H-Wing Neoumbilicoplasty: A New Technique for Advanced Abdominoplasty and Umbilical Zones by Gender.

[BACKGROUND] Multiple umbilicoplasty techniques have been described, even more after the advent of full tummy tuck procedures and the neoumbilicoplasty (X-shaped incision) described by the authors in a previous report. The authors decided to upgrade the technique (H-wing incision) because the former procedure is associated with relatively common complications. The authors report a case series of an upgraded technique for neoumbilicoplasty (H-wing technique), comparing its outcomes with their previous standard procedure (X-shaped incision).

[METHODS] The authors reviewed their records for neoumbilicoplasties performed between January of 2014 and December of 2019. The authors divided the procedures according to the surgical technique and performed a detailed analysis regarding timing, complications, uses, and quality standards according to patients' opinion through a nonstandardized survey.

[RESULTS] A total of 407 procedures were distributed between two techniques: X-shaped incision, 179 procedures; and H-wing technique, 228 procedures. The former was performed from January of 2014 to October of 2016 and the latter from September of 2016 to December of 2019. High satisfaction indexes were found for both procedures; however, fewer complications were seen in the H-wing group. The X-shaped incision is thought to generate a greater force of tension over the flaps compared to that from the H-wing technique, which consequently increased the risk of flap necrosis and flattening.

[CONCLUSIONS] The H-wing technique for neoumbilicoplasty decreases the risk of postoperative complications such as dehiscence, skin necrosis, and navel flattening, and maintains high aesthetic standards and satisfaction indexes among patients. The technique can be used after either lipoabdominoplasty or secondary procedures.