Body Piercing: Methods

Body piercing literally means making a hole in a part of the human body with the purpose of wearing jewelry in the opening created. After a process of healing, a fistula will be created. This is an abnormal 'passageway' in your body or skin so that there's a genuine 'hole'.

Body piercing Methods

* Needle Method (Standard)

The most common method used in the United States to make a piercing is with a medical hollow needle. The needle makes an opening in the skin you want to have pierced but doesn't go all the way through. The jewelry then is inserted and follows the needle back. It's necessary to insert the jewelry immediately to hold the slit the needle made open. The needle method doesn't involve removing any flesh (some methods do). The opening is always made with a needle larger than the initial jewelry to be worn. This is done to reduce the pressure on the healing piercing, giving it more room to heal and allow a fistula to form.

* Piercing Guns

Piercing guns are gun-shaped devices that mechanically makes the piercing by forcing a stud through the body part. You can compare it with a stapler.

This method is often used by non-professional piercers and mostly to pierce holes in the earlobes. You should avoid this method because the piercing gun is hard to sterilize. The risk is infection and transmission of bulletproof pathogens.

* Cannula Method

The cannula method is similar to the standard method. The difference is that at the end of the needle there's a cannula (a hollow plastic tube) where the piercer puts in the jewelry. So at the piercing process, the cannula and the jewelry is entirely pulled through the opening. This method is often used in Europe.

* Scalpel method

When you want an opening for a large gauge body piercing, a medical scalpel can be used to make a slit. This method is often used for large gauge ear piercings. It's also used to correct an asymmetry for example if the ear piercing on one side is larger than the other because of an incorrect placement.

When you don't want your piercing anymore and you remove the jewelry, the fistula will not shrink or close from itself. The only solution there is surgically.

* Pierce and Taper

This method is for larger gauge piercings and only works on body parts where the skin is very elastic. It's similar to the standard method, but after the hole is pierced with the needle, the piercer inserts a tapered steel bar (one of larger gauge then the needle) in order to make the opening bigger. The jewelry is directly inserted, following the tapered bar.

* Dermal Punching

Piercings in the upper ear require removal of skin and cartilage to lift the pressure of the piercing and guarantee a longer viability of the piercing. Therefore, a dermal punch is used to remove a circular area of tissue, where the jewelry will be worn. Like scalpelled piercings, the healed fistulas will not shrink or close on their own.

A Brief History Behind Every Body Piercing

Body piercing has been practiced way back since ancient times. And in every culture, every body piercing has its purposes and significant value in that society.

Ear Piercing

The most commonplace for piercing is the earlobe. Before, it once distinguished a wealthy person from the poor. But today, it is simply the most popular way to display a piercing jewelry.

Long ago, sailors believed that they could get better eyesight by piercing their ears. And also, the Romans associated it with a person's wealth. African and South American tribes pierce their ears and stretch the holes. In their culture, the bigger the hole signifies a higher social standing.

Nose Piercing

Nostril piercing is believed to have originated from the Middle-East about 4000 years ago. Then it slowly spread into India during the 16th century in which the practice was adopted into the noble castes. The type and quality of the worn jewelry could distinguish the bearer by caste and social status.

Tongue Piercing

The Shamans and High Priests of the ancient temples of the Aztecs and Mayans practiced tongue piercing as part of a ritual to speak to their gods. As of today, tongue piercing is still done but for different reasons. Some men and women find it sexually arousing and as well as empowering when they pierce there tongue.

Lip and Labret Piercing

The higher castes of Aztecs and Mayans adorn their lips with labrets of pure gold because they believe that the mouth and lips are a sensuous part of the body. Women of the Makololo tribe in Malawi, a densely populated country in southeastern Africa, wear "pelele" in their upper lip to stimulate the men in their tribes. Tribes in central and South America pierce their lower lips and stretch the hole to fit in wooden plates.

Nipples Piercing

The Roman centurions practiced nipple piercings as a sign of strength, virility, and endurance. Central American tradition dictates boys to pierce their nipples to symbolize their transition to manhood. The Praetorian Guard of the Roman Ceasars also pierced their nipples to prove their loyalty and duty to protect their emperor.

Navel Piercing

Back in ancient Egypt, it was only the Pharaohs and their royal families who were permitted to pierce their navels. Harshly, anyone who broke the rule was executed. But there was an exemption, if a peasant girl was born with the "perfect belly button" she can be permitted to have it pierced, resulting to her higher social standing.

Tattoo and Body Piercing Horror Story

I would like to allotment with you a claimed adventure of abundance with the hopes that it will anticipate you from authoritative the aforementioned mistakes that I have.

