“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

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

Eric Catalano Report

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

Amazingly realistic job from the tattoo artist!

View more comments
#4

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

Holdenl2121 Report

Ms.Maria
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No bones about it, this one is clever

View More Replies...
View more comments

#6

Birthmark Tattoo

alex_anvil Report

Kaisu Rei
Community Member
4 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!

View More Replies...
View more comments
#8

Made Use Out Of A Birthmark

hectorfong Report

Kaisu Rei
Community Member
4 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!

View More Replies...
View more comments
#9

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

yasinaliciart Report

Ms.Maria
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is amazing. I cannot comprehend how it's possible to tattoo on scar tissue that well.

View more comments
#10

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

mini_tattooer Report

#11

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

aisana_ykt Report

Ms.Maria
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't get over how beautiful these pastel tattoos are! They look like paintings.

View More Replies...
View more comments
#12

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

tattoomachinenapoles Report

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

This looks TOO real! I applaud the tattoo artist!

View More Replies...
View more comments
#13

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

Cello tattoo incorporating a 30 year old scar

theanswerplus Report

#16

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

"Face your demons" tattoo

MyUsernameIsNotCool Report

Smackiex
Community Member
4 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. :)

View more comments
#17

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

mini_tattooer Report

Dani
Community Member
4 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

View more comments
#19

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

Report

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

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

View more comments
#20

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

evanmakesart Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#22

Scar-Birthmark-Tattoo-Cover-Ups

jattoos Report

Laugh Fan
Community Member
4 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. :(

View More Replies...
View more comments