ADVERTISEMENT

People get tattooed for various reasons. Many get them because they're fashionable. Others get them as a reminder of something or somebody special. But some get them for the opposite reason, to hide something they'd rather forget with tattoos to cover scars.

Check out this list of tattoos covering scars compiled by Bored Panda and read about the events that inspired people to get inked. Some had surgery scars and dog bites they wanted to hide, while others decided to get their unique tattoos to cover injuries inflicted by abusive partners or the painful results of bets gone wrong. They'll make you think twice the next time you see somebody with a cover-up tattoo.

Sometimes tattoo artists decline to tattoo on scars as it makes the process so much harder due to different skin textures and increased fading of ink over time, but others try their best in helping those in need and fulfilling their tattoo ideas. A tattoo design atop a scar that's left after a traumatic experience might even help the person to get over it mentally, finally finding their peace.

Now, scroll down to check the inspirational stories and a wonderful tattoo gallery below!

#1

A Bluebird Covering Scars From Multiple Surgeries

A Bluebird Covering Scars From Multiple Surgeries

My sophomore year of high school I fell during a trampoline routine at gymnastics practice and shattered my left arm. After eight months of surgeries… I was left with an arm that not only hurt constantly and didn’t work, but also didn’t look like my own.
Surgeries to remove dead muscle and scar tissue had distorted my forearm, and the scars scattered across my arm and hand felt unsightly and ugly. This tattoo, my first, was a present to myself when I turned 18 as a way to reclaim my body after it had been irreparably damaged, and to turn my scars into something beautiful. I didn’t want to cover up the surgical scars because they were, and are, such an important part of who I am now, but I wanted to transform them into something I was proud of. The bird is an eastern bluebird.

rachelb440d04484 Report

Add photo comments
POST
lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe that this is the most beautiful way I have ever seen a scar memorialized.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

Blooming Peony Tattoo Covering Scars From Self-Harming

Blooming Peony Tattoo Covering Scars From Self-Harming

My grandpa sexually abused me since I was a small child. For a long time, I felt like my body didn’t belong to me. I could feel his eyes burned into my skin, or the ghost of his hands brushing against my thighs. As retaliation, I began self-harming. I carved up my ribs, my breasts, my thighs. They were all the things he loved too much, and I wanted to destroy them. The worst of the scars were on my ribs. After recovery, my mom bought me scar cream and they faded. Even still, I felt a disconnect from my body. I started letting boys toss me around and abuse me. I saw myself as nothing but a sex object.

Earlier this year, I relapsed. I was so angry and embarrassed at how weak I still was… So after some thought and saving, I went into a tattoo parlor and got a blooming peony on my sternum and ribs. I wanted to plant something beautiful where something ugly used to be. It’s still not finished, and needs coloring when I can afford it, but for now, it’s a great comfort to see in the mirror. I’m taking my body back, one flower at a time.

lyndsayr42c1074c7 Report

Add photo comments
POST
afboerste avatar
Amanda Panda
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not sure if the girl in the photo will ever see this comment, but, you are NOT alone, and one day, someone will show you that love isn't supposed to hurt. Keep your chin up, beautiful!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#3

One Word Next To A Spinal Surgery Scar

One Word Next To A Spinal Surgery Scar

Instead of hiding my scar, I decided to show it off. Last July I had scoliosis spinal reconstruction surgery, placing two titanium rods on either sides of my spine and fusing two-thirds of my spinal vertebrae into one large bone. This left me with a noticeable two-and-a-half-foot scar down the center of my back. I got the word ‘strength’ tattooed next to my scar. The ‘S’ is a tracing of my actual spine from an X-ray before my surgery. It took a lot of strength to recover from such a hard surgery and I want a constant reminder of that.

hsleeves Report

Add photo comments
POST
paula_6 avatar
Paula Saito
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did the same surgery years ago, and many people ask me why I didn't want to cover it. I completely agree with you, it takes a lot of strength to recover from this king of surgery, we must be proud of it, not ashamed!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

Watercolor Pheonix Tattoo Covering Forearm Scars

Watercolor Pheonix Tattoo Covering Forearm Scars

These forearm scars are (pretty obviously) from self-harm and they're from almost 14 years ago. Been wanting to cover it with a tattoo for half my life, but I guess just recently developed the metaphorical balls to finally do it. So happy!