When I was seventeen years old I capital my aboriginal tattoo. My parents would not accept of me accepting one. So I had to acquisition addition that would boom a accessory after affectionate accord and who would do it cheap. It didn't booty actual long. I met a absolutely nice guy who said that he did tattoos at his house. He said that he would do the boom for $45. Sold!

The abutting anniversary there I was in his active allowance as he accomplished ambience up his machine. Which was fabricated with an baby tooth brush, a brawl point pen, a motor out of a bargain alien ascendancy toy car, a cardboard clip, a bed-making needle, and a nine volt battery. I was intrigued. What an alarming allotment of machinery. No I'm not actuality sarcastic. I absolutely was afflicted with the accomplished set up. I paid absorption to how he fabricated this machine, because I absolutely advised on authoritative my own apparatus aloof like that. I got the boom on my chest and cheese and absurd did that hurt. He did the absolute boom with a distinct point, addled ass bed-making needle. I beggarly everything, alike the shading.

I had a new adulation in my affection and a new tattoo. I anticipation the boom looked good, and I accept it did if you analyze it to the one I anon gave my adherent which was declared to attending like a butterfly but looked added like I snorted the boom ink again blew my adenoids on her.

I additionally anticipation that I could do anatomy piercings. I did my best to accomplish forceps with cardboard clips and annihilation abroad that I could angle into article akin a triangle. Needless to say I rarely alike got the aggravate through the being not to acknowledgment I never could chase the aggravate through with jewelry.

Luckily I've never been a allotment of overextension Hepatitis or HIV, I do beggarly luck too because the alone acumen I didn't is because I never came in acquaintance with anyone who had them. The brawl point pen that acted as my tip and tube was never afflicted amid tattoos. I acknowledge God every day that my benightedness didn't account anyone to apart their life. I still, of course, accept the boom that I got for $45. I debris to awning it, it serves as a admonition to me to consistently analysis aggregate I appetite to do in activity and never to blitz into anything. It additionally swells up every time it's activity to rain so it serves as a nice forecaster.

Nearly twelve years accept gone by and I still adulation tattoos and anatomy piercings to this day. I don't assignment in a boom shop, and I accept never been an amateur anywhere. I do still do tattoos out of my abode for friends. All of which do tattoos on me. We do it as a amusement and we do not allegation money. We never boom anyone alfresco of our circle. We generally accept bodies ask us. We accredit them to bounded able shops. I accept able boom and anatomy acute supplies. Which includes an autoclave!!! I accept spent a antic bulk of money on training videos, books, and e-books.

If you appetite to apprentice to do tattoos I acerb acclaim that you do it by the book and go get an apprenticeship with addition with years of experience. If that is not an advantage for you, amuse do not jump in and alpha tattooing people. Read some books, watch some videos. Apprentice about claret built-in bacilli and sterilization. Convenance on convenance skins, not people!

Conch Piercings

Conch Piercings are located within the hollow space of your ear; it is called a conch piercing because of the resemblance it has to the conch shell. Literally pierced right through the center of your ear, this is not a very popular piercing (as far as numbers go), but people who have conch piercings (and other bod mod enthusiasts) absolutely love them!

Conch Piercings go through the thick cartilage located directly in the middle of your ear. Because there is a copious amount of surrounding tissue, migration or rejection risks are nonexistent. If you are looking to begin your first foray into body piercing (outside of traditional ear lobes), this is a great piercing to start with!

Experienced and reputable piercers will not have difficulty in piercing your conch. Unlike some other ear or body piercings, there aren't any strange angles, bends, or specific equipment that must be used. The piercing is a straight shot using a simple, basic, sterile piercing needle. The Conch is one of the easiest places to get pierced.

Once you and your piercer agree that a Conch is right for you, your piercer will recommend the best jewelry - it usually is a captive bead ring for the initial piercing. And just to forewarn you, the gauge (that is, the thickness) of the jewelry might appear to be rather large. Don't be alarmed! These piercings call for jewelry of a larger girth, and it won't hurt anymore than if it was pierced with a smaller gauge. Once your piercing has healed (it will take about a year to be fully and completely healed) you can replace it with a myriad of affordable and fun jewelry. The first three to six months are very crucial in the healing process, so take good care of your ear!

