Abdomen: Stretch Marks (Abdominal Striae)

Stretch marks, also known as abdominal striae, are irregular areas of skin which appear as bands, stripes or lines. Stretch marks are a form of scarring on the skin caused by tearing of the dermis. They are often the result of rapid stretching of the skin, associated with rapid growth or weight changes. Stretch marks are often associated with the abdominal enlargement of preganancy. Over time the appearance may diminish but not disappear completely.