Umbilical reconstruction without flap after abdominoplasty

Abstract

The article discusses changes in the appearance and location of the umbilicus (navel) as individuals age, due to factors such as physiological changes, trauma, surgical scars, birth defects, and more. The umbilicus is described as a significant aesthetic element in the abdominal wall, contributing to the overall appearance of the abdomen. Procedures like abdominoplasty are highlighted as surgeries that can significantly impact the aesthetics of the navel, often resulting in unnatural or unsightly appearances. The article emphasizes the importance of achieving a natural and aesthetically pleasing navel during abdominoplasty. It mentions that various techniques have been developed for umbilical reconstruction after abdominoplasty surgeries, with the goal of creating an ideal navel appearance. These techniques are categorized and listed in Table 1, showing the diversity of approaches to umbilical reconstruction. A new technique for umbilical reconstruction is proposed in the article, characterized by its distinctiveness as it does not involve the use of flaps. The steps of this technique involve careful planning, breaking down the circular scar of the navel into triangles, and suturing to create a natural-looking navel. Advantages of this technique include minimal tension in the sutures, utilization of skin management lines in healing, and improved naturalness and size adaptability. The article reports results from applying this new technique to 537 patients over six years, with a focus on clinical and demographic variables. Complications were found to be infrequent, with hypertrophic scars and suture dehiscence being the most common. Patient satisfaction was notably high, with 94% of patients reporting satisfaction with the surgical procedure. In conclusion, the article highlights the success and advantages of the proposed umbilical reconstruction technique without flaps, providing positive aesthetic outcomes with low complication rates and high patient satisfaction. This technique offers an alternative approach to achieving a natural and pleasing navel appearance after abdominoplasty surgeries.