by Haddock, Nicholas T.; Kelling, Joseph A.; Teotia, Sumeet
S.
Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery: November 2020
- Volume 146 - Issue 5 - p 548e-551e
Summary:
The umbilicus offers no functional importance to the adult
human but remains a key aesthetic landmark of the anterior abdominal wall, and
its absence can be a cause for concern in aesthetic and reconstructive
patients. Umbilical reconstruction or transposition for abdominoplasty and
abdominally based flap operations is frequently complicated by umbilical death,
infections, development of wounds needing prolonged wound care, and generally
poor aesthetic outcomes. A multitude of techniques have been described to
create the “ideal” neoumbilicus, but none has proven to be superior to the
technique that comes before it. Our data demonstrate that, in a select set of
patients, it may be beneficial to electively remove the umbilicus. Thus,
umbilical reconstruction can be performed as an adjunct procedure to the primary
operation with a superior aesthetic result and minimal risk for complications.
This article describes the authors’ approach to delayed neoumbilical
reconstruction in patients undergoing elective umbilical resection.
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