Neodymium (Rare-Earth) Magnets implanted subdermally for the purpose of "magnetic vision". This creates a new sense within the body; the ability to sense magnetic fields.

These magnets are injection-coated with ASTM compliant implant-grade silicone, and are in their second generation of design.

Information on Neodymium Magnets:

-Neodymium magnets (Nd2Fe14B) are the strongest and most affordable type of rare-earth magnet. Neodymium magnets are made of neodymium, iron & boron.

-Rare Earth magnets have a high resistance to demagnetization, unlike most other types of magnets.

-Neodymium magnets are over 10x stronger than the strongest ceramic magnets.

-Although neodymium belongs to "rare earth metals," neodymium is not rare at all. It constitutes 38 ppm of the Earth's crust.

Neodymium Magnetic Characteristics:

-Material Type: N45 (45 MGOe)
-Residual Flux Density: 13.3-13.7 KGs (Br)
-Coercive Force: >11.0 KOe (Hc)
-Intrinsic Coercive Force: >12 KOe (Hci)
-Max.Energy Product: 43-45 MGOe (BH)max

Dermal Punching allows for the insertion of large-gauged jewelry
into an initial cartilage piercing. This procedure is commonly used as
an alternative to stretching.

Dermal punches are often used as an alternative to needles for
smaller cartilage piercings as well; as they can reduce the pressure
that a piercing puts on the injured tissue. This in turn reduces
scarring risks.

Another application for dermal punches is a procedure called "Punch
& Taper", which is the most practical method for installing surface
piercings and microdermal anchors.

Flesh Stapling is a cross between pocketing and surface piercing where
the middle of the jewelry, rather than the ends, is exposed. This gives
the jewellery a "Staple" look.

A surface piercing is a piercing which has both its entrance and exit points on a flat plain with 90-degree subcutaneous bends.

The Punch & Taper procedure creates a fistula perpendicular to
the surface of the skin; then uses a taper to separate the dermis from
the connective tissue below, making the
path for the jewelry exactly the same shape as the jewelry itself.

The Punch & Taper procedure is the most practical, generally hurts less and reduces healing times.

Play Piercing can be done for many reasons: Enlightenment,
aesthetics, sexuality, photos, performances/demonstrations, etc. In all
of these cases they are temporary and removed a short time after being
put in. Play piercings can be done by inserting multiple hypodermic
needles or jewelry can be used in some cases as well.

Corset piercings generally fall under this category, but they can
also be done with permanent intentions by using carefully placed
surface bars with slave ring attachments to lace through.

Ear Pointing is the re-sculpting of the ear to create an "elf-like" or "Vulcan" look.

A Microdermal is a form of pocketing which gives the look of a small
transdermal implant with the simplicity and safety of a simple piercing.

There is a flat plate which acts as a base beneath the skin with a
single exit for a barbell post. This gives the effect that the
jewellery is screwed right into the body.

Tongue Splitting is the central bifurcation of the lingual frenulum.
This gives the visual effect of a "forked tongue" and instills more
broad ranges of movement and the ability to control each side of the tongue independantly. Some people are naturally
able to do many things with their split tongue, others have to work at
it.

View BME's tongue splitting FAQ here

Subdermal Implants are three-dimensional objects placed under the
skin usually for aesthetic reasons. Silicon-coated magnets can be
implanted to create a sense of  "magnetic vision". Coated RFID chips
can also be implanted for use with security devices or for the purpose
of data storage.

3-D Subdermal Implants can also be stretched just like piercings.
After an implant has healed, it can be removed and replaced with a
slightly larger implant. This can be done repeatedly until the desired
size is reached. 

For BME's full implant FAQ, click here

Scarification is the creation an artistic scar for aesthetic or ritualistic reasons. Simple cutting involves scalpelling a design into the skin, then healing the wound into a permanent scar. Designs that require larger, solid areas of scarring may require some tissue to be removed to achieve the desired effect. Great detail and even shading can be achieved with cutting; much moreso than an alternative method: branding.

