Trial of Techniques for Umbilical Reconstruction

Umbilicoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Techniques for Umbilical Reconstruction Following Abdominoplasty and Abdominally-based Free Tissue Transfer

The primary objective of the study will be to determine which of five traditionally used umbilical reconstructive techniques offers superior aesthetic results. Additionally, secondary objectives of post-operative complications such as hypertrophic scar formation will also be measured.

This is a five arm, prospective, randomized, trial. Patients undergoing abdominoplasty or abdominally-based free tissue transfer (TRAM/DIEP flaps) at NYU Medical Center will be randomly assigned to receive one of five conventionally used umbilicoplasty techniques during the course of their surgery:

1. Round procedure
2. "Scarless" round procedure
3. "Inverted u" procedure
4. "Inverted v" procedure, and
5. "Y deepithelialized" procedure

As there has not yet been a superiority or inferiority comparison of these five methods, no patient will be receiving substandard care by randomization to one of the five procedures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed Informed Consent Form
• Female patients undergoing abdominoplasty or abdominally-based free tissue transfer (TRAM/DIEP flaps)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with prior history of umbilicoplasty
• History of keloid formation
• Active smokers
• Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40