Umbilicosculpture: a concept revisited

After birth the umbilicus is the only naturally formed visible scar on the body. To reconstruct aneo-umbilicus following abdominoplasty various local interposition flaps have been described to circumvent a circular scar contracture and to recreate a superior hood. The additional scarring with these techniques can give an operated look to the neo-umbilicus. The importance of gravity in the formation of a superior hood is highlighted and the issue of circular scar contractures is addressed. Emphasis is placed on sculpturing the peri-umbilical fat to enhance contour and on placing the circular scar deep in the neo-umbilicus.