Branding is another form of scarification that is much more toxic and requires a much more quarantined facility to be practiced in. Proper air filtration, ventilation and personal breathing filters are required for safe branding practices. Branding is often described as much more painful than other body art mediums.

Most compare the sensation of having a cutting done as "quicker and less painful than a tattoo".

I charge $150 minimum for the first hour, then $100 per hour following that. Contact me for price quotes. 

Body suspensions are most often practiced for ritual reasons, but can also happen simply for the experience and/or self exploration. Participants are pierced with hypodermic needles followed by sterile single-use hooks, which are temporary and removed immediately following the suspension. Various types, sizes and amounts of hooks are required for different types of suspensions. Varying levels and types of rigging are also required for different levels and types of suspensions.

Pulling is another form of hook play in which the participant(s) use their own strength and weight to put pressure on their hook(s); rather than actually hanging from them. This offers a very different sensation in comparison to standard suspension. Pulling can involve more tension on the hooks than an average suspension, depending on how much force is being utilized. 

For BME's full body suspension FAQ, please click here

Cleaning Solutions

An
alcohol-free antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse should be used
according to package instructions (Oral B alcohol-free). Also, mild sea salt
rinses. Dissolve a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt
to one cup (250ml/8oz) warm to hot distilled or bottled water (avoid hot water
for the first few days). If you have high blood pressure or heart problems you
will need to eliminate the sea salt and use only plain warm water rinses.

Cleaning Instructions

Rinse mouth
for 30-60 seconds with solution after meals during the entire minimum initial
healing time. Do not use more than 4-5 times daily and use it over intervals
spaced throughout the entire day. Rinse mouth briefly (10-15 seconds) with the
mild sea salt mixture no more than twice a day. If you are cleaning too often,
the top of your tongue will start to turn a white to yellowish colour. Continue
to clean your piercing, but reduce the number of times you are cleaning it per
day. A new soft bristled toothbrush should be purchased to help reduce the
bacteria that is introduced into your mouth.

What Is Normal?

Swelling of
the area is perfectly normal during the first part of healing an oral piercing.
It can be greatly reduced by gently sucking on clean ice. Chipped or shaved
ice, or small cubes are best. The majority of the swelling usually lasts for
only 3-5 days. Plaque may form on tongue jewelry, commonly on the bottom ball
and/or post. Scrub your barbell with a soft bristled toothbrush to remove this
(gently during healing). Try to be patient and do keep cleaning during the
entire initial healing time, even if the piercing seems healed sooner. Each
body is unique and healing times can vary considerably. If you have any
questions, please contact your piercer. If you like your piercing, leave
jewelry in it at all times. Even healed piercings can shrink or close in
minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person,
and even if your ear lobe piercings stay open without jewelry your oral piercing
may not! Keep following the care procedures during the entire minimum healing
time, even if the piercing seems healed sooner.

What To Do

Try to
sleep with your head propped up on pillows during the first few nights of
healing; keeping your head above your heart will help to avoid much initial
overnight swelling. An over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such
as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) taken according to package instructions can
reduce discomfort and it can also help to diminish swelling the first few days.
Check daily with clean hands to be sure the threaded ends on your jewelry are
on tight. To clean hands, wash them carefully with liquid antibacterial soap.
If your hands are not freshly washed, don’t touch yourself above the neck during
the initial healing time. Replace your toothbrush and make sure to keep it
clean. Try to go slowly when you eat and to take small bites when you are
getting used to your new jewelry. Cold foods and beverages feel great and can
help diminish swelling. Drink plenty of liquids, especially bottled water. Get
enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. The healthier your lifestyle, the
easier it will be for your piercing to heal.

