Omphalo and Neo-Omphaloplasty

Abstract

Introduction: The umbilical scar is undoubtedly the only scar that is accepted as a natural aspect of the human body. Changes made to its appearance, position, or even the lack of a belly button is seen as a distortion on the beholder, bringing about many repercussions.

Surgical Technique: For more than 50 years, the author has implemented this technique on a countless number of patients.

The release of the umbilical pedicle from the abdominal skin flap has been, to date, performed by making a circular incision, with a skin island of 1 cm diameter and the dissection of the pedicle down to the base. Four cardinal points transfix the edge of the periumbilical skin incision and separate stitches of 5.0 nylon are applied between the cardinal points to better adjust the scarring.

The neo-umbilicoplasty technique is ideal for specific cases of navel necrosis and other problems involving navel morphology and unnatural appearances (e.g., misplacements and/or discomfort of their carriers).

Conclusion: The umbilicus is the most remarkable aspect of the abdomen and this is why an exceptional effort must be made to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. When performing an umbilicoplasty, we can encounter all kinds of unaesthetic cases and this is why it is necessary to address each one of them with a specific solution.

†Deceased