JessPlays Report

#5

A Feather Covering Scars Resulting From An Abusive Relationship

A Feather Covering Scars Resulting From An Abusive Relationship

I got this tattoo to cover a scar from an abusive boyfriend. He broke my arm and I had a metal plate put in it. I still went back to him many times. That scar reminded me of how weak I was and I wanted something beautiful instead. My cousin whom I was really close to committed suicide a couple months ago and I wanted to honor him. He called me unicorn.

jenniesimpkinsj Report

Add photo comments
POST
christiecurtis6 avatar
Christie Curtis
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so sorry for your loss. So good that you're are away from the abuse.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#6

Flowers Covering Self-Harm Scars

Flowers Covering Self-Harm Scars

She was so embarrassed, she told me how much pain it brought her when people would question her about them or make comments, which is completely understandable. As I’ve said in the past no one should ever have to feel like a public museum for people to ridicule. The things these people have fought through is admirable and they deserve to know that. People will immediately label self-harm as an act of weakness. I think to crawl out of that abyss and still be here, in this life that honestly is already so brief, and to have changed your life around into a positive is commendable.

Whitney Develle Report

Add photo comments
POST
afboerste avatar
Amanda Panda
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is about how bad my left arm is, I've thought about covering it all too, but wasn't sure how well it hides... now I see that tattoo does a good job!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

A Straight Spine In Celebration Of Overcoming Scoliosis

A Straight Spine In Celebration Of Overcoming Scoliosis

So let me start by saying my real spine has never looked and will never look like this. When I was 15 years old I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis — a 65-degree curve in my spine in the shape of an S. It was beyond correction with a brace and I was told that I would need surgery in order to live into adulthood.
The surgery was incredibly invasive and involved straightening my spine and surgically planting two titanium rods on either side of my spine attached by 15 screws which were screwed directly into my vertebrae.
The tattoo is from a medical textbook and spans 17” up my back, over my scar, which you can barely see. It is a symbol of my recovery and strength. My spine has never looked like that, nor will it ever look like that, it is simply the spine that I should’ve had.

emilys4129c93d9 Report

Add photo comments
POST
florinadragomir91 avatar
Florina Dragomir
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had the same surgery 6 years ago. It took an year to recover myself but Im fine now.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#8

Colorful Lion Covering Scars From Self-Harm

Colorful Lion Covering Scars From Self-Harm

When I was a kid, I was picked on multiple reasons; to me the worst of which was for simply being the big girl. I was 2 feet taller than everyone in my class and easily outweighed most kids my age. By the time I was a teenager I was neck deep in depression and taking it out on myself seemed like the only relief. Now that I’m older and much better equipped to deal with my mental health, I decided to cover up my years of self-harm scars. A lion was the first thing I thought of when I wanted something representing strength, plus we put in lotus and azalea blossoms in the mane for their symbolism of overcoming struggle. Instead of seeing a painful reminder of where I was, I get to look at this badass symbol of where I am :)

Shanti Cameron Report

Add photo comments
POST
afboerste avatar
Amanda Panda
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The big ones look like they were probably keloid scars (I have a few of those), I didnt' think you could cover those with ink, because they can continue to grow. This looks really good!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

A Ribbon Covering A Tumor Removal Scar

A Ribbon Covering A Tumor Removal Scar

I had a bone tumor in my knee removed when I was 10. This is my ribbon that looks like it’s lacing me up.

michelleh9 Report

#10

Black Feather Tattoo Covering Scars From Self-Harm

Black Feather Tattoo Covering Scars From Self-Harm

I got this one to cover up scars from self harm. I had a really bad one that stuck out and I felt like everyone could see it and was judging me. I got it on a Wednesday night after another friend died from an intentional overdose. I wanted to remember my friend and it goes with another tattoo of blackbirds I have from the Beatles song “Blackbird”. “Take these broken wings and learn to fly.” Today I am 3 years free of self harm!

laurens45805a734 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Cat Scratch Tattoo Covering The Scar

Cat Scratch Tattoo Covering The Scar

I got cat scratch disease from a cat scratch and had to have the wound removed. Covered the scar with this.

