A new umbilicoplasty for children: creating a longitudinal deep umbilical depression.

When forming a deep umbilical depression for paediatric patients displaying a thin layer of abdominal fat, the V-Y advancement flap method is useful. However, although many plastic surgeons approve of a longitudinal umbilical depression as an ideal, conventional flap methods often result in only a longitudinal scar line with a depression at the end of the scar. The shifted umbilical depression facing upward or downward appears aesthetically unnatural. To resolve these problems, we have devised a new method of umbilicoplasty. Using obliquely opposing flaps, a longitudinal deep umbilical depression facing forward can be created at the correct umbilical position.