Striae, more commonly known as stretch marks, are a result of the skin being stretched by rapid growth such as during pregnancy. Stretch marks occur in the dermis layer of the skin. The derma is elastic-like, and can rebound when pulled, but with excessive stretching or continued stretching, the elastic quality of the dermis can break down. When this happens the result is stretch marks. There are a number of methods to address stretch marks. Among the most common are chemical peels, laser surgery, dermabrasions and creams. Laser surgery is the most expensive of these treatments because it takes 5 – 6 visits to complete the process. Stretch marks are not harmful, but can make a person self conscious.