Pamela Pratap Report

#12

Beautiful Tattoo Covering Scars On Wrist

Beautiful Tattoo Covering Scars On Wrist

Nobody has ever brought up my scars for the years I’ve been doing it.
My little brother is 8 and everyone knows I am his biggest role model.
One day he asked me, “What happened?” and pointed to my wrist.
I made up a story, but I didn’t want him finding out what it really was and thinking it was an okay thing to do because I’ve done it.
I instantly made an appointment to get them covered up.
I feel so much more proud of myself now than I ever have.

alexisa4d99dc119 Report

#13

Willow Tree Tattoo Covering Scars From Self-Harm

Willow Tree Tattoo Covering Scars From Self-Harm

After suffering from severe anxiety and depression which resulted in self-harm, I decided to get a willow tree tattoo over my scars. I chose the willow tree because it is a well-known symbol of adaptability due to its ability to not only survive, but also thrive in some of the most challenging conditions.

alisons418e4d66b Report

#14

The Scars Are Gone & Covered With Beautiful Work

The Scars Are Gone & Covered With Beautiful Work

At a point in my life (September 2015) I was suicidal, and I was sitting on my front porch just burning myself with a cigarette over and over. My mom sent me to a mental hospital which honestly didn’t help me. What helped me was coming back home. Once the scars healed, and I was okay, I decided to get a traditional rose to cover up my burns. I have to still go back and get a touch up on some parts where the scars are still slightly visible. It may not be the most beautiful tattoo, but it represents growth. I love my tattoo. It’s beautiful to me, and it’s the only tattoo my mother approves of because of its meaning.

tvanaa Report

Add photo comments
POST
gina_ellinger avatar
Gina Ellinger
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In that photo the scars are not at all visable. Its a lovely flower. I'm happy to know that it pleases you. And even happier you are alive & viewing life with a healthier perspective. Somewhat symbolic of permanent "rose colored glasses". ;) <3

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#15

A Gecko Over A Scar From Exploded Appendix

A Gecko Over A Scar From Exploded Appendix

This tattoo covers up a very gruesome scar that I received when my appendix decided to blow up. Turns out it had been leaking toxins into my body for months; which was slowly killing me, and needed to be removed immediately or id be dead by morning. I was stuck in the hospital for a week since they had to basically give all my insides a good cleaning, which meant one ugly scar! I had to wait 3 years after the incident to get this tattoo and I’m so glad I did! Can’t even tell what happened to me.

tattoos.org Report

#16

The Symbol For Ovarian Cancer Following A Lumpectomy

The Symbol For Ovarian Cancer Following A Lumpectomy

On August 22, 2013, I had a mass removed from my right ovary. Three months later I got this tattoo not to cover my scar but to highlight it. I was lucky enough to have my results come back benign. My teal ribbon (a symbol for ovarian cancer) serves as a reminder for me to never forget how lucky I am. My experience made me a stronger person and shaped me into who I am today.

kelsrod86 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#17

This Ethereal Profile Covering A Dog Bite

This Ethereal Profile Covering A Dog Bite

It’s covering a scar from a childhood dog bite.

alexvediao1988 Report

#18

Heart On Scars

Heart On Scars

When I was 10 I fell off a motorcycle and shattered my femur. They put in an external fixator to hold everything together while it healed. It left four scars on my leg. On most people they fade, but I scar badly and they still look fresh so I made them pretty. The scars themselves didn’t hold the color but I’m happy with how they came out.This picture shows the scars toward the top of my leg near my hip. The scars near my knee are more spread out and each have their own matching heart.

