Marking of neo-omphaloplasty flaps using a standardized mold in anchor-line abdominoplasty

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal dermolipectomies have shown to be highly valuable in promoting a better life quality for post-bariatric patients, with the navel being an essential scar for the aesthetics of the abdomen. Several neo-omphaloplasty techniques are described in the literature in patients who undergo anchor-line abdominoplasty, but the systematic use of a mold for preoperative marking has not been reported yet. The objective of this study was to standardize the marking of the flaps for the preparation of the neo-omphaloplasty using a mold and to demonstrate the results of its clinical application. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted. Between April 2015 and December 2016, 50 patients underwent anchor-line abdominal dermolipectomy with neo-omphaloplasty using a mold to mark the two flaps for the neo-navel. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the satisfaction index regarding the new navel. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were female. The mean age and body mass index of the patients before abdominoplasty was 40.5 years and 27.9 kg/m2, respectively. The new navels resulted in a smaller, more oval scar, with no scars around and with adequate depth. The rate of complications was low, and none of the patients expressed dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: The use of the mold in the standardization of the preoperative marking in neo-omphaloplasty was effective, easy and safe to learn, low-cost, fast, and reproducible, with a low index of complications, good surgical results, and excellent patient satisfaction.

Keywords

• navel
• reconstructive surgical procedures
• bariatric surgery
• abdominoplasty