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25 Times People Asked To Cover Up Their Scars And Birthmarks, And Tattoo Artists Nailed It
“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!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Healing Hands, Unusual Stories
RELATED:
#2
Ink Over Adversity
Jess De La Souza 6 years ago
I have seen many pictures online of people who have undergone breast surgery and it is beautiful
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Mae Mosse 6 years ago
I want to cover my mastectomy scars with something nice. Turn a negative into a positive. I hate them! This is beautiful.
Ang.stl 6 years ago
A few years ago I saw a group of photos that were nothing BUT tattoos covering mastectomy and maybe some lumpectomy scars being covered with tattoos. They were mostly flowers, but some women wanted completely different things to cover their scars, using the tattoos to help bring back their self esteem and whatever it can help them start to heal mentally!
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Kim Lorton 6 years ago
Medical artistry in saving lives and then, creative artistry over it, savinf souls...
Jonathan L 6 years ago
That's amazing! I feel kinda stupid not realizing sooner that one CAN tattoo scar tissue. Great job!
Sheila Schaefer 6 years ago
I agree. So beautiful and brilliant to work it in with the existing tatoo! I love this!!
Crystal Hickman 6 years ago
I'm sure it's different for everyone, but when I've gotten tattooed over a scar it hurt slightly worse, but it wasn't unbearable.
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Tammy Chapman 6 years ago
WOW!!! That is Gorgeous!! I can't even tell there was ever a scar there. I know she loves it and appreciates it. I would!!
gwenie Mugliston 6 years ago
I am awed. After months of dealing with my double mastectomy scars and removal of my pectoral muscles I decided a tattoo would be wonderful to ameliorate the psychic pain of the destruction to my body and femininity. I had that done in the early 1990's. I have never ever regretted it. I wasn't as brave as this woman to have such a large tattoo, but I should have been.
#4
Scar Stories In Ink
#5
Scar’s Star Wars Glow-Up
#6
Accidental Artistry
#7
Sidewalk Scribbles to Forest Shadows
#8
Spotlight on the Unexpected
#9
From Scar to Story Ink That Tells Tales
#10
Spot the Glow-Up
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
#12
Blade Runner Vibes
#13
Minimalist Ink Vibes
Cello tattoo incorporating a 30 year old scar
#14
Peekaboo Zipper Vibes
#17
From Scar to Artistry
#18
Fire-Breathing Cover-Up
#19
Scar Stories Reimagined
#20
From Scars To Jaws
#22
Threading the Needle
#25
Scarred to Carroted
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What do you think ?
Cassie 6 years ago
I really like the ones that incorporate the scar rather than merely cover it up.
Parmeisan 6 years ago
Me too. I wouldn't judge someone for wanting to cover up a scar or birthmark, especially if it brings up bad memories - but personally I think scars are signs of having lived (and both make you unique, which should be a good thing). I have one on my neck which I had reduced because I was worried about catching it on things (like a seatbelt) but I wouldn't want to get rid of it completely. It's proof that I lived through a massive health scare; a reminder that life is fragile and to make the most of what you've got. Love yourself, however you can make that happen!
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Mama Panda 6 years ago
I have quite a few scars, some from surgeries and the most from domestic violence. I would love to get the majority of them covered up with the pastel tattoos. Those are beautiful and maybe I won't be so self conscious any more.
Justine P. 6 years ago
I hope you got away from your abuser! Nobody deserves to be abused. You have nothing to be ashamed of show your scars and shame the abuser!
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Cheryl Hopper 6 years ago
I have four scars on my shoulder from surgery a few years ago about the length of coin slots, and I want to have 'Insert Coins to Operate' tattooed on my shoulder, with a fantasy-looking coin tattooed over each scar.
ChiveChilly 6 years ago
I have a mole on my arm in the shape of a rat head. Used to love to add ears and anode and eyes and turn it into my rat.
Reilly Beryll 6 years ago
These are very, very neat. I love almost all of them! It’s a good way to cover up scars and other things you don’t want (although I wouldn’t say that scars are something you must hide).
Peter Kovak 6 years ago
Amazing artists, with imagination, talent and know-how. Excellent posts!
Robin Lajoie 6 years ago
As someone with several surgery scars (a broken ankle, a broken wrist and major abdominal operation) AND a fan/lover/canvas of several times, I have had a FEW similar ideas MYSELF, I can really appreciate the artists ability to make a painfully permanent moment of someone's life into something so BEAUTIFUL! I found a majority of these tattoos BEAUTIFUL. You're only here once...live your best life!😁
J Martin Jones 6 years ago
I have a scar running the entire length of the back of my left thigh (from knee to buttocks). I've never really been self-conscious about it, but this makes me want to get a tattoo.
Dorothy Parker 6 years ago
These are so special and have so much meaning. I also admire the tattoos used on people who've had spinal surgery. Zippers, ribbons, stiches. Creative and beautiful out of something that produced such agony.