kmpfl45 Report

Add photo comments
POST
sussydory avatar
Susana Venegas
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have the same scars.. But mine are even worst. They did a beautiful job with yours (:

View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Leo Constellation Tattoo

Leo Constellation Tattoo

After several years of dealing with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicide attempts and self harm, I got my tattoo of the Leo constellation, my zodiac sign, around my self harm scars along my thighs. There’s a quote that says, “stars are the scars of the universe,” so I view my body as the universe and my scars as the stars. The tattoo really helped me to reclaim by body and learn to love it, scars and all.

izzyr42a4562f3 Report

#20

White Ink Heart Shaped Tattoo Covering The Scar

White Ink Heart Shaped Tattoo Covering The Scar

I used to cut myself when I was younger and I cut this heart into my hand. Instead of letting it fade, I decided to memorialize and got it traced in white ink. It’s a reminder to love myself.

Tasha Le Report

#21

Anchor Covering Scars Resulting From A Bone Marrow Transplant

Anchor Covering Scars Resulting From A Bone Marrow Transplant

I had a bone marrow transplant when I was 9 years old. The scar has faded a lot since I was a kid but it always bothered me. My grandfather passed away when I was 14 and I got an anchor to commemorate him and remind myself to stay down to earth and grounded.

ellieh45a51ab64 Report

Add photo comments
POST
whitngmoneysplace avatar
~*G$*~
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful anchor! I've never seen one done this way and with those colors it's different and I love it!!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

Beautiful Tattoo Covering My Scars

Beautiful Tattoo Covering My Scars

For about two years I have worn my scars without a care of who saw, what they thought or what they said. I wore my scars with pride and embraced them, because their story was my story and because it was a part of me. I still have my story but now I have a beautiful piece of artwork that marks a new beginning and a second chance. A second chance and never looking back at what was, but rather focusing on what is and what will be.

leeannemarie97 Report

#23

Tattoo Covering Two Scars From Self-Harm

Tattoo Covering Two Scars From Self-Harm

This is only covering two scars from self-harm, but it means a lot to the rest of them… it represents that even when you feel deeper than rock bottom there is always the potential to start a new life once you reach out. I was going to get a full sleeve tattoo to cover everything, but I decided not to hide my story. I love the tattoo though because now when people ask what happened, whether it’s a customer, a stranger, classmate or date, I can just say “shit happened, but I grew from it” and 9 times out of 10, no further questions.

barlow3825 Report

#24

Rose Tattoo Covering Scars From Self-Harm

Rose Tattoo Covering Scars From Self-Harm

I struggled with self harm for 6 years and got my tattoo almost two years to the day after I stopped. The tattoo reminds me that your past doesn’t define you and that beauty can come out of pain.

heysamm Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#25

A Sleeve Piece Done To Cover Burns

A Sleeve Piece Done To Cover Burns

I lost a bet in high school and let someone burn me with the metal end of a Bic lighter on my arm. It left a really noticeable scar so I started a half sleeve to cover it up.

aylar3 Report

#26

A Heart And The Word Itsumo (Forever) Tattoo Covering From Self-Harm

A Heart And The Word Itsumo (Forever) Tattoo Covering From Self-Harm

This is just start of a sleeve, but it was the most important part. Since the age of 11 I’ve been through so much death, depression, and things an 11 year old really shouldn’t have to deal with. By the time I was 18, I turned to self harming. It’s my biggest regret in life. I decided to cover the scar this year, (I’m 27 now) because I feel like I can finally close that chapter on my life. I know it will always be there, but at least people won’t ask me about it.
I choice a heart and the word Itsumo (forever) because Heart Conditions run in my family. And a strong heart and family got me through the dark days and will always get me through the dark days.

