Stretch Marks are linear bands of wrinkled skin that most frequently result from rapid weight loss or weight gain, for example following pregnancy, and tend to appear in areas like the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and hips. Initially, they tend to be red or purple, but often fade to white over time. They are essentially 'partial tears' on the underside of the skin from considerable stretching and tension. Once present, they do not ever 'go away' as the skin is irreversibly damaged.