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
i have tats, i have scars. i never thought of covering any of my scars though. they're a part of me, nothing to be ashamed of. that said, these are some awesome works! IF i ever decided to cover any of my scars, there are a few neat ideas in here that would work.
Amanda Ford 6 years ago
I would love to get a beautiful tattoo some day, but I have no idea what I would get, where I would put it so I could see it and enjoy it, and I'm currently going to school to be a teacher, so there's the whole professional appearance thing too.
Debbie Donohue 6 years ago
They are stunning but doesn't it hurt even more getting tattoo'd over a scar?
Amanda Ford 6 years ago
I would think it would depend. My big scar is rather numb, on the scar itself I can't feel anything, and the skin directly around it isn't as sensitive as the rest of my leg.
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Boglárka Lázár 9 months ago
Covering up scars in an artistic manner is the only excuse I can find for tattoos.
Shortstuff 9 months ago
These people must be very brave. I have numerous scars after surgeries. They are so sensitive, no way could I have needles in them.
Melissa Powell 5 years ago
Fabulous. Scars bring attention especially when they are always visible. When it makes someone uncomfortable, if they need to cover or change, good for them.
Vonny Browne 6 years ago
I didn't think that it was possible to tattoo over scar tissue. Happily, I'm wrong. They are all wonderful and I'm glad for people that really want them that they are happy with them. Great stuff!
Lindsey 6 years ago
I have 3rd degree burn scares on my hands and arms plus skin graph scars on my thighs. I once had a mole on my inner thigh and now it’s on my arm but it’s faded now. People don’t instantly notice my scars mainly because the doctor and staff were amazing and did a good job but also I’ve accepted and embraced my scars. I’ve never been turned down over my scars like I said people don’t notice them. I wear tank tops showing my arms without a second thought. I encourage anyone to do the same it’s a badge of a badass mf. I do want some tattoos I think I’d add to my scars rather then covering them up.
Erica D B 6 years ago
I find these tattoos beautiful but have a lingering thought in the head. Wouldn't 'painting' (so to speak) a tattoo on scar tissue be pretty painful and maybe even a 'lil dangerous as the skin is weaker and probably thinner as well? Just something I couldn't help but ask.
Kimberly Buchanan 6 years ago
I have scars and have a tattoo that completely covered them. I was surprised it did. These are great before and after pictures!
Diane DesAutels 6 years ago
I have seversal short laparoscopic-surgery scars, not fully faded, that I've always said look like waterbugs (the kind that walk on water, with 6 dimples for their feet, you know?) but I'm not sure I'd like actual bug drawings on my tummy!
Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
IMHO scars can be something to celebrate. Clearly some of these people have a great - and slightly off - sense of humor, such as the buzz saw blade and the welders. Every scar tells a story, though not all of them need to be told.
Mama Panda 6 years ago
Why a frowny face? I was happy to see that those who covered them up have healed from whatever monster was causing them to self harm. If they have moved past to a more healing nature, then covering them up with a beautiful tattoo is part of the healing process. Be happy for them =)
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Michelle Sebold 6 years ago
Wow! They look so real! This tattoo artist could help lots of people with his talent!!
Laugh Fan 6 years ago (edited)
Plastic surgery isn't just about operations that give people face lifts or new noses etc. My husband had plastic surgery when he had an accident that chopped the tips off a couple of fingers - plastic surgeons do the very fine micro stiches that were required. So not sure if that is what Major Houlihan Bear meant or if people are only considering cosmetic plastic surgery and that is why people downvoted. Just saying...
Load More Replies... Cassie 6 years ago
I really like the ones that incorporate the scar rather than merely cover it up.
Parmeisan 6 years ago
Me too. I wouldn't judge someone for wanting to cover up a scar or birthmark, especially if it brings up bad memories - but personally I think scars are signs of having lived (and both make you unique, which should be a good thing). I have one on my neck which I had reduced because I was worried about catching it on things (like a seatbelt) but I wouldn't want to get rid of it completely. It's proof that I lived through a massive health scare; a reminder that life is fragile and to make the most of what you've got. Love yourself, however you can make that happen!
Load More Replies... Mama Panda 6 years ago
I have quite a few scars, some from surgeries and the most from domestic violence. I would love to get the majority of them covered up with the pastel tattoos. Those are beautiful and maybe I won't be so self conscious any more.
Justine P. 6 years ago
I hope you got away from your abuser! Nobody deserves to be abused. You have nothing to be ashamed of show your scars and shame the abuser!
Load More Replies... Cheryl Hopper 6 years ago
I have four scars on my shoulder from surgery a few years ago about the length of coin slots, and I want to have 'Insert Coins to Operate' tattooed on my shoulder, with a fantasy-looking coin tattooed over each scar.
ChiveChilly 6 years ago
I have a mole on my arm in the shape of a rat head. Used to love to add ears and anode and eyes and turn it into my rat.
