The stories behind their scars: Brave men and women share how fires, abuse and illness altered their appearance forever in deeply personal revelations

Sophie Mayenne has launched a project to change the perception of scars

Featuring portraits and stories from those who've hidden their wounds

She hopes the project entitled 'Behind The Scars' will have a positive impact 

Revealing imperfections can be intimidating in a society obsessed with photo filters and social media selfies.

But these men and women have stripped off to showcase their scars in a bid to challenge our idea of what it means to be 'beautiful'. 

Speaking to FEMAIL, London-based photographer Sophie Mayenne explained she launched her project 'Behind The Scars' to give people a chance to share the stories behind their scars - and how they learned to embrace them.  

Sophie said: 'As a photographer I have always been interested in what society perceives as flaws, and what makes use unique from one another. I believe this is where my interest in scars, and the stories behind them, stems from'. 

Each person featured has a personal story which they've lived with and transformed into a way to empower themselves. Here, some share their story with FEMAIL... 

Isabella (pictured) was scarred during a house fire in 2015 and went on to be treated at the burns unit in Fulham Road. She says that although her scars and scar tissues continue to change, she has 'never felt more beautiful' 

Grace (pictured) sees the scar on her stomach and the dent in her head from brain surgery as a collection of markings and memories which she has learnt to love. She explained how she has a line all around her head now which will never grow hair 

Agnes (pictured) survived a gas explosion at the age of seven which left her with scars on her face. She has since undergone 27 reconstructive surgeries, but says she has always been comfortable with her scars 

Mercy was scarred when she was burned in a fire that was started as an act of domestic abuse. She now calls them 'the most precious, and expensive pieces of jewellery' she owns, and she hopes by sharing them she can help other women 

Chloe (pictured) began self harming at age 13 and learned to accept her scars after plastic surgeons revealed they couldn't reduce their appearance. She explained that all you can do is 'love your scars so much' that the negative connections you have with them 'slowly disappear' 

Maya (pictured) was diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) at just 18 months old. The condition means the skin is very fragile and will easily blister. Maya says that while EB will always be a huge part of her life, she will never let it take over 

Adèle Prieur (pictured) received these scars from undergoing several surgeries for bone transplants to treat Ewings sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. She explains how doctor took pieces of bone from my leg and thigh for the transplants 

Barbara (pictured) was diagnosed with angiosarcoma of the breast in 2014. Despite numerous surgeries and removal of her sternum and four ribs, her cancer recently returned. She says her scars document her journey and the courage and strength she did not think she had 

Iris says it has taken her 25 years to accept her body after she was left scarred and without two fingers when she was caught up in a fire at just five months old. She says she will no longer hide her hand anymore, despite receiving awkward handshakes and looks over the years 

Bintu (pictured) has a scar on her shoulder from when she pulled a cup of hot boiling tea off the counter she was just 11 months old. She says she doesn't remember a time without it, adding that she 'wears this scar because it is a part of me' 

Michelle (pictured) begun accepting her body at age 21, after 15 surgeries, a brain tumour, punctured intestine, an obstructed bowel, brain cyst and a condition called Hydrocephalus. She says she grew up without realising her body was different

Hannah has scars from the autoimmune disease Morphea and from years of self harming. She describes her body as a 'merry-go-round of scars', with new ones arriving and older ones fading in time 

Zuzanna (pictured) suffers from rare disease hemimelia, which has caused her to have operations in both hands. She has recently learned not to hide her scars, explaining 'this is who I am' 

Billy (pictured) was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma aged 18 and was left with a long scar in his thigh as his femur was replaced with titanium. He sees his scar as symbols of health, recovery and a chance at a long life

Jessica (pictured) was scarred during a car accident at the age of 8. After 10 days in a coma she awoke to the surprise of doctors. She says her scars have remained as tattoos which represent a new chapter in her life 

Hebe (pictured) found a new respect for her body after surgery to correct her scoliosis left her with a long scar across the centre of her back. She says she is no longer preoccupied by 'problem areas' like she used to be

Samanta Bullock (pictured) gained her scars and was left needing a wheelchair after playing with a handgun at the age of 14. She says she has never found a reason to be victimised by her condition and has now built a career as a tennis player and model