Young people never cease to amaze me anymore these days. And when it comes to body modification, I'm shocked by the extremes that some people are willing to go to. I admit in my college days I tried some pretty goofy things to try to identify who I was. Some piercings here, a branding there, and a tattoo. And I will be the first to admit that the branding was stupid on my part because I have a constant reminder of what I couldn't finish. That's right, I cried uncle like a baby the moment that hot metal struck my flesh. And while some people claim that burning flesh smells like burnt hair, I swear I smelt like bacon. Extreme Body Modification has taken the beauty of aesthetics to a new level. Here are five body modifications that will make you squirm.
Pearling
The idea of this makes my skin crawl. Genital beading supposedly gets its origins from the Yakuza, although other organized crime syndicates perform this ritual. The Yakuza would insert tiny pearls into their penis for every year spent in prison, hence the terminology “pearling.” The procedure done nowadays is meant to enhance sexual performance. Material consisting of silicon, surgical steel, titanium, or teflon is inserted into the genital region. The procedure is relatively safe when compared to other body modifications, and rejection of the material is usually rare. Would I still want to do this? Um, no.Genital Bisection
When I think about this one, I want to scratch my head and ask why a guy would want to do this to himself. But apparently there are men who are willing to split their penis in half from the head all the way down to the scrotum. Oh you sick bastards. The end result will actually make the two pieces curve inward when a man has an erection. Apparently, since the urethra is exposed, sensitivity of the nerves causes greater arousal. I don't know, I'm not even a guy and just the thought of this makes me want to pass out and heave up my lunch all at the same time.Branding
This type of modification is almost like branding a cow, and is painful. The end result will leave a scar on the flesh. The smell of flesh burning is quite pungent and unless the room is aerated, the smell has a lingering effect. Strike branding is the more common form of branding. A heated piece of metal is applied to the skin in multiple strikes creating the desired effect. Some artists use cauterization needles, but this method isn't always perfect. And if you're brave enough to try flesh burning, make sure you do it with a licensed professional and not with your bros at the frat house after a kegger.Corset Piercings
Women have worn the corset for over 2000 years, beginning as early as Minoan history. A series of hooks, clasps, and laces would cinch a woman's waist creating an hourglass figure. Body modification has taken this to a new extreme. Corset piercings are arranged in two vertical columns down the back. The piercings are meant to be done temporarily, and if done correctly, laces can be pulled through the piercing loops, creating the desired effect of having a corset through the back. If the loops are left permanently, the skin will not heal, leaving scars in the back, not to mention the risk of infection, and piercing rejection.Tongue-Splitting
The tongue is cut down the center from its tip towards the base. If done correctly, the two parts will act independently of one another. Scalping or surgical laser is usually the mode of method. Sometimes there is a risk of the tongue growing back together if each side is not sutured. If done correctly, side effects are minimal. But I wouldn't recommend it unless a trained professional is doing the job. If a person doesn't know what they're doing, the person on the receiving end will experience a lot of blood loss. Major blood vessels could be severed, as well as nerves and taste buds. Although taste buds have a tendency to reform. In some cases a slight lisp is noticeable. And I thought getting a few tongue piercings hurt like hell.
