“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!