Reilly Beryll 6 years ago
These are very, very neat. I love almost all of them! It’s a good way to cover up scars and other things you don’t want (although I wouldn’t say that scars are something you must hide).
Peter Kovak 6 years ago
Amazing artists, with imagination, talent and know-how. Excellent posts!
Robin Lajoie 6 years ago
As someone with several surgery scars (a broken ankle, a broken wrist and major abdominal operation) AND a fan/lover/canvas of several times, I have had a FEW similar ideas MYSELF, I can really appreciate the artists ability to make a painfully permanent moment of someone's life into something so BEAUTIFUL! I found a majority of these tattoos BEAUTIFUL. You're only here once...live your best life!😁
J Martin Jones 6 years ago
I have a scar running the entire length of the back of my left thigh (from knee to buttocks). I've never really been self-conscious about it, but this makes me want to get a tattoo.
Dorothy Parker 6 years ago
These are so special and have so much meaning. I also admire the tattoos used on people who've had spinal surgery. Zippers, ribbons, stiches. Creative and beautiful out of something that produced such agony.
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
i have tats, i have scars. i never thought of covering any of my scars though. they're a part of me, nothing to be ashamed of. that said, these are some awesome works! IF i ever decided to cover any of my scars, there are a few neat ideas in here that would work.
Amanda Ford 6 years ago
I would love to get a beautiful tattoo some day, but I have no idea what I would get, where I would put it so I could see it and enjoy it, and I'm currently going to school to be a teacher, so there's the whole professional appearance thing too.
Debbie Donohue 6 years ago
They are stunning but doesn't it hurt even more getting tattoo'd over a scar?
Amanda Ford 6 years ago
I would think it would depend. My big scar is rather numb, on the scar itself I can't feel anything, and the skin directly around it isn't as sensitive as the rest of my leg.
Load More Replies... Boglárka Lázár 9 months ago
Covering up scars in an artistic manner is the only excuse I can find for tattoos.
Shortstuff 9 months ago
These people must be very brave. I have numerous scars after surgeries. They are so sensitive, no way could I have needles in them.
Melissa Powell 5 years ago
Fabulous. Scars bring attention especially when they are always visible. When it makes someone uncomfortable, if they need to cover or change, good for them.
Vonny Browne 6 years ago
I didn't think that it was possible to tattoo over scar tissue. Happily, I'm wrong. They are all wonderful and I'm glad for people that really want them that they are happy with them. Great stuff!
Lindsey 6 years ago
I have 3rd degree burn scares on my hands and arms plus skin graph scars on my thighs. I once had a mole on my inner thigh and now it’s on my arm but it’s faded now. People don’t instantly notice my scars mainly because the doctor and staff were amazing and did a good job but also I’ve accepted and embraced my scars. I’ve never been turned down over my scars like I said people don’t notice them. I wear tank tops showing my arms without a second thought. I encourage anyone to do the same it’s a badge of a badass mf. I do want some tattoos I think I’d add to my scars rather then covering them up.
Erica D B 6 years ago
I find these tattoos beautiful but have a lingering thought in the head. Wouldn't 'painting' (so to speak) a tattoo on scar tissue be pretty painful and maybe even a 'lil dangerous as the skin is weaker and probably thinner as well? Just something I couldn't help but ask.
Kimberly Buchanan 6 years ago
I have scars and have a tattoo that completely covered them. I was surprised it did. These are great before and after pictures!
Diane DesAutels 6 years ago
I have seversal short laparoscopic-surgery scars, not fully faded, that I've always said look like waterbugs (the kind that walk on water, with 6 dimples for their feet, you know?) but I'm not sure I'd like actual bug drawings on my tummy!
Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
IMHO scars can be something to celebrate. Clearly some of these people have a great - and slightly off - sense of humor, such as the buzz saw blade and the welders. Every scar tells a story, though not all of them need to be told.
Mama Panda 6 years ago
Why a frowny face? I was happy to see that those who covered them up have healed from whatever monster was causing them to self harm. If they have moved past to a more healing nature, then covering them up with a beautiful tattoo is part of the healing process. Be happy for them =)
Load More Replies... Michelle Sebold 6 years ago
Wow! They look so real! This tattoo artist could help lots of people with his talent!!
Laugh Fan 6 years ago (edited)
Plastic surgery isn't just about operations that give people face lifts or new noses etc. My husband had plastic surgery when he had an accident that chopped the tips off a couple of fingers - plastic surgeons do the very fine micro stiches that were required. So not sure if that is what Major Houlihan Bear meant or if people are only considering cosmetic plastic surgery and that is why people downvoted. Just saying...
Load More Replies... You May Like 100 Small, Simple Brother and Sister Tattoo Ideas to Try With Your Kin 112 Bad Tattoo Fails That’ll Make You Laugh And Cringe 91 Beautiful Spine Tattoos That Make The Pain Worth It
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