UMBILICOSCULPTURE - A CONCEPT REVISITED

After birth the umbilicus is the only naturally formed visible scar on the body. To reconstruct a neo-umbilicus following abdominoplasty var ious local interposition flaps have been described to circumvent a cir cular scar contracture and to recreate a superior hood. The additional scarring with these techniques can give an operated look to the neo-u mbilicus. The importance of gravity in the formation of a superior hoo d is highlighted and the issue of circular scar contractures is addres sed. Emphasis is placed on sculpturing the peri-umbilical fat to enhan ce contour and on placing the circular scar deep in the neo-umbilicus.