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Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the tattoo art of Raquel Sousa, a Brazilian tattoo artist specializing in transforming scars into art. Based in São Paulo, she focuses on creating delicate tattoos that help people regain confidence by skillfully covering their scars and turning them into true masterpieces.

Raquel shared with us: "The art of tattooing on scars came into my life when I decided to work on something that truly made sense to me—something deeply emotional, as that is what drives me the most. I’ve always wanted my work to be meaningful. I have been working with scars since 2020, but my journey toward specialization began in 2018, as I searched for my purpose not only in my profession but in life."

Scroll down to discover some of the most breathtaking transformations by this talented tattoo artist

More info: Instagram | tiktok.com | br.pinterest.com

#1

Before and after of a scar covered by a floral tattoo, showcasing an artist’s skill in transforming scars into art.

raquelgauthier Report

Subaru645
Community Member
9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was that the result of a shark bite?

Upstaged75
Community Member
9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

More likely external fixators from a broken femur. You can see the surgical scar that starts near her knee.

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TheReader19
Community Member
9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a beautiful design, it's quite elegant

The artist told Bored Panda that most of her clients find her through social networks like Instagram, Facebook, Google, and Pinterest—mainly via Instagram or personal referrals. She also explained that there are no scars she can't work with: “All scars have the possibility to create something; they all inspire me, and I need to develop the art through the ideas of the clients; the only restriction for the scar is if it is not yet a year old, because it is necessary to respect the healing process of the skin.”

When asked whether she creates the designs herself or if clients come to her with specific ideas in mind, Raquel responded: “The creative process is done with a lot of patience, and all based on what the client wants to express through the tattoo, regardless of the severity of the scar, I always find a way to transform and adapt the art to its place.

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The creative process is done in person, and I ask for a day off for the client because I believe that the creative process is an essential part of the tattoo, and where I will work on the meaning and meaning of art. Through a theme I create together with the client.”

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    #2

    Before and after transformation showing scar cover-up with floral tattoo for confidence.

    raquelgauthier Report

    C L
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It appears she may have had lymph edema and had to have lymph glands & swollen tissue removed

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such excitement work, this really must of helped this ladies confidence

    KittyMommy
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think it is. The people I've known with burn scars the skin was stretched tightly and shiny. Even the ones with grafts still had shiny skin

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    H R
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We all support this message!!

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awesome tattoo. But what happened to this poor woman?

    #3

    Scar transformed into beautiful floral tattoo on woman's abdomen, showcasing artistic confidence reclaim.

    raquelgauthier Report

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As someone with a stomach scare, this is giving me some good ideas 🤔

    We were also curious about how long each session typically takes, and the tattoo artist told us that it varies for each individual: “The time varies according to the complexity of the scar and the size of the art; all this is previously explained, so that the client can schedule herself to come to the studio, many are from other states/countries and need a certain time. I do an assessment beforehand, which can be online or in person.”

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    #4

    Person's back with scar transformed into beautiful floral tattoo, showcasing tattoo art's impact on confidence.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom has that same scar from when she had her spine fused. I don't think she'd go for a tattoo though. :)

    CatD
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still have staple marks around mine because I get keloid scars. No tattoos for me.

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    meow meow
    Community Member
    9 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would think the spine would be one of the most painful area's to have tattooed. Beautiful job by the artist.

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is so gorgeous. The detail and delicacy of the lines, just wow

    Leslie B
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My niece has a tattoo covering her back surgical scar. It's more on the spine than the whole back.

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is absolutely stunning 😍

    #5

    Woman with a scar transformed into a floral tattoo, wearing a black top, showcasing the artistry of turning scars into tattoos.

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    jasper
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks like it would be painful to tattoo.

    Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember reading about a guy getting a biomechanical tattoo over his burned upper body. He said that in some places, he could hardly feel anything while other spots were really painful

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    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a lovely tattoo, something like this must really help with a person's confidence ☺️

    The Brazilian tattoo artist shared that seeing someone's life change for the better is a powerful and deeply fulfilling experience for her. She elaborated: “The feeling is strong and of satisfaction, and as a duty fulfilled, promoting freedom through art was one of my dreams, nine my work teaches me a lot every day to every client that passes through here, after all, every human being It’s a universe in itself, I learned that when we are content to just look at the surface, we lose the invitation to dive into the depths of everything that the other is, and often, we don’t even imagine, but it can change our life.

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    This profession changed me forever. It made me close my eyes and open my heart more. Point the fingerless and extend the hand more. Educating my critical sense so that I am ready to judge appearances and understand that what is really beautiful is what is not stamped on the face but engraved on the chest. And that it is only when we learn to accept and embrace what is different that we learn to love properly.”

