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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!
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#1
Healing Hands, Unusual Stories
MartinTheVlogger 6 years ago
this is awesome!!!! took me some time before I realized what is going on at this picture
Wina Jackson 6 years ago
First I don't realized what's happening here. Until I understand the nails must be the tattoos. Incredible
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#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...
#3
Scar Story In Ink
Taru-Elaari 6 years ago
Maybe it's their way of saying "I encompass and own my history."
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#4
Scar Stories In Ink
#5
Scar’s Star Wars Glow-Up
Chris Steele 6 years ago
This is a cute tattoo. The artist made the scar look like a light saber.
#6
Accidental Artistry
Kaisu Rei 6 years ago
This is such a clever idea, not hiding the birthmark while still keeping the tattoo fun!
Margot Hamel 6 years ago
That's funny because it is called "une tâche de vin" in french, also a stain of wine in English if my memory is good 😂
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Jurian Koning 6 years ago
In the Netherlands we actually call these big birthmarks "Wijnvlekken" which translates to "wine stains". Makes this tattoo even more fitting!
Caroline Huot 6 years ago
Seriously this is one of the best BP posts ever! I like all of them!! SO clever!!
SandraG_lak 6 years ago
This is awesome! I also have a port wine stain, though it's on my face.
Katelynn Marie 6 years ago
We need a paper towel! There’s been a wine spill! Quick before it stains! 🍷
#7
Sidewalk Scribbles to Forest Shadows
Gemma Lees 6 years ago
I love this! I'm in the process of covering a huge amount of self harm scars on my arms and legs with tattoos. It has both taken away some of the disgust I have with my body and stopped me cutting again as I don't want to ruin the artwork.
Brittany Poventud 6 years ago (edited)
I hope they continue to help you on your road to recovery and self love ❤️
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Michelle Hallahan 6 years ago
It breaks my heart to see all of these scars that look like they're from self-cutting. I hope all of you have found some comfort.
Lilianne 10 months ago
Look at the vertical cutting scars in the top photo.
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#8
Spotlight on the Unexpected
Kaisu Rei 6 years ago
This is so funny and clever too, making your birthmark even more unique!
Moe Less 6 years ago
"...even more unique." It's unique or it's not. There are no degrees of the state of being unique. So sorry.
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#9
From Scar to Story Ink That Tells Tales
Nancy Edwards 6 years ago
It is so beautiful, and incorporates the beauty of this beautiful man, and makes the scars tremendously beautiful; oh dear, I am not crying, I have something in my eye....
Paoro Borla 6 years ago
i suddenly remember jeffrey star, who has scars all over his body, and now his body is full with tatto
Khairul Syazwan 6 years ago
wonder if applying tattoo on scar hurts more compare to on skin.. or it feels the same? anyone?
Taru-Elaari 6 years ago
It probably depends on the type of scar tissue (what caused it, where it is, etc.) and on the person, of course. This looks like a burn which might mean less pain if it's a full thickness burn, due to destruction of nerve endings. The biggest scar I have feels different to the surrounding skin, when I touch it - I can tell I'm touching it but it's definitely numb in comparison (it was due to losing a chunk of shin down to the bone). Not sure I'd like to try having it tattooed, though, as I don't like people touching it anyway, due to the oddness of sensation.
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#10
Spot the Glow-Up
Paula Marshall 6 years ago
You know the OP isn't the tattoo artist, right?
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Han 6 years ago
Glad you're ok mate. Such a painful thought, but your sensitive answer will no doubt offer acceptance to anyone who bares these scars. And you're interpenetration is beautifully worded, again it offers acceptance and kindness. (I always check in on anyone who says they're sad. :) You take care and do something cool for yourself today.
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Janine Randall 6 years ago
This is amazing! So Delicate and floral. The person that had this done picked the right artist!
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
Rosie Hamilton 6 years ago
Even the sheen/light reflection on the blade - fantastic.
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Carrie de Luka 6 years ago
That is the thought that instantly went through my mind - my husband has that kind of equipment.
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Paula Marshall 6 years ago
I'm a woman and I love tools. If I could stand pain while I'm awake, I'd do something like this.
#14
Peekaboo Zipper Vibes
Alex Noott 6 years ago
Zipper Head - My granddaughter has the same scar, where they operated for Arnold Chiari Malformation. They call themselves Zipper Heads! 😀😀
#15
Just Hanging Out
#16
Claws and Shadows
"Face your demons" tattoo
Rosie Hamilton 6 years ago
Much sympathy Meena. Have you something similar or thought of it? You don't have to answer if it's too personal.
Load More Replies... Michelle Hallahan 6 years ago
It breaks my heart to see all of these scars that look like they're from self-cutting. I hope all of you have found some comfort.
Constantin George-Florin 6 years ago
I think it looks more like Beauty and the Beast holding hands while dancing...
Id row 6 years ago
Not really a cover tattoo though. As long as they're happy with it, that's all that matters.
#17
From Scar to Artistry
Robin Lajoie 6 years ago
This one is my favorite so FAR...and I just happen to have an almost IDENTICAL scar...PERFECT!
#18
Fire-Breathing Cover-Up
#19
Scar Stories Reimagined
Madonna Rose 6 years ago
The colors are amazing and the butterflies make the whole coverup incredibly feminine
Binxyminxem 6 years ago
Wow this is beautiful! I feel like the butterflies tell a story or represent a new beginning/fresh start 😃
#20
From Scars To Jaws
Rosie Hamilton 6 years ago
Know someone that actually has a scar from a shark bite (a small shark but a big scar) - wonder if he's thought of this? It's excellent.
gwenie Mugliston 6 years ago
This one made me grin. Excellently done and lending one to think....how did it happen?
#21
Secret Smile Sleeved In Ink
#22
Threading the Needle
Laugh Fan 6 years ago
My husband could have that one on his thigh!! Shame he's really not into tattoos. :(
Peggy Schultz 6 years ago
Only problem is when on his hair grows back you're not going to see it.
Binxyminxem 6 years ago
I was just thinking with some careful shaving work he could incorporate his hair into it! Lol but not all of them 😁
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#23
Underwater Fixer Upper
#24
Scarred And Styled
Taryn Wallace 6 years ago
This is gorgeous and mad props to the artist as well since scar tissue is tough to tattoo AND the area it's in is also not the easiest (learned from a friend who owns a shop). And of course mad props to the lady who got the work done.... I have a tattoo in that area and it HURT AND she had to go through whatever have her that scar as well.... strong lady + awesome artist = amazing!!!!!
#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.
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.
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