In search of the ideal female umbilicus

The umbilicus is essential to the aesthetic appearance of the abdomen. Howe ver, little research exists on what characterizes an aesthetically pleasing umbilicus. Often, the plastic surgeon is called on to reconstruct the umbi licus. Although a variety of reconstructive methods are available, no real standards define the appearance of an aesthetically pleasing umbilicus. To ascertain the characteristics of an aesthetically pleasing umbilicus, a pho tographic analysis was undertaken using 147 female participants between the ages of 18 and 62 years. Each subject's age, height, and weight were recorded. Photographs of each p articipant's umbilicus were then taken from 30 cm and 50 cm away. The photo graphs were reviewed by the authors, and each umbilicus was categorized on the basis of size, shape, hooding, or protrusion. The photographs were then reviewed by a panel and given a score between 1 and 10 to rate attractiven ess. Using linear regression analysis, the effects of body mass index, shap e, hooding, and umbilical protrusion on attractiveness were assessed. The T- or vertically shaped umbilicus with superior hooding consistently sc ored the highest in aesthetic appeal, whereas the presence of any degree of protrusion and a horizontal orientation or distorted shape detracted from the score. Those with a large umbilicus tended to score consistently lower than those with a smaller configuration. A desirable goal in umbilical reco nstruction is, thus, to create a small T or vertically oriented umbilicus w ith the addition of a superior hood or shelf.