Anatomy-based computer-assisted evaluation for aesthetic new navel formation.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the typical position and shape of the umbilicus among young individuals to guide the repositioning of the new umbilicus during abdominoplasty.

METHODS

Standardized photographs of 63 young volunteers were analyzed to evaluate parameters such as the vertical and horizontal positions, length, ratio, and shape of the umbilicus. The study also established the mathematical relationships between the umbilicus and nearby anatomical structures like the xiphoid process, pubic symphysis, anterior superior iliac spine, iliac crests, and body mass index (BMI) to identify the ideal geometric shapes and positions. In two patients with abdominal skin sagging, abdominoplasty was performed with a new umbilicus designed according to these anatomical measurements.

RESULTS

The umbilici were categorized by shape: vertical oval with superior hooding (29%), round (27%), vertical lozenge (21%), and protruded (11%). Ratios between anatomical points were measured, such as the ratio of the distance between the xiphoid process and the upper edge of the umbilicus to the distance between the lower edge of the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis, which was 1.64 ± 0.40. Post-operative evaluation emphasized achieving a xiphoid-umbilicus/pubic symphysis ratio of 1.6:1 for the new umbilicus, with an aesthetically ideal ratio considered to be 1:1. A strong correlation was found between BMI and all umbilical ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

The most aesthetically pleasing navel position aligns with the golden ratio between xiphoid and umbilicus compared to the umbilicus and abdominal crease. Weight control is also crucial in achieving optimal belly aesthetics.