Tattooing is the process of placing the ink on the skin in such a way to leave a permanent picture. Scarification, however, is the process of leaving scars on the human body in artistic ways.

Scarification and tattooing are both considered, body modification and both can be wonderfully artistic, just in different ways. Tattoos can be much more detailed, while the scarification, the body's natural healing process can cause a scar design appears only temporarily strong detail.