Creating a Neo-umbilicus in Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasties are among the most widely requested surgical procedures, and, since the umbilicus is an important component of abdominal harmony, achieving an esthetic and natural umbilicus is one of the primary goals of the operation. The aim of this study is to present the results of a neo-umbilicus recreation to provide a deeper and desirable appearance, and also its simplifying effect for a laparoscopic hernia repair when needed. This is a single-center case-series scientific study which is presenting a total of 26 female patients who underwent classical abdominoplasty and neo-umbilicus recreation surgery with modified concomitant defatting suture and fat injection technique. Of the 26 cases, two patients (7.7%) developed seroma, whereas one patient had hypertrophic scar tissue. We did not observe any major complications, and none of the patients required revision or resuturing. Eight of the cases (30.8%) with multiparous pregnancies underwent a laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair. The patients regained their abdominal cutaneous sensitivity at the postoperative 8 ± 6 months. The neo-umbilici were free of visible scars in all individuals, none of the patients had a postoperative malposition, and all patients reported high satisfaction rates. The average follow-up was 18 months, ranging from 9–26 months. The technique described here provides efficient and satisfactory esthetic results that are acknowledged by the patients in the short and long term. The technique is also safe for concomitant hernia repair.