Your piercer will mark your ear with a marker to denote where they think it will look best on you; once you have confirmed or rearranged the position, your piercing will happen. Clamps are usually used (all they do is secure the area from moving), and a straight piercing needle will push through on your exhale. It is a very fast procedure, and your jewelry will slide in your new hole. Once your piercer has finished securing the piercing, your ear might feel a little hot and your heart may be thumping rapidly, but that is just the adrenaline and endorphin kicking in. Enjoy it while it lasts - many people live for that thrilling feeling! The actual pain ranges from person to person, but most don't feel any pain. Like so many piercings, this one looks more painful than it actually is, so don't be nervous!

You can get more than one piercing in your Conch, and then it's called a Conch Orbital. Basically, an Orbital is two separate piercings joined together by one piece of jewelry (please see my orbital article for more information). You can also get the Conches in both ears pierced but I would suggest staggering these two piercings so as to ease the healing process. For example, for about 3 months after your piercings, you really shouldn't sleep on the ear with a pierced Conch; getting both Conches pierced simultaneously may therefore interfere with your sleeping patterns and may lead to prolong healing in both ears. Discuss with your piercer if a conch orbital is right for you - if you think you may want one in the future, alert your piercer so that they can give you a piercing in the right location.

The aftercare for the Conch is very easy - not only is this an easy piercing to get, it's easy to take care of, and it's easy to find jewelry for it! Soaking your ear in warm salt water (properly called a saline solution) is one of the best ways to assist your new piercing. The next best thing to do is NOT TOUCH your new piercing! It's very hard to do - it's a new addition to your body so you will doubtless want to play with it - but don't touch it! Human hands are covered in germs and bacteria and fidgeting with your new vulnerable piercing can lead to infection. Only touch it when you are cleaning it, and be sure your hands are clean first! Other simple tips to avoid an infection include not putting your cell phone on that ear, don't sleep on it, don't use headphones that go into your ear canal, and try to keep long hair away from it (it can wrap around the back) during the healing time (once it's healed, no big deal if your hair touches it).

Taking care of your Conch is very easy, all it takes is routine cleaning, abstaining from touching it, and common sense! Your piercer will give you a complete rundown, so pay attention. Should any problems arise, return to your piercer and they should be able to provide you with more advice or solutions. Enjoy your conch, and get ready to be the envy of many!

Do you want to know more about body piercings?...

To peruse body jewelry, body piercing news, articles, pictures, and other body modifcation information, Jewelry For Body Piercings is one of the best resources on the internet.

How to Avoid Body Piercing Infections

If you are thinking about getting your body pierced, especially for the first time, you should take the time to get informed before you get pierced. Because not knowing what to expect could be disastrous.

For example, did you know that:

1. You CAN get a serious infection including Hepatitis or even HIV if the piercing equipment hasn't been sterilized properly.
2. Infections caused by bacteria getting into the puncture of the piercing may also happen later, even after the piercing has healed.
3. If the studio uses a piercing "gun" to do body piercings, you should leave immediately because they CANNOT be sterilized.

So how can you avoid the serious hazards described above when you get pierced?

The following are some tips to help you evaluate the piercing place as the first step to prevent body piercing infections:

1. When you go into a salon, look around. Is the place clean? Because it SHOULD be kept clean and sanitary.
2. The lighting should be good so the piercers can see well while working. Do they wash their hands and use sterile gloves and instruments?
3. All the instruments should either be brand new and disposable (meant to be thrown away after one use) or be sterilized in pouches. If the piercer uses disposable needles, you should see him/her open sealed packages of the needles!
4. The piercers should throw away the needles in a biohazard container after using them.

There are also some things you can do personally to keep your piercings clean and help stave off nasty infections:

1. Do NOT use alcohol or Peroxide to clean the area because both products will dry out your skin.
2. Keep the pierced area from coming in contact with other people's body fluids, such as saliva and sweat.
3. Do NOT use a hot tub or swim in public pools until your piercing has healed.

Body Piercing - Popular With Youngsters

Body piercing is fast catching up with people of all ages. Primarily youngsters of all ages get it done to add a new look to their personality. It is the in thing today. This kind of piercing is available in various designs. You can also get beautiful, exotic, and cheap body jewellery to wear. If you are planning to have a new look for a party or wedding and want to stand out among the crowd, you can get piercing done.

It will give you a unique look. You can get body piercing done at lowest cost too. You just need to specify your choice. You can get elegant accessories at any of the body piercing stores. Moreover, you can also choose from a range of accessories. Adorn yourself with elegant jewellery and give a new look.

There are various kinds of body jewellery available. You can choose from glass body jewellery, which will make you look beautiful. Depending on your personal taste and the type of jewellery that you want to get, you can have body jewellery. Choose from a range of piercing items depending on your taste. Glass bracelets give a distinct look to your personality. You can wear them with different outfits too. Since, they are fragile, novel items, you should wear them carefully. You can choose from a range of glass bracelets! You can also get cheap body jewellery that is affordable to one and all.