What To Avoid

No oral
sexual contact including kissing or oral sex during the entire initial healing
period, even if you are in a monogamous relationship. Avoid chewing on gum,
tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, etc. during healing. Don’t share
plates, cups or eating utensils. Reducing smoking or quitting is highly
advisable when healing an oral piercing. Smoking increases risks and can
lengthen the healing time. Avoid undue stress and recreational drug use. Stay
away from aspirin, large amounts of caffeine, and alcoholic beverages for the
first several days. Alcoholic beverages include all beer, wine, and hard
liquor. These can cause additional swelling, bleeding and discomfort.

Refrain
from eating spicy, salty, acidic or hot temperature foods and beverages for a
few days. Do not play with the piercing for the initial healing time beyond the
necessary movement for speaking and eating. The mouth withstands a lot of
trauma from normal speaking and eating. Try to avoid other disturbances such as
excessive talking, actively playing with the jewelry, or clicking the jewelry
against your teeth. Undue stress on the piercing can cause the formation of
unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, and other complications.
Even after healing, excessive play with oral jewelry can result in permanent
damage to teeth, gums, and oral structures. Metal is harder than the human
body, be gentle. Do not use Listerine or any other mouthwash that contains
alcohol. It can irritate the area and delay healing. Don’t use too many
products; select and use only one cleaning solution (Oral B) plus sea salt.

Oral Piercing Hints and Tips

Some
piercees will carry a spare ball in their wallet or purse. This is particularly
advisable if you wear non-metallic balls such as acrylic, which is more
fragile. If you break or lose a ball, a small piece of clean pencil eraser can
be press-fit onto the post as an emergency measure to keep the jewelry from
coming out until a replacement can be obtained. On barbells/labret studs you
may change the ball portion of the jewelry at any time, but the original post
should remain until initial swelling is down.

Tongue:

Try to
focus on keeping your tongue level in your mouth to avoid biting the jewelry as
you eat. Your mouth is likely to feel uncoordinated at first, but this will
pass. Try eating small bites of solid foods by placing food directly onto the
molars with clean fingers or a fork. Food that is already at the back of the
mouth doesn’t have to get moved there by your tongue. Gently brush your tongue
and jewelry while you are healing. Once healed brush tongue and jewelry
thoroughly to keep plaque away.

Lip/Cheek:

Be cautious
about opening your mouth wide when you eat, as this can result in the backing
of the jewelry catching on your teeth. Take small bites and go slowly at first.
The outside of the piercing may become somewhat red or pink during healing and
this is normal. Refer to the Aftercare Guidelines for Body Piercings sheet for
instructions on how to care for the exterior surface of such a piercing.

Anti-bacterial Soap

The optimal way to care for your piercing is to clean it once to twice per day (if you are physically active, try to schedule your cleaning for after you exercise). The easiest and most comfortable way to clean your piercing is either during or immediately following a hot shower. The hot water and steam will help soften your skin and loosen the crust at the base of your jewelry (making it easier to remove). While in the shower, wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap (any soaps containing fragrances can irritate your piercing or cause allergic reactions). Spectro-Jel Unscented is a good low ph anti-bacterial cleanser that has a great success rate with a new piercing. If you are unsure about a product, always consult your piercer before using it.

Next, gently remove the crust from your jewelry with a cotton swab (do not use a hand towel). Then, place some anti-bacterial soap in your hands and rub them together as to create a nice lather. Gently wipe the jewelry AND your piercing, being careful not to scratch or irritate the area. Once the jewelry and piercing are lathered with soap, gently turn the jewelry. This will help run some soap into the wound, helping to ward off bacteria. After spinning the jewelry back and forth several times, rinse the area and jewelry thoroughly while continuing to spin the ring. If your starter jewelry is not a ring, use the same cleaning procedure above without moving your jewelry too much.

