Neoumbilicoplasty technique offers a more natural and easier performance result: a retrospective observational study (more than 2,500 patients) supported by a concise systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: In the aesthetic scenario after abdominoplasty, umbilicoplasty stands out, as the navel forms the central aesthetic subunit of the abdomen, and it needs to be aesthetically pleasing. Thus, neoumbilicoplasty describes the creation of a navel again. The ideal umbilical reconstruction should be reliable, reproducible, aesthetically appropriate, and associated with low morbidity, as well as single-stage. Objective: It was to present a neoumbilicoplasty that uses a part of the native umbilicus, leaving the final scar with a hexagonal aspect, to provide a more natural and easy-to-perform result. Methods: This retrospective observational study on the analysis of the neoumbilicoplasty technique selected the results of six patients who underwent an abdominoplasty. The skin where the neo-navel was placed was incised in the shape of an X, for a perfect accommodation of the flaps and sutured. It is noteworthy that this technique has already been performed in more than 2,500 patients by the plastic surgeon in the present study, and all cases were successfully performed. The presentation of the neoumbilicoplasty technique consisted of keeping a part of the native umbilicus, leaving the final scar with a hexagonal appearance, with a very low level of occurrence of hypertrophic scarring, providing a more natural and easy-to-perform result. Results: This study demonstrated the success of the procedures in maintaining a part of the native umbilicus, with a final scar in a hexagonal aspect, and practically without the occurrence of hypertrophic scar, contributing to another advance in the quality and improvement of neoumbilicoplasty and patient satisfaction. According to the systematic review supporting the present study, it was found 105 articles involving neoumbilicoplasty. A total of 32 articles were fully evaluated and 11 clinical studies were included and developed in the systematic review. These studies did not present a risk of bias that could compromise the results presented, however, there is still no ideal and standardized technique for neoumbilicoplasty in abdominoplasty. Conclusion: The neoumbilicoplasty technique of this study presented all the necessary characteristics for an aesthetically favorable umbilicus, maintaining a part of the native navel with a hexagonal scar, providing a more natural and easy-to-perform result.