Gold body jewellery will give a distinct look to your personality. It is in great demand and will go well with your tanned or pearly white skin. You can also browse online and look for a suitable piercing. It is also available at a cheaper rate.

Choose from a range of sterling silver body jewellery, silver lip rings, silver barbells, discount silver body jewellery, silver belly button rings, silver nose rings, silver tongue rings and silver eyebrow rings. Belly studs will enhance your belly. Women find them sexy as they give a funky look. Young women prefer this type of jewellery.

These studs are mainly worn by girls and women in the naval area of the stomach. Women, who wear short tops prefer to show their naval can get this type of piercing done. It definitely adds to the sex appeal of the women. Mainly, women flaunt this kind piercing at beaches and discos. You can get belly studs in silver and white surgical metal too. The range is unlimited and you can choose from a wide collection.

Piercing Stores Aren't Afraid Of Going Big Anymore - Corset Piercings

Tattoos are the only massive change you can make to your body aside from having surgery, right? I don't think so. Many artists aren't afraid to do the big stuff. And the big stuff ain't always tattoos. Many body piercing shops are opening their doors to unique surface piercings and even the difficult corset piercing.

Most people have probably seen photos of corset piercings online, though they are normally laced to appear like the laces on a corset. These photos depict, 99% of the time, play piercings or at least improperly done piercings that will reject.

Knowledgeable artists do not do play piercing over lasting ones unless that's what you specifically request. A well researched corset piercing will take more than 2 hours to draw, with good spacing and placement to limit piercing rejection, and an hour, at the very least and with a high pain threshold, to pierce. A special barbell, known as a surface bar, should be used on most surface piercings. These barbells are shaped like an upside down staple, with two sharp 90 degree angles on each side. These help keep it deeply beneath the skin and make it harder to push out.

Surface bars, dermal anchors or tygon tubing are currently the only appropriate items for a surface piercing that is not for temporary purposes. After the piercing heals, in about a year, the caps on the surface bar can be traded with a new cap that has a hoop on top. Ribbon or lace can be brought through these hoops and tied for the unique corset piercing look. This look is not for everyday wear though.

Corset piercings should only be done by an experienced piercing professional who has experience and success with other types of surface piercings. Preferably the artist would have success with surface piercings on the part of the body you want to have the corset done on. An experienced piercer will want to do regular checkups as well.

If you are not interested in a permanent corset piercing, but want something fancy for a special occasion, you can use captive bead rings. These allow the corset piercing to be laced immediately, though again, they should not be left laced for an extensive period of time. The entire piercing should be removed in under two weeks to minimize the signs of scarring or other damage.

Corset Piercings

If you have any stunning pictures of corset piercings, the subsequent description will seem familiar to you - a back (almost always a woman...come to think of it, I've never seen a male back with Corset Piercings) with rows of piercings straddling the spine, the piercings are evenly spaced to imitate corset eyelets, and the piercings are either surface bars, rings, or rings with string criss-crossing through them, resulting in a corset appearance. The pictures are gorgeous and so it's no surprise that many women toy with the idea of getting their back pierced.

I'm sorry to do this, but corset piercings, as the general public understands them, are a gross misconception. It is simply not possible for someone to get their back pierced for any length of time. The pictures you see are usually photoshopped (to eliminate the swelling and redness) and give no indication that the corset was put into place solely for the photograph. People are very mislead by these photographs. People who get Corset Piercings HAVE to remove their piercings promptly - this is not a piercing that can remain in the body for any length of time.

The back is too active - there are too many muscles constantly in motion - for any of the corset piercings to stand a chance at becoming long term. Most piercers take pictures of corset piercings to add to their portfolio, many photographers arrange for their models to have corset piercings specifically for a photo shoot, and many people in fetish and BDSM circles get corset piercings for a temporary amount of time. Corset piercings with string connecting them all are particularly only for short term purposes, because the string pulls the skin taunt and thus makes healing impossible. If left in too long, the piercings will be rejected, they will migrate, and they will leave scarring.

However, if the piercing is only for a very short amount of time, there will be no migration, rejection, or scarring. In fact, these piercings are so temporary that many piercers don't even remove the hypodermic needles used to pierce it in the first place! Technically it may be possible to have long lasting corset piercings, but the back is so involved with every movement that it would take supernatural vigilance and care to make it work. Furthermore, someone attempting to make corset piercings last can not get them pierced with captive rings and they can't be laced; only surface bars stand a small chance. I've never, ever, seen a corset piercing that lasted more than a week.

