[Study of satisfaction concerning the navel after abdominal dermolipectomy with transposition: A report of 96 cases]

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.

[Shape and aesthetic outcome evaluation of transposed umbilicus according to four surgical procedures]

INTRODUCTION

In abdominal plastic surgery, umbilicus is frequently transposed, generating scars and shapes variating with the techniques used. Various umbilical transposition techniques have been described, all of them attempt to reproduce the "ideal" umbilicus. This study aimed to define the shape and the aesthetic results obtained with four different surgical procedures, in order to choose an "ideal" umbilical transposition technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the characteristics of transposed umbilicus, in 50 patients who had undergone abdominal dermolipectomy for aesthetic reason, after a loss of weight or in breast reconstruction by Deep-Inferior-Epigastric-Perforator. Four surgical procedures were chosen, which differed by their counter-incision shape in the abdominal flap (Y, inverted Y, de-epidermized round with horizontal incision or U), and the deep points position of umbilical docking (along a horizontal or vertical axis). Shape and depth were evaluated by a panel of experts. The global assessment was based on a double evaluation, by the surgical jury and the patients themselves.

RESULTS

The counter-incision type determined the umbilicus shape: triangular for the Y (60%) or inverted-Y (41%), round for the U (52%) and vertical oval (67%) or round (32%) for the de-epidermized circle. The deep points position influenced the umbilicus axis. Regarding the appreciation, the de-epidermized circle had the best results for surgeons in a significant way, and for patients (respectively 72% and 100% satisfied), followed by the inverted-Y (57% and 92%) and Y techniques (55% and 89%) and at last the U (50 and 75%).

CONCLUSION

Horizontal counter incision in a de-epidermized round, with two anchoring points on a vertical axis, generates vertical oval or round shaped umbilicus, considered attractive in the literature, and giving the highest aesthetic satisfaction for both surgeons and patients.