Buzz
[Note: This list contains content that may not be suitable for all audiences] While ear piercings are quite common, and some may have ventured into more unconventional body piercings, there are those who take body modifications to extreme and bizarre levels. Finding appropriate images for this list was no easy feat, but I’ve done my best!
10. Branding
Human branding involves burning a mark, typically a design or symbol, into the skin of a living person with the intention of creating a permanent scar. This process is carried out using either a hot or cold iron, similar to the branding technique used for livestock, but on human skin.
9. Subdermal Implants
A subdermal implant is a form of body jewelry that is inserted beneath the skin, allowing the body to heal over the implant and creating a raised, sculptural effect. Many individuals choose subdermal implants in combination with other modifications to achieve a bold and striking look.
8. Earlobe Stretching
Most individuals can stretch their ears to at least 2ga (1/4″) and still have the tissue return to normal after removing the jewelry, but there are no guarantees. Only stretch your ears if you are absolutely sure you’ll be happy with the result forever. Once the skin’s elastic limit is surpassed, or a significant amount of extra tissue has formed, the hole won’t fully close. Those who are passionate about stretching their piercings or displaying a collection of stretched piercings are sometimes called “Gauge Queens.” Some wear the term proudly, while others use it in a more negative light.
7. Tongue Splitting
Tongue bifurcation, commonly known as tongue splitting, is a body modification where the tongue is split from its tip partway toward the base, creating a forked end. Typically, the split is done using a scalpel or surgical laser. Some individuals take a more gradual approach by tightening nylon threads through an existing tongue piercing over time, a method that is painful and demands a high pain threshold.
6. Tooth Filing
Tooth filing is a body modification practice where individuals file down their natural teeth to achieve a specific shape or aesthetic appearance.
5. Tightlacing
Also known as corset training or waist training, tightlacing involves wearing a tightly-laced corset to drastically alter one’s figure and posture, while also experiencing the sensations of extreme corset tightness. Those who engage in tightlacing are referred to as tightlacers, and some even call their corsets ‘training corsets.’
4. Pearling
Pearling involves the permanent insertion of small beads, typically made from various materials, under the skin of the genitals—such as the labia or the shaft or foreskin of the penis. In addition to being an aesthetic choice, it is often aimed at enhancing sexual pleasure for partners during vaginal or anal intercourse. This practice has been observed in various cultures worldwide and is still performed today. You can view a VERY Not Safe For Work image here.
3. Extraocular Implant
Implanting jewelry into the outer layer of the eye is a modification I must admit I hadn’t encountered before. Initially performed in the Netherlands, it has made its way to the US. Dr. Christopher Rapuano, a corneal surgeon at Philadelphia’s Wills Eye Hospital, says, “You can think of it as crazy. I mean this is invasive surgery where you are cutting the surface layer of the eye open to insert a small piece of jewelry. The first time I read about this, I said, ‘Oh, my God, who is doing this?’” The safety of this procedure will need to be demonstrated over time, as it’s not been done on many individuals yet, but the risk of infection and complications is certainly a concern.
2. Anal Stretching
Anal stretching is somewhat similar to earlobe stretching, except you don’t keep the ‘jewelry’ in constantly. Like with a piercing, it requires gradual and increasing enlargement over an extended period of time. The image above shows some of the ‘tools’ used to assist with this body modification.
1. Corneal Tattooing
Eyeball tattooing has existed for a long time; in the 19th century, it was commonly used to correct cosmetic issues in blind eyes. The procedure can be done using a traditional tattoo needle or a syringe. The eye is simply held open while the same pigment used in standard tattoos is injected directly into the eyeball.
+ Pierced Glasses
James Sooy and Oliver Gibson introduced Pierced Glasses – the most minimalist eyewear since the invention of the Pince-nez in the 1840s. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own bespectacled eyes.
Notable exclusions: penis splitting (good luck finding a SFW image for that!)
Contributor: rushfan