So if this piercing has such a short life span, you may be asking, why get it? Well, many people get it for the photo, it's true. Many people want corset piercings to indulge in their sexual fantasies or fetishes. Some people get it solely because they can, some want to try just "to see", and others do it for the endorphin and adrenaline rush. This piercing, when done by a professional, is not risky (and I reiterate: especially when it is taken out promptly) and has no side effects. The pain ranges more on the minimal side of the scale than intense, and some piercers may use topical anesthesia to numb the pain a little bit, even though it looks like it would be excruciating to endure. Like many good things in life, it's a fleeting enjoyment. Most wearers only keep them for a couple hours - anything more is really pushing the limits concerning migration and rejection.

Once the jewelry is removed they are open wounds, so clean them thoroughly and use common sense. They should heal quickly, and rarely are there complications IF proper aftercare is followed. If you love the thrill and adventure involved with body piercing, getting a corset piercing may be right for you.

Do you want to know more about body piercings?...

To peruse body jewelry, body piercing news, articles, pictures, and other body modification information, Jewelry For Body Piercings is one of the best resources on the internet.

Body Piercing Prices - What to Expect

Body piercing is a popular method of personal expression, and lots of people are interested in getting piercings of their own. However, on first glance, body piercing prices can look pretty high. If you're wondering why it costs so much for just a few minutes of work, or whether it's a good idea to bargain for a cheaper price, here's some information to help you.

First, you should realize that body piercing is a trained skill. So, when you're getting a piercing, you're not just paying for the time it takes to pierce you. You're also paying for the piercer's training and skills. That's why a better piercer costs more. It's also why bargain shopping is a bad idea when it comes to body modification.

While some lucky people do manage to get a piercing that works at the mall jewelry store or a sketchy piercing shop, the risk is too high to be worth it. The procedures used in these places aren't safe, and you don't have a guarantee that things are properly sterilized. That means you're risking trauma to the area, a nasty infection, and scarring.

If you don't have the money for the piercing you want, you have two basic options. You can wait a while, and save up. This has the advantage of helping you decide whether or not you really want that particular mod - if you're still interested after saving the money, you'll know this is the piercing for you. The other option is to get a similar, but less expensive piercing, or to get a different one entirely.

Body piercing pricing is based on the difficulty of the mod in question. In general, the least expensive body piercing prices will be on the safest, easiest piercings. Earlobes are the cheapest and easiest to heal, and may be a good choice if you've never been pierced before. Some ear cartilage piercings are also relatively inexpensive, but healing is more complicated. Eyebrow, nostril, and lip piercings are also relatively inexpensive.

If what you want is a difficult task, however, body piercing prices will go up. Expect to pay thirty to fifty dollars for less expensive piercings, but more than a hundred for a multi-spiral cartilage piercing. Genital piercings are also usually costly.

If you're thinking about bargaining with your piercer, you should know that it's not impossible. However, you should also remember that your piercer is a trained professional (or should be). That means that you shouldn't insult him or her with an absurdly low price. If you're planning to get multiple piercings, you may receive a discount on them, or, if you're also a professional, you may be able to trade artwork or other services for your body modifications.

People with very good relationships with their piercers may even be able to offer gifts instead of cash. Don't think of your piercer like a discount store, however - it's bad practice. Also, never skimp on the tip to save money. Your piercer isn't receiving the money you pay - instead, he or she gets a percentage of what the studio takes. Usually, this is a lot lower than your piercing price, so your tip is appreciated. In general, if you want a good piercing, be willing to pay for it, or wait until you can. Bargain hunting could have serious consequences...

Neck ring

A neck ring is a band of metal worn as an ornament around the neck of an individual. In a few African and Asian cultures multiple neck rings are worn usually to stretch the neck. The Kayan tribe or Padaung tribe of Karen people from the border region of Myanmar and Thailand begin to wear neck rings when they are children. Gradually with age the number of "brass coils" worn increases to elongate the neck. The girls of the Ndebele people of South Africa wear neck rings to signify their marriages.[1]

The custom of wearing neck rings is related to an ideal of beauty: an elongated neck.[2] Neck rings push the collarbone and ribs down.[3] The neck stretching is mostly illusory: the weight of the rings twists the collar bone and eventually the upper ribs at an angle 45 degrees lower than what is natural, causing the illusion of an elongated neck. The vertebrae do not elongate. In advanced stages the forces can cause trauma, such as occlusion of venous flow or hematoma.[citation needed]

