Low Scar Abdominoplasty with Inferior Positioning of the Umbilicus

Abstract

Miniabdominoplasty with umbilical free float has received little attention in the literature in 15 years and has been criticized for an abnormally low umbilicus. We hypothesized the umbilicus in women presenting for abdominal contouring is positioned higher than ideal and thus may benefit from lowering. In addition, we felt modifications of the original umbilical float technique would improve aesthetic results. A retrospective review identified 60 patients aged 34 to 56 who had abdominoplasty with umbilical fascial transection and inferior positioning. Technical modifications included low placement of a full transverse abdominal scar, abdominal flap undermining to the rib cage, more inferior umbilical repositioning, flank liposuction, and plication of diastasis recti from xiphoid to pubis. Patients did not have enough excess skin to allow traditional abdominoplasty without a high-transverse or vertical midline scar. No umbilical or incisional skin necrosis occurred. To assess optimal umbilical position, plastic surgeons were asked to draw the ideal position on pre- and postoperative photographs from 5 patients. The mean ideal umbilical position was 2.2 cm lower than the actual position (P < 0.01) in preoperative photographs and was close to the true position in postoperative photographs. In conclusion, lower abdominoplasty with inferior umbilical positioning is an excellent choice for the middle age, postpartum woman with excess abdominal skin and full length diastasis recti but a normal body mass index.