Sea Salt Soaks (Saline)

As well as cleaning with anti-bacterial solution, you can perform your sea salt soaks either in or out of the shower. First, fill a fresh disposable cup with approximately 1 cup (250ml) of lukewarm water and add ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt, stirring until it is dissolved. Place the cup over the piercing; forming a vacuum-type seal, or dip the piercing into the cup. If either of these techniques are not possible, pre-soak a cotton-ball, swab or square in the sea salt solution and firmly press it on your piercing. In order to promote effectiveness, the first sea salt soak should last at least 10 minutes. All additional soaks should last at least 5-10 minutes. Following the sea salt soak, gently pat your piercing and jewelry dry with a fresh disposable paper or cotton product.

*For those who are extremely sensitive, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, etc.) can help reduce swelling and pain.

Additional Tips:

According to piercing-friendly physician Dr. Janet L. H. Keating with the Duke University Student Health Service, one of the best ways to care for and heal a piercing is to “promote healthy lifestyle habits.” Some additional tips to keep in mind include:

-Remember: a piercing is a wound. Consequently, you should expect tenderness, swelling, discoloration, and possibly bruising, bleeding and itching. Also, a natural part of the process for healing any wound includes the secretion of a white-yellow fluid (containing dead cells and plasma). This fluid will dry and form crust on your jewelry. To properly remove this crust, refer to our primary suggestions for healing your piercing.

-Never touch your piercing without first washing your hands with anti-bacterial soap. This is a great way to avoid infections even after your piercing is healed.

-Do not use petroleum-based ointments (e.g.- Neosporin, Polysporin, Bacitracin, etc.), hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, Betadine, iodine, and Hibacleanse!!! These substances can hinder and prolong the healing process.

-Check the accessories (e.g.- beads, balls, gem-ends, etc.) on your jewelry for tightness at least once a day. Make sure your hands are first cleaned with anti-bacterial soap!!! Checking your accessories is something that you should make habitual throughout the life of your piercing. Remember: tighten all threaded accessories by turning them to the right (right-tight, left-loose).

-Always wear loose and clean clothing around your new piercing.

-Do not expose your fresh piercing to oral contact or other bodily fluids. Use protective barriers such as condoms, dental dams and finger cots – even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

-Do not expose your piercing to cosmetics such as make-up, hair styling products, lotion, etc.

-Keep your piercing free of hair contact if possible.

-Eat nutrient-dense meals throughout the day and consider supplementing your diet with Vitamin C (1000mg in mineral ascorbate form, up to 3 times a day) and Zinc (120mg for males and 60mg for females). These supplements are most effective during the first 2-3 weeks of the healing process. If you are very active (e.g.- work hard, partake in regular exercise, etc.) extra nutrient-dense meals and an additional multi-vitamin supplement may help keep your immune system working efficiently.

-Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking 8-10 glasses of bottled or purified water per day is a great way to keep your body hydrated.

-Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. This is considered the optimal amount of sleep for the body. This will help your body heal as best as possible. If you are living in a high-stress environment, consider resting as much as you can in your down time.

-Try not to sleep on your new piercing. This can cause irritation and prolong the healing process.

-Replace your bedding with clean sets of sheets, blankets and pillow-cases as often as possible during the healing process.

-Do not leave the jewelry out of a piercing for prolonged periods of time! If you must remove your jewelry, either put in a retainer or replace it ASAP. For example, a tongue piercing can close up in a matter of hours.

-Avoid going into a pool, hot tub, lake, etc. These types of water can be unclean and may induce infection.

DISCLAIMER: This aftercare is meant for optimal scarring and is hard on the body and immune system. It’s a good idea to see your physician about antibiotics to be proactive in avoiding infections.

Days 1-3:

-Keep all of your cleaning and bandaging items in a clean, dry place. Keeping them in a sealed container is best to avoid dust and contamination.

-Always wash hands thoroughly before touching your scarification piece. You may also wear fresh medical gloves. If another person is assisting with your cleaning, they MUST wear medical gloves following their hand washing.