When the coils are removed, there is no health danger. The only concern is that the neck muscles are atrophied, and are understandably weaker than the rest of the body. However, there is no proven medical concern for the removal of the coils.[4]

Tourism is often blamed for encouraging the use of neck rings, as they are a popular attraction for tourists.[citation needed]

Small girls may wear brass collars from the age of two to five years old, as it is more comfortable to lengthen the neck slowly. The alternative is rapidly, and painfully lengthening the neck around the age of twelve, when girls first compete for the attention of boys.[5] Marco Polo was the first tourist to describe the practice in c.1300, but refugee practitioners in Thailand were first accessible to tourists in 1984...

Beautiful Body Modification

Body modification (or body alteration) is the deliberate altering of the human body for non-medical reasons, such as sexual enhancement, a rite of passage, aesthetic reasons, denoting affiliation, trust and loyalty, religious reasons, shock value, and self-expression.[1]. It can range from the socially acceptable decoration (e.g., pierced ears in many societies) to the religiously mandated (e.g., circumcision in a number of cultures), and everywhere in between. Body art is the modification of any part of the human body for artistic or aesthetic reasons.

Types of body modification
Explicit ornaments

* Body piercing - permanent placement of jewelry through an artificial fistula; sometimes further modified by stretching
* Ear piercing - the most common type of body modification
* Dermal anchoring similar to transdermal implants, giving the appearance of a small bead on the skin [2]
* Pearling - also known as genital beading
* Neck rings
* Scrotal implants [3]
* Eyeball tattooing - Injection of a pigment into the cornea.
* Extraocular implant (eyeball jewelry) - The implantation of jewelry in the outer layer of the eye.
* Surface Piercing - A surface piercing is a piercing where the entrance and exit holes are pierced through the same flat area of skin.
* Tattooing - the mechanical placement of ink in the dermis
* Microdermal implants [4]
* Transdermal implant - implantation of an object below the dermis, but which exits the skin at one or more points

Surgical augmentation

In contrast to the explicit ornaments, the following procedures are primarily not meant to be exposed per se, but rather function to augment another part of the body, like the skin in a subdermal implant.

* Breast implants - Insertion of silicone bags filled with silicone gel or saline solution into the breasts to increase their size, or to restore a more normal appearance after surgery
* Silicone injection [5]
* Subdermal implant - implantation of an object that resides entirely below the dermis, including Horn implants [6]

Removal or split

* Male circumcision - the partial or full removal of the foreskin, sometimes also the frenulum--conversely some men choose to take up foreskin restoration.
* Female genital cutting - removal of the labia minora or the clitoral hood
* Frenectomy [7]
* Genital bisection - splitting of both the underside and the top of the penis, including Genital inversion [8]
* Meatotomy - splitting of the underside of the glans penis
* Headsplitting - splitting of both the underside and the top of the glans penis
* Nipple removal [9]
* Nipple splitting [10]
* Nullification involves the voluntary removal of body parts. Body parts that are removed by those practicing body nullification are for example Fingers, Penis (penectomy), Testicles (castration), Clitoris, Labia or Nipples. Sometimes people who desire a nullification may be diagnosed with body integrity identity disorder or apotemnophilia.[11]
* Subincision - splitting of the underside of the penis, also called urethrotomy
* Lingual frenectomy [12]
* Tongue splitting - bisection of the tongue similar to a snake's
* Trepanation, drilling a hole into the skull [13][14][15]

Applying long-term force

Body modifications occurring as the end result of long term activities or practices

* Corsetry or tightlacing - binding of the waist and shaping of the torso
* Cranial binding - modification of the shape of infants' heads, now extremely rare
* Breast ironing - Pressing (sometimes with a heated object) the breasts of a pubescent female to prevent their growth.
* Foot binding - compression of the feet of girls to modify them for aesthetic reasons
* Anal stretching [16]
* Non-surgical elongation of organs by prolonged stretching using weights or spacing devices. Some cultural traditions prescribe for or encourage members of one sex (or both) to have one organ stretched till permanent re-dimensioning has occurred, such as:
o The 'giraffe-like' stretched necks (sometimes also other organs) of women among the Burmese Kayan tribe, the result of wearing brass coils around them. This compresses the collarbone and upper ribs but is not medically dangerous. It is a myth that removing the rings will cause the neck to 'flop'; Padaung women remove them regularly for cleaning etc.
o Stretched lip piercings - achieved by inserting ever larger plates, such as those made of clay used by some Amazonian tribes.

