“Chicks dig scars,” is something I often heard growing up, and strangely enough, this weird generalization helped me to accept and embrace the scar I had foolishly gotten myself above my right eye.

But dated stereotypes can't come to the rescue for everyone, and some people have scars that affect not only their self-esteem about their appearance but bring back genuinely traumatic memories every time they see them. Others are born with birthmarks no one asked for.  Being devilishly difficult things to erase sometimes, often the best way to take back control of your body image is by incorporating your marks into something positive, something that you chose yourself. Tattoo artists are incredibly talented and creative people who can often relish the extra challenge of working with a scar or a birthmark to create something truly unique. This list compiled by Bored Panda is full of beautiful, funny and downright genius ways that tattoos have transformed old wounds and marks, and healed some of the mental scars that came with them. Scroll down below to check them out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

#1

Healing Hands, Unusual Stories

Tattoo covers scars on hand, before and after comparison, showcasing tattoo artists' skill in scar camouflage.

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Kaisu Rei
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazingly realistic job from the tattoo artist!

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    #2

    Ink Over Adversity

    Tattoo artist covers scars with floral design, showcasing skill in scar and birthmark cover-up.

    darbytattoo Report

    #4

    Scar Stories In Ink

    Tattoo of a fish with scar as the body on an ankle, creatively covering up a scar.

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    #5

    Scar’s Star Wars Glow-Up

    Tattoo covers a scar with a Darth Vader design, highlighting creative tattoo artistry.

    flavia.daedratattoo Report

    #6

    Accidental Artistry

    Tattoo artist covers birthmark with a wine glass tattoo on a woman's shoulder.

    alex_anvil Report

    Kaisu Rei
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is such a clever idea, not hiding the birthmark while still keeping the tattoo fun!

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    #7

    Sidewalk Scribbles to Forest Shadows

    Tattoo transformation covers scars, featuring wolves and a forest design on an arm.

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    #8

    Spotlight on the Unexpected

    Tattoo artist covers birthmark with a playful ghost saying "Boo!"

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    Kaisu Rei
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so funny and clever too, making your birthmark even more unique!

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    #9

    From Scar to Story Ink That Tells Tales

    Tattoo covers up scars and birthmarks with an intricate design of a ship and compass on a man's shoulder.

    yasinaliciart Report

    Valereee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG! All I can think of is the pain his burn caused... But the pain he suffered for that gorgeous tattoo had to help take the mental pain away !

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    #10

    Spot the Glow-Up

    Tattoo artist covers up scars with delicate floral design on skin.

    mini_tattooer Report

    Michelle Sebold
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The art work is so perfect for this! Love your work.

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    Scar and birthmark cover-up tattoos turn trauma into art. Browse our collection of transformative tattoo ideas for more examples that inspire.

    #11

    From Blurred to Bloomed

    Tattoo artist covers a leg scar with a floral tattoo design, transforming the appearance beautifully.

    aisana_ykt Report

    Michelle Sebold
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful work! Thank you for helping this person!

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    #12

    Blade Runner Vibes

    Tattoo art covering scar with a detailed saw blade design on a person's leg.

    tattoomachinenapoles Report

    Not Alec
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks TOO real! I applaud the tattoo artist!

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    #13

    Minimalist Ink Vibes

    Tattoo art covering a scar on forearm with elegant line design, showcasing skilled work by tattoo artists.

    Cello tattoo incorporating a 30 year old scar

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    #14

    Peekaboo Zipper Vibes

    Tattoo covers scar on neck with a zipper design, showcasing creative artistry.

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    #15

    Just Hanging Out

    Tattoo of a person fishing on a crescent moon, covering a birthmark on a person's back.

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    #16

    Claws and Shadows

    Tattoo artist covers scars with clawed hand design on forearm.

    "Face your demons" tattoo

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    Smackiex
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is my favorite ❤️ love the art work and the meaning behind it. Just beautiful. :)

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    #17

    From Scar to Artistry

    Tattoo artist covers forearm scar with colorful jellyfish tattoo, highlighting creative scar and birthmark concealment.

    mini_tattooer Report

    Dani
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so pretty on its own! And it does a brilliant job to cover up the scar

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    #18

    Fire-Breathing Cover-Up

    Tattoo artist expertly covers forearm scar with a vibrant cartoon character design.

    j9illustration Report

    #19

    Scar Stories Reimagined

    Tattoo covers scar on abdomen with vibrant butterfly and floral design, showcasing tattoo artists' skills.

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    Laugh Fan
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, I love this. Completely disguises the scar so well.

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    #20

    From Scars To Jaws

    Tattoo covers a scar with a detailed shark design, showcasing tattoo artists' skill in scar and birthmark coverage.

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    #21

    Secret Smile Sleeved In Ink

    A baseball player with tattoos covering a scar on his arm, illustrating a creative tattoo transformation.

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    #22

    Threading the Needle

    Tattoo of a spool of thread and needle cleverly covering a scar on the arm.

    jattoos Report

    Laugh Fan
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband could have that one on his thigh!! Shame he's really not into tattoos. :(

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    #23

    Underwater Fixer Upper

    Tattoo artist covers chest scar with diver design, skillfully enhancing appearance with creative artwork.

    SloDilf1493 Report

    #24

    Scarred And Styled

    Tattoo artist creatively covers scars with a lace bow design, transforming the appearance beautifully.

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    #25

    Scarred to Carroted

    Tattoo artist's transformation: a scar covered with a carrot tattoo on skin.

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