Umbilical restoration in abdominoplasty: a simple rectangular technique.

[BACKGROUND] Many surgical procedures for reconstructing the umbilicus during dermolipectomy have been described.

[OBJECTIVE] The authors present a simple technique for umbilicus restoration in abdominal dermolipectomy to improve the shape of the umbilicus and disguise the periumbilical scar.

[METHODS] A skin incision was made to free the umbilicus from its original position. Two fixation points, at the 6-o'clock and 12-o'clock positions, 5 mm under the margin of the umbilicus, were employed to attach the umbilicus to the aponeurosis of the linea alba and the xiphoumbilical line, respectively. The index finger was inserted through the lower abdominal incision, after which the location of the umbilicus was palpated and marked on the abdominal skin 0.5 cm under the projected position of the neoumbilicus. A rectangle was drawn on the abdominal skin, marking the neoumbilical position. After skin incision around the neoumbilical position, subcutaneous fat was removed with scissors.

[RESULTS] From February 1999 to June 2003, the procedure was performed in 142 patients, with good results and only minor complications.

[CONCLUSION] The rectangular technique for restoration of the umbilicus is a simple, successful, and safe procedure. (Aesthetic Surg J 2003;23:464-466.).