Taboo Body Modifications

Extreme body modifications are practiced by few in our community, however some become intrigued by it. Many examples of extreme body modification are scarification, branding, implants, and splitting tongues.

Scarification is preformed by pealing away layers of the skin, and allowing it to heal into the specific design. Some scarifications can be almost as intricate as a tattoo. Although most people who choose to get scarification done, do not get tattooed in the process. However, ink can be applied before the healing process begins allowing it to heal over. This does not usually become as vibrant as the tattoos you often see. There are also the options of waiting until the scar flattens, which can often take between one to two years to complete. After which, you would be able to introduce vibrant colors into the scarred design.

Branding, much like scarification is the removal of skin, allowing scars to form. However, the skin is burned away in designs allowing for a much darker hue of scar. This is by far one of the more painful body modifications, and should not be attempted by the faint of heart.

Implants consist of beads, Teflon that is cut into the size and shape of the design, and spikes for the head. They are surgically placed under the skin to allow for a raised design, or in the case of the spikes a "horned" effect.

Tongue splitting is the separation of the tongue into two halves. This procedure should be done by a certified surgeon. There are four ways that it is preformed, firstly the tie-off where the split is compressed with increasingly tight loops of thread, this process is preformed over a period of days or week. Scalpelled splits are preformed by using a scalpel, or other blade, it is usually followed up by using a cautery tool to control the bleeding. The cautery tool may also be used to preform the cut itself. Your surgeon can also use a surgical laser split the tongue in half, in a relatively bloodless split.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industy news and new products. Beginning with tattoo autoclaves, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo guns, tattoo products, tubes, tattoo starter set, machines, and power supplies are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Tattoo photo gallery.

Body Art And Modification - An Introduction To Suspension

Suspension is one of the most taboo piercing acts. It is in itself, the act of suspending the human body from hooks pierced through the flesh on different parts of the body. There are several different reasons people choose to do a suspension, ranging from adrenaline, spiritual enlightenment, to get over fear. Though there are many more reasons, it usually boils down to a learning experience.

It among other things, are on the more "extreme" side of body modification. It is joined with surgical implantations, and play piercings.

Most often I am asked what it feels like to suspend. It is a burning, and pulling sensation. But, often times meditation takes over the pain receptors allowing someone to delve deep into their inner selves. Suspension allows the body to fall into a state of shock, letting the transition become quicker, and more apparent along with the "floating" feeling, in not being tied to the ground.

Many people show an interest in suspension, however you need to reach a mental readiness, more-so than a physical one. Any form of body modification must be thought out rigorously, you will need to think about the possible risks involved in suspension. Much like any other piercing, if it is done incorrectly there is an infinite risk for infection, and in this case severe tearing of the skin.

There are quite a few styles of suspensions, however the most common are the vertical back suspension (suicide), or the vertical chest suspension (o-kee-pa).

O-kee-pa: is accomplished by placing hooks upon the chest. This by far is one of the most painful , and difficult suspensions. Most risks include difficulty breathing, intense pain in the sternum and armpit areas.

Suicide: is accomplished by placing hooks in the back of the body, hanging vertically. The suspension is refered to "suicide" because the body appears to be hanging by a noose. This is one of the easier suspensions. It allows greater freedom of movement while suspended. The biggest side effect is lower back pain.

Scare crow (vertical chest suspension): This one is accomplished by hooks being placed in the upper back, and in the arms to force them to be held horizontally.

Superman (horizontal face down): Placing hooks in the back of the body, the hooks are often distributed into a larger area of the body. This is by far one of the easier suspensions, most newcomers are able to complete this without many adverse effects. However, most complain about the back of their legs aching afterward.

The aftercare of suspension piercings are the same as normal piercings. It is critical that you follow a strict cleaning schedule or face the conciquences of your actions.