Abstract
Introduction:
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a new technique in performing umbilicoplasty at the time of abdominoplasty that avoids the formation of a thickened or contracted circular scar.
Materials and Methods:
After a routine abdominoplasty and isolation of the umbilical stalk with extra redundant skin surrounding the umbilicus, a V-incision is made in the abdominal wall skin at a site selected for the new umbilical site. The superior or cephalic part of the umbilicus is split and spread, creating the appearance of a wedge that has been removed. The umbilicus is brought through the abdominal wall opening. The inferior point created by the abdominal V is sutured to the slit point of the umbilicus, which is cephalic, and is also sutured to the fascia at the base of the stalk, thus rotating the point of the V deep into the umbilicus and avoiding a circular scar.
Results:
The resultant umbilicus has no scar superiorly, as the tip of the V is completely buried. Thus, a visible circular scar is avoided.
Discussion:
The described procedure is simple, and the results are cosmetically acceptable both to the patient and the surgeon.
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