Umbilicus is a key feature in the aesthetics of the abdominal wall that should be preserved in operations commonly performed to manage problems arising in this region. In this work a study of the normal shape and position of the umbilicus in normal healthy Egyptian females and males was done. Different ways of measuring the position of the position of the umbilicus were suggested so as to assist the surgeon to choose the best way of measurement according to the case. The most prominent points in obese persons are the anterior superior iliac spine and the xiphisternum and the easiest to be located, so should be used as points of reference. The shape of the umbilicus was found to be vertical, round or round-hooded. In all procedures done on the abdominal wall, the surgeon should put in mind attempting to preserve the umbilicus and if this is not possible as in attempting to manage large ventral herniae, a new simple technique of creating a new umbilicus is described to suit those cases.