abdominoplasty (10 cases) or ventral hernia repair (11 cases).
• Patient satisfaction was assessed post-operatively.

Main Results:

• No major complications (e.g., flap necrosis, stenosis, scarring, infection) were observed.
• Minor serosanguineous discharge was common in the first week.
• High patient satisfaction was reported, with 17/21 patients rating 10/10 and 4/21 rating 9/10.

Conclusions:

• The TRI neo-umbilicus technique is a safe, reliable, and reproducible single-stage procedure.
• It achieves desired aesthetic standards with minimal complications and high patient satisfaction.
• This technique is suitable for various patient demographics and surgical indications.