The physical changes caused to the body and skin by pregnancy and childbirth can be dramatic and long-lasting for many wome3-4 As the abdomen stretches and some of the muscles lose tone, there is an increased skin laxity and a loss of abdominal elasticity. As a result, the abdomen appears saggy with localised fat deposits, sometimes with stretch marks.4-6
The umbilicus may also look a little stretched out with an unsightly appearance of a “postage stamp” because of stretching, pigmentary changes and lack of surrounding subcutaneous fat.3 Many of these alterations regress significantly within the first six months postpartum while some of them are persistent, representing a major cosmetic concern with long-term distress for women.