"Scarless" umbilicoplasty: a new umbilicoplasty technique and a review of the English language literature

Abstract

Many techniques have been described for umbilicoplasty after abdominoplasty, but none of these techniques seems ideal. In this report, we wish to report a new "scarless" umbilicoplasty technique, which bears many of the characteristics of an ideal technique: it is easy to perform and results in the complete absence of visible scars and with a preferred vertical orientation. The aesthetic results of this technique are subjectively and objectively evaluated as compared with the classic umbilicoplasty and these results are discussed among the English language literature. In the period of 2004 to 2005, a series of 138 female patients have had an abdominoplasty with either the classic umbilicoplasty (n = 31) or with our scarless umbilicoplasty (n = 107). After a follow-up period of at least 3 (of 6) months, a questionnaire was send to all of these patients to evaluate patient satisfaction. Twenty-five patients from the classic umbilicoplasty group responded, 53 patients from the scarless umbilicoplasty group. Age (mean 45 with range, 22-66 years) and body mass index (29 with range, 22-35) did not differ among both groups. Also a random selection of fifteen photos from both groups was analyzed and rated according to the system of Strasser by an independent panel. There were no major complications in both groups, but in the classic group, there were some cases with hypertrophic scarring. Patients who underwent the scarless umbilicoplasty technique graded the appearance of their umbilicus significantly better on shape, depth, hygiene, and scar. No significant differences were found in grading size and wound healing. Objective evaluation of the photos demonstrated significant better results for the scarless umbilicoplasty technique. Based on our subjective and objective analysis we conclude that our new technique of the scarless umbilicoplasty features many of the characteristics of the ideal umbilicoplasty: a rather simple and reliable method for creating a natural looking umbilicus when performing an abdominoplasty.