Megwinn Report

Add photo comments
POST
#27

Tattoo Covering A Few Self-Harm Scars

Tattoo Covering A Few Self-Harm Scars

I got this to cover a few self harm scars, which are barely noticeable in the photo, but I got it to remind myself that I need t keep moving in a positive direction. It’s also a tribute to Monty Oum, who died last year, he was an amazing creator and visionary, and one I hope to live up to one day.
I plan on getting several more tattoos, some to cover more scars, some just for their meaning, but this one holds a special place in my heart and always will.

emt082097 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#28

Tattoo With The Phrase “A Time To Mourn A Time To Dance” Covering A Scar From Self-Harm

Tattoo With The Phrase “A Time To Mourn A Time To Dance” Covering A Scar From Self-Harm

The phrase “A time to Mourn A time to Dance” with a semicolon, on top of some of my scars on my wrist from when I used to self-harm in the midst of an eating disorder shortly after my lupus diagnosis in 2006, when I was 16 years old.

elhuther90 Report

#29

An Anchor With A Red Flower Covering A Scar From An Injury

An Anchor With A Red Flower Covering A Scar From An Injury

This is an anchor for my late grandfather who served in the Coast Guard, which covers a big ugly scar from an injury I got when I was 16.

brittanyhealy Report

Add photo comments
POST
#30

Something Sad Into Something Beautiful

Something Sad Into Something Beautiful

I’ve been dealing with self harm for 5+ years now and when I saw this drawn up at the Vancouver Tattoo Convention, I knew I had to get it. My artist turned something sad into something beautiful for me.

alexh4c7001eba Report

Add photo comments
POST
julia_w_wolfe avatar
Julia Wolfe
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The scars look like part of the sky and water - like there's motion!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Tattoo Covering Self-Harm Scars

Tattoo Covering Self-Harm Scars

This tattoo stands for so much. It’s for my grandma who passed away. She was so strong and I miss her everyday. I truly hope she smiles when she looks down on me. This is also for one of my favorite bands, Of Mice & Men. They got me through a rough point in time and I’m so thankful for them. I really hope I get to show them my tattoo at warped. Lastly this tattoo stands for recovery. This tattoo is covering up old self harm scars and it’s the final step in my recovery process. I am strong. And I love my tattoo.

yourenotmysunshine Report

#32

Manipura Chakra Symbol Tattoo Covering A Scar From Self-Harm

Manipura Chakra Symbol Tattoo Covering A Scar From Self-Harm

My freshman year of college, I cheated on my boyfriend with whom I had been having arguments because he was in the navy and the distance was causing major issues. It broke his heart, and I hated myself for it so I cut myself on my left arm. Last year, I decided I was tired of looking at my scars, and since I will be graduating this year and then working in a school setting, I decided I would rather my students and their parents see a tasteful tattoo rather than three slits. The compass symbolizes having a sense of direction, the mandala represents the search for self-unity and completeness, and the Manipura Chakra symbol in the center reminds me that my self-esteem is important, that I must respect myself at all times, my confidence is key, and to be proactive rather than reactive. I got it done in brown ink to mimic a henna tattoo. I have no regrets.

candacechristinew Report

Add photo comments
POST
#33

A Demon Cupcake Covering Cancer Treatment Scars

A Demon Cupcake Covering Cancer Treatment Scars

I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma when I was 21 and didn’t get diagnosed until I was at stage 4 with a slew of other complications that resulted in a three-week hospital stay.
Well, I beat the cancer but had lots of scars, the one on my arm being the most visible for me. I started painting again about a week after being cleared of cancer and this was the first thing I painted. About two years later I was preparing to start my full arm sleeve and covering the scars from those months of anguish with something that brought me back to myself seemed like the perfect match.

j48a4ec5e0 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#34

Tattoo Of The Medic Symbol Covering Burn Scars

Tattoo Of The Medic Symbol Covering Burn Scars

I got this for my service as a medic and to cover up some nasty lighter burns.

shawng45014e548 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jmbfi1987 avatar
Juju untaquente
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No disrespect Geneal. But no need to go around correcting the men. It mean what ever he wants it to mean. One love

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda