For a long time, body modification meant something like a facial piercing or a tattoo. However, there are a number of new procedures, including intentional scarification or tongue splitting, that are much more extreme and carry a higher risk for health complications. While there are guidelines in place to help prevent these risks, no procedure can be considered 100% safe, so it’s important to do your research and understand these potential problems before they occur. Here’s a look at some of the most common health risks associated with body modification.
Infectious Disease
Any body modification procedure that penetrates the skin puts you at risk for infectious disease—most commonly, hepatitis. Even though strict hygiene standards must be met at tattoo parlors nationwide, there’s always the chance that an accident could occur. Additionally, home-based body modifications, while illegal, are still prevalent and follow no such sterilization standards. If you do decide to undergo a body modification procedure, it’s important your artist makes his or her hygiene precautions completely clear to you. If an artist is reluctant to share this information, you should take your business elsewhere.
Blood Loss
For most people and procedures, blood loss will not be an issue. However, taking medications that interfere with your blood’s ability to clot puts you at a higher risk during the body modification process—and this includes something as simple as aspirin. In addition to the risk at the time of the procedure, these medications may interfere with your body’s ability to heal afterwards. If you’re currently taking any medications, it’s best to consult with your doctor before undergoing body modification.
Regret
Many people grow to regret their body modifications, especially if they’re permanent and particularly noticeable. While regret may not cause physical health problems, it can be emotionally devastating and lead to issues such as depression. Additionally, body modification can lead to social ostracization, which may also put people at a higher risk for depression.