Others

* Branding - controlled burning or cauterizing of tissue to encourage intentional scarring
* Ear shaping [17] (which includes Ear cropping [18], Ear pointing or "elfing" [19])
* Scarification - cutting or removal of dermis with the intent to encourage intentional scarring or keloiding
* Tooth filing [20]
* Bodybuilding

Controversy
The head of a man with conspicuous tattoos and other body modifications

Some sources of controversy stem from the notion of attempting to artificially beautify the natural form of the body, often leading to charges of disfigurement and mutilation. Extreme forms of body modification are occasionally viewed as symptomatic of body dysmorphic disorder, other mental illnesses, or as an expression of unchecked vanity[21]. Unlicensed surgery (i.e. the plastic surgery field) performed outside of a medical environment can often be life-threatening, and is illegal in most countries and states.

"Disfigurement" (a subjective term) and "mutilation" (regardless of any appreciation this always applies objectively whenever a bodily function is gravely diminished or lost, as with castration) are terms used by opponents of body modification to describe certain types of modifications, especially non-consensual ones. Those terms are used fairly uncontroversially to describe the victims of torture, who have endured damage to ears, eyes, feet, genitalia, hands, noses, teeth, and/or tongues, including amputation, burning, flagellation, piercing, skinning, and wheeling[citation needed]. "Genital mutilation" is also used somewhat more controversially to describe certain kinds of socially prescribed modifications to the genitals, such as circumcision, female circumcision, castration, and surgeries performed to conform the genitals of individuals with intersex conditions to those of typical males or females[citation needed].

Is Body Piercing Involves Risks?

Body piercing may sound like a new-age art but the truth is that we have been practicing it for centuries. Have you ever realised that even your earring hole is a form of body piercing? It is the most common form of body piercing practiced. In India, women routinely pierce their nostrils too. Instances of body piercing have been found in the Bible as well as in Egyptian Mummies.

Body piercing is the piercing of a body part in order to wear jewelery in the opening created. Does that sound crazy? For millions of teenagers and even older people, it is the biggest fashion accessory. People may undergo piercing for a number of reasons. While the most popular reason is aesthetics, sometimes people may pierce for religious, cultural, or sexual reasons. Unusual piercing locations include eyebrows, tongue, lips, nipples, neck, and genital regions. While these may appeal to youngsters, the reception from parents is less than approving. If you are planning to go for it, ensure that you are aware of the risks and possible complications.

Healing

A piercing is nothing but a small wound. Go to a registered body piercer so that the procedure you opt for is aseptic, that is, free from bacterial contamination. Many states in the US have government recognized registered practitioners. Follow the directions for after-care meticulously. Very soon, you will find the punctured tissue growing back and becoming part of the closed system. An eyebrow piercing will take about four to six weeks to heal while a neck piercing can take up to twelve months. Piercing your ear lobes means a healing period of 6 to 8 weeks.

Infections or irritation can occur only if the area opens due to some reason. For example, if you catch a nose ring on a coat hook, there can be problems galore.

Allergies

Quite a few body piercing enthusiasts may be allergic to piercing. A study on body art by Dr. Anne Laumann of North-western University found that women may be more allergic to body piercing. One in four women may display an allergic reaction to metal jewelery. The quality of the metal is of great importance. With a 14-karat gold stud, there is a greater chance of infection due to the amount of nickel in it. The risks may be minimized with pure 24-karat gold. Swollen and itchy, red skin are the primary signs of an allergy. Your doctor will suggest a topical steroid cream for it.

Closure

A common concern with people is how to prevent the opening from closing in case they do not wish to wear a ring in it regularly. For example, if you are pregnant, it is advisable not to wear a belly ring. However, you may wish to preserve the hole, it is definitely possible to do so. An inert, flexible insert made of Tygon is used for the purpose. Tygon is flexible plastic tubing that looks like a fishing line. Another option is PTFE or Teflon. A professional piercing artist or a dermatologist can do it for you.

Unusual Piercings

Oral piercing

If done improperly, there is every chance of your teeth chipping or breaking due to lip and tongue rings. Ask for studs in the lip to be placed in a neutral space along the lower gum line. This will prevent damage around the mouth area. Tongue piercing needs to be angled such that they do not catch in the palate on the roof of your mouth or the sublingual web along the bottom. Acrylic rather than metal jewellery is considered safest for the mouth region. This is because metal can easily chip teeth and cause injuries.