-Carefully remove the wound dressing after 6-12 hours. Wash the wound thoroughly with clean water and an antibacterial or antimicrobial soap twice per day; in the morning and at night. The shower is a great place to do this. Lather soap in hands and gently rub into the wounds. Always rub in the direction of the scar to avoid uneven scarring. Rinse well. Gently pat dry with a fresh disposable paper or cotton product.

-After washing, coat the wound with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment, then cover air tight in fresh cellophane dressing (Saran Wrap). Seal the covered wound with medical tape to avoid any leakage (the area must be 100% clean of any soap or residues for the tape to stick). This will deprive the wound of oxygen, thus keeping it moist and unable to heal. Do not wrap the wound too tightly, as this can keep scar tissue from healing outwards.

Days 3-10:

-Continue to wash your scarification piece twice daily.

-New tissue should now be forming, but continued cleaning is vital to avoid infection.

-Rather than using an antibiotic ointment after cleaning, you may choose to start using an irritant at this point. This help build extra scar tissue. Toasted sesame oil works well as it will break up healing tissue as well as keep the area from drying out.

-If you choose to continue using antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly (Vasoline), you can add a small amount of sugar to it for a comparable effect to the toasted sesame oil.

-Gently rub your irritant in the direction of the cutting lines to avoid altering or "blowing out" the scar. Scrubbing against the wound from open skin will increase the chance of uneven scarring. For the most even scarring, scrubbing during the initial healing should be avoided completely.

-After coating the wound with your irritant, be sure to seal the wound under cellophane dressing with medical tape to keep the area airtight. Not allowing the area to dry out will force your body to create more scar tissue rather than new, healthy skin cells underneath a non-existant scab. Do not wrap the wound too tightly, as this can keep scar tissue from healing outwards.

-After day 10, discontinue the use of irritants and let the wound dry out and scab. From this point on, try not to move or bend the scabbed area, as the scabs may crack and affect the healed result.

Additional Tips:

-It is common to find a heat rash below the cellophane during some point in your initial healing. If this irritation bothers you greatly, you can discontinue irritating and wrapping your wound. This may create undesired keloid scarring as a result.

-At about the 5-6 week mark you body should have created enough scar tissue to fully cover the wound. At this point scratching, slapping and irritating the wound by hand will increase scar tissue. Please note that if you do this, you should do it consistantly to the whole scar to avoid some spots scarring more than others.

-The amount of scarring you end up with is heavily dependant on your genetics. Some people simply scar more than others. A scarification piece that is done over and area of muscle groups or high tissue movement may scar more in certain areas due to everyday movement.

-Remember: a scarification piece is a wound. Consequently, you should expect tenderness, swelling, discoloration, and possibly bruising, bleeding and itching. Also, a natural part of the process for healing any wound includes the secretion of a white-yellow fluid (containing dead cells and plasma).

-Always wear loose and clean clothing around your scarification piece.

-Do not expose your scarification piece to oral contact or other bodily fluids.

-Do not expose your scarification piece to cosmetics such as make-up, hair styling products, lotion, etc.

-Eat nutrient-dense meals throughout the day and consider supplementing your diet with Vitamin C (3000mg in mineral ascorbate form, in doses of 1000mg at a time) and Zinc (120mg for males and 60mg for females). These supplements are most effective during the first 2-3 weeks of the healing process. If you are very active (e.g.- work hard, partake in regular exercise, etc.) extra nutrient-dense meals and an additional multi-vitamin supplement may help keep your immune system working efficiently.

-Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking 8-10 glasses of bottled or purified water per day is a great way to keep your body hydrated.

-Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. This is considered the optimal amount of sleep for the body. This will help your body heal as best as possible. If you are living in a high-stress environment, consider resting as much as you can in your down time.

-Replace your bedding with clean sets of sheets, blankets and pillow-cases as often as possible during the healing process.

-Avoid going into pools, hot tubs, lakes, etc. These types of water can be unclean and may induce infection.

Click here for the scarification aftercare article in the BME Encyclopedia