Is An Umbilical Float Procedure Standard In A Mini-Tummy Tuck?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m trying to understand how the umbilical float procedure is typically consented to. When performing an umbilical float, is the informed consent modified to reflect this technique, or is the procedure generally performed under the standard mini abdominoplasty consent without any changes? I would appreciate any clarification Dr. Eppley or his team can provide.

A: I don’t know the basis of your question but in my practice the decision of using an umbilical float technique (if indicated) in a subtotal or mini- tummy tuck is preoperatively made. That decision may be based on the patient’s preoperative desire (scar avoidance), the desire to keep umbilicus at its current position (no lowering) and/or  an understanding of the relationship of skin removal and the impacts on it from either the umbilical transposition or float techniques.

Dr Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon