Omphaloplasty: back to the natural process

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Since the beginning of modern abdominoplasty, plastic surgeons have fixed their attention on the aesthetic aspect of the umbilicus. Reports show the efforts made to recreate a natural looking belly button and several techniques have been described, published, and put to use by surgeons. The author, imitating the course of action of the navel’s natural healing process of a newborn child, presents another perspective in this surgical field.

Method:

Results were collected between year 2008 to 2012, with patients ranging from 19 to 52 years of age, making a total 103 patients who were submitted to abdominoplasty and navel reconstruction under the technique proposed in this article. After the abdominal skin excess resection and rectiplication, the skin flap is correctly positioned, and a 2 cm vertical incision on the skin flap is performed to fit the new umbilicus position. Afterward a knot is made around the stalk and the extremity of the umbilicus is amputated. Finally the umbilicus is fixated in four cardinals points to the dermis of the skin incision with buried stitches and a secondary healing process begins. After about three weeks of postoperative period, the surgery concludes with the desired natural anatomic effect.

Results:

The umbilical shape and scar had a natural, clean aspect, leaving aside the common stigmata usually found after abdominoplasty such as noticeable scar, widening, stenotic appearance, etc.

Conclusion:

The easy procedures and the final long-term youthful aspect of the umbilicus, make it suitable for the abdominoplasties armamentarium.

Keywords:
Umbilicoplasty; Neo-omphaloplasty; Abdominoplasty