    #6

    Before and after transformation of a leg scar turned into a beautiful tattoo by an artist.

    raquelgauthier Report

    Lucy D
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why did I think of Mrs. Frizzle (The Magic School Bus)telling Lilo (Lilo and Stitch) that fish don't eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. 🙃

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    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, just wow! Absolutely stunning 😍

    #7

    Scar transformed into beautiful floral tattoo on leg, showcasing artistic confidence.

    raquelgauthier Report

    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such an ingenious use of shadow!

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love whatt the artist has done with the shading; it really gives the illusion that she used the colour red in this work

    Lastly, she added: “What many people don’t know is that it’s not just me who changes them; each passage here changes a little bit about me too.”

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    Finally, Raquel told us that she has experienced many striking and exciting moments throughout her career as a tattoo artist: “There are many stories and remarkable moments to the point that I can’t choose one; the stories are strong, and the process from the first contact to the completion of the tattoo is lived intensely by me and the client.”

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    #8

    Leg with scars transformed into beautiful floral tattoo, highlighting confidence and artistry.

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    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good work, as someone who is black I would love a tattoo, but I'm not sure how it work on dark skin.

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    #9

    Before and after of a transformational tattoo covering scars with elegant floral design, enhancing confidence.

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    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a good idea, I really love the idea of the same tattoo being repeated

    #10

    Woman's scar beautifully transformed into floral tattoo art on her arm.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Interesting! I didn't realize you could tattoo skin grafts and have them come out looking so good.

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cover's the skin graft beautifully

    #11

    Before and after of a leg scar transformed into beautiful tattoo art by an artist.

    raquelgauthier Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, that's a gruesome injury. Cool cover up!

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a lovely cover up, I'm sure it must have done wonders for this ladies self esteem 🌹

    #12

    Scar transformed into floral tattoo on torso, before and after, highlighting reclaiming confidence through art.

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    Lyoness
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a hell of a scar. Heart surgery?

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That absolutely gorgeous, 🥰

    #13

    Before and after of a leg scar beautifully transformed into a tattoo design by an artist.

    raquelgauthier Report

    Cerridwn d'Wyse
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She does really good work it looks like. And I like when people show them on women that are not just flowers. I'm not a flower girl

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And evidently gave her more confidence as well

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love this, dream catcher by chance?

    #14

    Scar cover-up tattoo with a floral design on a woman's arm, highlighting confidence transformation through artistry.

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    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh my gosh, that was quite the injury!

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So nice, beautiful design; it's got a lovely flow

    #15

    Before and after image of a scar transformed into a floral tattoo, highlighting beauty in tattoos.

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    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Very eye catching, this is a big statement 👍🏾

    #16

    Before and after of a back scar transformed into a floral tattoo, showcasing art that reclaims confidence.

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    CatD
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The picture on the left is what my back looks like.

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love this big, bold design 😁

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    #17

    Man with chest tattoos transforming scars into art with tree design.

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    Lyoness
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure there will be transphobic comments on here faster than you can say "gender affirming care" but screw that. The tattoos look great.

    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really like how the design brings more unity to the other tattoos, almost symbolic!

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    Sarah
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't decide if those are veins, cracks, or roots, but I love them.

    lenka
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they reminded me of lightening!

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    #18

    Leg transformation with beautiful tattoos covering scars, showing enhanced confidence and creativity.

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    Lyoness
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is my favorite so far.

    #19

    Floral tattoo covering a scar on a person's leg, transforming it into beautiful body art.

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    #20

    Before and after of a scar transformed into a floral tattoo, showcasing an artist's skill in enhancing confidence.

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    Robin DJW
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Minimal but quite effective. I'm impressed.

    #21

    Before and after scar transformation with beautiful tattoo art on the abdomen, enhancing confidence.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty. I love all the c-section cover ups.

    LNB87
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks like a tummy tuck, not a c-section

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    #23

    Leg scar transformed into floral tattoo, showcasing art that reclaims confidence.

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    #24

    Scar covered with a floral tattoo, showing transformation in confidence through beautiful art.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lots of external fixator (for broken bones) scars on here. Those totally freak me out and I hope I never need one. A friend of mine had one on her arm and it was a huge pain in the butt - and creepy to look at!

    Sarah
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom has a couple on her arm and they are so deep!

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    #25

    Tattoo art transforms a scar on a woman's thigh into an elegant design, boosting confidence.

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    lenka
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the phoenix ones.

    #26

    Scar covered with floral tattoo design on woman's abdomen.

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    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    9 months ago

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    #27

    Arm scars transformed into beautiful floral tattoos.

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    #28

    Leg scar transformed into floral tattoo art, showcasing confidence through tattoos.

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    #29

    Before and after of scar turned into a beautiful floral tattoo, showcasing artistic transformation and confidence reclamation.

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    #30

    Before and after tattoo transformation turning scars into beautiful body art on a woman's abdomen.

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