Subdermal neo-umbilicoplasty in abdominoplasty

Umbilicoplasty is an important surgical procedure in abdominoplasty, regardless of the technique used. An unaesthetic umbilicus often irreversibly affects surgical outcomes. This study describes the experience of our team with the subdermal neo-umbilicoplasty technique and assesses patient satisfaction with the appearance of the new umbilicus. Fifty-eight patients with abdominal deformity underwent abdominoplasty with subdermal neo-umbilicoplasty. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year with photographic documentation, assessment of patient satisfaction, and evaluation of eventual postoperative complications. Postoperative complications included one case of shallow umbilicus, four cases of superficial necrosis, and one case of midline deviation. No patient required surgical revision. There was a high level of patient satisfaction with the natural-looking umbilicus. Subdermal neo-umbilicoplasty resulted in low postoperative complications and provided a new, natural-looking umbilicus without external scars. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study