The two-dermal-flap umbilical transposition: a natural and aesthetic umbilicus after abdominoplasty.
BACKGROUND
The aesthetic and natural appearance of the transposed umbilicus after abdominoplasty is a key factor to the overall result and satisfaction of patient and surgeon alike. In this article, the authors present a technique in umbilical transposition that creates a natural-appearing umbilicus.


METHODS
The skin in the neoumbilical position is deepithelialized and incised in the midline, thus creating two dermal flaps that are sutured down to the abdominal fascia, thereby creating a natural periumbilical concavity, inconspicuous scars, and a tension-free closure, resulting in a decreased chance for cicatricial umbilical scarring. Twenty patients underwent umbilical transposition during abdominoplasty with this technique between 2003 and 2005.


RESULTS
Both patient and surgeon satisfaction were very high, with three senior surgeons changing their surgical technique after being introduced to that described in this article. One complication culminated in partial skin dehiscence early in our experience when deep dermal sutures were not used for skin closure.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique described is simple, safe, and easily learned, and results in a very satisfying aesthetic and natural-appearing umbilicus in patients after abdominoplasty.
Rozen
Shai M
SM
Dallas, Texas; and Baltimore, Md. From the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and the Division of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Redett
Richard
R
D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014472:Umbilicus / Q000601:surgery*