According to the Association of Professional Piercers, when properly performed, an oral piercing procedure will last only for a few seconds and involve no bloodshed or swelling. People with oral piercings are advised not to share plates and other eating utensils. Though the mouth is exposed to a variety of germs, the saliva has several antimicrobial factors that can easily defend you against these pathogens. However, if you go to an unsafe clinic or you default on your aftercare, there can be severe complications. Pain and bleeding, infections, dental and heart problems, injury due to swallowing the jewelery, drooling, and bad breath are some of the risks. The American Dental Association is against oral piercing and deems it a public health hazard. Some gruesome photographs only intensify the debate.

Navel Piercing

Studies have found that navel piercing is the most susceptible to infections. Surprisingly, even nipple and genital piercings are found to be safer. The irritation from clothing may pose a medical problem. Shirt materials, belts, waistbands, and buttons can create friction with the jewelery during movement. This is particularly aggravated during physical exertion. Small breaks occur in the skin, leading to infection. Another disadvantage with navel piercing is that moisture can easily collect in the area, which provides a hotbed for bacteria and fungus.

Nose Piercings - History, Types, Care

Nose piercing is an old type of body modification. It is mentioned in the Bible and was first recorded in the Middle East 4000 years ago. But there is information that nose piercing started even around 6000 years ago. Nose piercing was widespread among the ancient nomadic Berber tribes of Africa, the Bedouins of the Middle East. The larger the ring was, the wealthier was his wearer. The nose ring was also given as the gift at the wedding- the husband gave it to his wife as the sign of protection to her if she would be divorced.

In India, nose piercings were brought in the 16th century by the Moghul emperors from the Middle East. Left nostrils were a common place for a piercing, but piercing in both nostrils was also met. A chain joining the ring with an ear was rather widespread. Left nostrils were prevalent in nose piercing because in India it was associated with female reproductive organs and they believed that the piercing of this place would make the childbirth easier.

In the late 1960's hippies travelled to India and they brought the tradition of nose piercing to the West Europe and America. Piercing of the nose symbolized rebellion against conservative values in punk culture and was very widespread in the late 1970's.

Nowadays many tribes in the Middle East and Africa still continue the ancient tradition and have their nose pierced. And in our society piercing is commonly done for the sake of beauty and style. Majority of celebrities has at least one piercing on their body and they show it to the whole world with pride. Janet Jackson, Sinead O'Connor, Lenny Kravitz, Madonna and may other celebrities have nose piercings.

There are three types of nose piercing: nostril piercing, nasal septum piercing and bridge piercing. Let's discuss all of them.

As it has already been mentioned above nostril piercing was widespread in India and the piercing of the left nostril was believed to make childbirth easier. Nostril piercing was also done in the ancient world to show the warrior status, religious reference and for many other reasons. Nowadays it's quite common to have one's nose pierced and it's not considered a rebellion or "punk". Any of nostrils can be pierced and the exact place of puncture is chosen by you and your piercing artist because there are some rules and advice for you to feel comfortable with your new piercing and it's important to choose the right place for it. As a rule a nose stud, a nose bone or pin are worn in nostril piercing. They look elegant and there is a wide choice of styles for you on the market nowadays.

Septum piercing is the piercing of the cartilage that separates the nostrils. Actually the puncture is done not through the cartilage, but in the sliver of thin skin near the septum. And this procedure would be almost painless. Circular barbells and captive bead rings are the commonly worn jewelry for septum piercing. Their size and style vary, so you can enjoy new outlook as often as you want. Gauging of septum piercing is also acceptable but it's a rather long process.

Bridge piercing is rather rare and looks unusual. It is placed on the upper part of the nose between the eyes. The risk of scaring and infection during bridge piercing procedure is rather high. This type of nose piercing is usually pierced with a straight barbell. If you decide to make bridge piercing, you'd better find out the detailed information about it and all the possible risks.

As any other piercing, nose piercing requires aftercare. Especially during first two months. Here are the main recommendations one with new nose piercing should follow.

Keep your piercing clean. Use saline solution at least twice a day. Don't touch your piercing and the jewelry. Wash your hands before you use cleaning solution. It's very important. Clean hands far from piercing and clean piercing are your guide to painless and quick healing process. And don't use hydrogen peroxide- it will bring more harm that good.

Be careful using a towel. And it would be better if you don't use it to dry your face at all. Blow your nose carefully. Make-up, the use of illegal medicine, smoking and taking out the ring will prolong the healing process.

If the piercing turns too red and swollen you can make an ice compress. If the pain is unbearable, consult your doctor.

After your piercing is completely healed you cam fully enjoy it and wear the jewelry you like. Make sure you don't have allergy on the most common jewelry materials such as gold, silver steel and titanium.