Body Modification Tools

Body modification procedures can involve tattooing, scarring or inserting objects through or under the skin. These procedures require specialized training and equipment in order to produce good results and prevent infection. Body modification involving piercing the skin carries some of the same risk of complications as a surgical procedure, such as bacterial infection or bleeding. Ensure you check the credentials and sanitation practices of any body modification specialist before securing his services.

Autoclaves for Body Modification

Knink, a website devoted to body modification, states that autoclaves are an important component to maintain sanitation in body modification shops. An autoclave uses heat and pressure to sterilize tattoo equipment and cutting tools. It raises the temperature of water to a much higher level than is possible using a normal open pot or pressure cooker. This makes it more effective at killing microorganisms. The website advises that each autoclave should be tested periodically to ensure proper operation. One of these tests is a spore test conducted every two months, which they should be willing to share the results with you.

Scarring Tools

Various implements are used in the practice of scarification, which involves slicing or burning the skin to raise permanent welts upon it. According to the Knink website, this body modification practice is used for decorative purposes as well as religious or cultural reasons. One tool used in scarification is a branding iron, which is a piece of heated metal which burns the flesh when contacted. A branding iron may also be super-cooled using liquid nitrogen in a method called cold-branding. An electrocautery tool uses sparks of electricity to vaporize the surface of the skin, causing scarring in a more precise way as depth and damage can be better controlled, according to Knink. Other tools involved in scarification include blades, ink to rub into wounds and sandpaper.

Tattoo Ink

Tattoos are a popular body modification practice. Tattooing involves piercing the skin with a special device which deposits ink under the skin using needles. The ink used in tattooing is usually permanent; the removal of a tattoo can involve painful surgery or repeated laser treatments. A new ink developed by Brown University researcher Edith Mathiowitz uses microcapsules to create a tattoo which is completely removable with a single laser treatment. Microencapsulated beads are filled with dyes and used to create the tattoo. When the user wishes to remove it, a laser breaks the beads and the body eliminates the ink naturally. The ink is safer, as it is free of heavy metals and other toxins, according to Brown’s website.

References:

Knink: Autoclaves
Knink:Scarification
Brown University: What’s in Your Microcapsule? Tattoo Ink - and More.

Written by Willie Pena. Willie is a freelance writer, artist, music producer and videographer. He has is also a martial artist and philosopher, and runs a website devoted to homeschooling and education called Homeschool Building Blocks.