Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 9:47 AM
2847

Neoumbilicoplasty for Vertical Midline Incisions

Te Ning Chang, MD, PhD and Robert D. Foster, MD.

We describe a neoumbilicoplasty using bilateral rectangular flaps, which has not previously been reported. This umbilical reconstruction is suited for the abdomen with a prior or planned vertical midline incision and results in a new umbilicus with virtually no visible superficial scar and a natural appearing, deep depression. It is especially useful in the abdominoplasty patient with a large tissue excess and long umbilical pedicle who will require a vertical excision of tissue. In these cases, the neoumbilicoplasty described here may be preferable both in safety and appearance to the classic umbilicoplasty using the native umbilical stalk. This technique is also ideal when the umbilicus and/or its stalk has been obliterated by a large hernia or by prior surgical intervention, if a vertical midline incision exists or is planned. Given the increasing numbers of patients presenting for post-gastic-bypass improvement of abdominal appearance, this umbilical reconstruction should provide a useful new option to help recreate the natural contours of the abdomen after abdominoplasty.