Umbilical reconstruction with secondary abdominoplasty.

Umbilical loss is not an uncommon problem following primary abdominoplasty done by an improperly trained surgeon who either sacrificed the umbilicus or lost it through postoperative complications. Deep psychological trauma with mental depression is often the result of such an amputation and is also the main concern of the patient seeking help. There are usually other secondary sequelae, such as residual cutaneous and musculoaponeurotic flaccidity, asymmetrical scarring with dog-ears at either extremity, and fatty bulges that may not bother the patient. In the past, umbilical reconstruction has been handled as an isolated procedure. We have tried to alleviate this condition along with the other residual deformities by doing complete secondary abdominoplasty. Along with the technical details of umbilical reconstruction, 2 such case reports with preoperative and postoperative results are presented.