- Will Covid-19 affect my modification booking?
- How do deposits work?
- What are the aftercare instructions for body modifications?
- What risks are involved with ‘magnetic vision’?
- What is ‘surgical steel’?
- What is ‘ASTM’?
- What does the term ‘implant grade jewellery’ mean?
- What does ‘Punch and Taper’ mean?
- What is a ‘Microdermal Anchor’?
- What is a ‘Pocketing’?
- What is a ‘Subdermal Implant’?
- What is a ‘Transdermal Implant’?
- What is ‘Adult Piercing’?
- What is ‘Body Suspension’?
- What is ‘Dermal Punching’?
- What is ‘Ear Pointing’?
- What is ‘Flesh Stapling’?
- What is ‘Freehand Piercing’?
- What is ‘Magnetic Vision’?
- What is ‘Scarification’?
- What is ‘Surface Piercing’?
- What is ‘Tongue Splitting’?
- What is the ‘Church of Body Modification’?
Medical Professional Inquiries
Magnet Rupturing Myths
If you have went searching for information about magnet implants, you may have noticed that the little information available is mainly from a negative experience documented by Shannon Larratt in 2003 on BME. These implants by Steve Haworth were in their testing phase back then and never made it to mass production.
These first magnets were dip-coated with implant-grade silicone, and rather large in size. Due to the dip-coating process, the silicone coating on these magnets was easy to rupture with physical force (Shannon’s fingertip implants were ruptured by opening a jar). Due to the cylindrical shape of the magnets and the coating being an ovular shape, this left weak points in the silicone on the corners of the magnet.
After learning this flaw, the design was changed in two major ways: smaller gold-plated rare earth magnets are now used and they are injection-coated rather than dip-coated. This leaves the coating completely even around the cylindrical shape of the magnet and able to take much abuse with very little risk of rupturing due to force from everyday hand functions.
Magnet Interference with Electronic Devices Myths
These magnets have been tested against all sorts of electronic devices as well as magnetic strips on bank cards/credit cards. They have been found to be unable to cause any damage to any of these devices prior to being implanted into the body, which makes them even less likely to affect these items when in the body. These magnets are strong enough to achieve new sensations within the body, but not strong enough to damage these external devices.
If you ever need to have an MRI, advise your doctor that you have this magnet implant and that it will need to be protected during your MRI procedure. Having an MRI done could potentially pull your magnet out from your body, causing physical damage to the implant location, physical discomfort and possible damage to the MRI machine.
Implant-Grade Silicone Life Information
The oldest implants using this specific implant-grade silicone coating have been healed in the body since 1967. This silicone is very trustworthy.
The term “surgical steel” is commonly used by jewellery manufacturers and distributors as a marketing term. Using this term creates the false illusion that their jewellery meets some sort of medical standards, when in fact it often does not meet any standards at all. When looking to be pierced, be sure that your piercer is using jewellery the meets ASTM standards.
It is your responsibility as a consumer to educate and protect yourself against substandard materials. A knowledgable and ethical piercer will gladly these facts to you upon request.
Organized in 1898, ASTM (the American Society for Testing and Materials) is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world.
ASTM is a non-profit organization that provides a forum for the development and publication of voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems and services. More than 32,000 members representing producers, users, ultimate consumers, and representatives of government and academia from over 100 countries develop documents that serve as a basis for manufacturing, procurement, and regulatory activities. ASTM develops standard test methods, specifications, practices, guides, classifications, and terminology in 130 areas covering subjects such as metals, paints, plastics, textiles, petroleum, construction, energy, the environment, consumer products, medical services and devices, computerized systems, electronics and many others. ASTM Headquarters have no technical research or testing facilities; such work is done voluntarily by the ASTM members located throughout the world.
“Implant grade jewellery” is manufactured from the same materials used in medical implants. In order to be considered implant grade, the metals in this jewellery must meet ASTM specifications. The American Society for Testing and Materials, or ASTM, is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world. Their system of specifications provides assurance of the quality, make-up, testing and reliability of materials in the marketplace.
See ASTM material specifications for stainless steel here.
See ASTM material specifications for titanium here.
A surface piercing is a piercing which has both its entrance and exit points on a flat plain with 90-degree subcutaneous bends. Microdermal anchors are similar to this, but with only one exit point. Punch and Taper is the most practical method for the installation of these types of piercings.
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.
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.
Click here to see microdermal anchors done by Russ Foxx.
Pocketing can be kind of the opposite of a conventional piercing. With a piercing, the ends of the jewelry are exposed and the middle is underneath the skin. With pocketing, the ends of the jewelry are planted under the skin and the center is exposed. This is more specifically called a flesh staple, where small pockets hold the jewelry in place. This type of jewelry must be custom made to fit the client and perfectly fitted to the skin with smooth rounded ends.
Pocketings tend to have a low success rate similar to surface piercings. The placement of surface piercings and pocketings is very important in their chance for survival.
Pocketings can also have other variances of styles like a single-hole pocketing (a microdermal anchor or transdermal implant), which have a much higher success rate in the long run than flesh staples.
Subdermal “subcutaneous” 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.
Materials safe for subdermal implants are implant grade silicone, teflon, titanium & stainless steel.
Transdermal implants are “percutaneous” implants that are a combination of a single-hole pocketing and an implant. This gives the visual effect that the jewelry is screwed right into the body.
The implant jewelry has a base which resembles a figure eight or a clover, with a short bar coming straight out from the base at ninety degrees. The holes in the base are designed to allow scar tissue to form through the jewelry, helping to anchor the implant in place and close the pocket created during the insertion. Transdermal implant jewelry is hand-made with implant-grade titanium.
Transdermal implants are mimicked by microdermal anchors, which are a much smaller piece of jewelry and have a more simple insertion procedure.
“Adult piercing” is a term used for genital and nipple piercings. They
usually serve sexual function, but some are done simply for aesthetic
purposes. Trans-urethral piercings generally heal quickly and serve
sexual function.
Functional adult piercings that are meant to take some abuse should be
pierced at larger gauges. 12g is generally a minimum for these types of
piercings, depending on anatomy.
Functional subdermal genital implants can vary from beads to domes to
ribs. These are most commonly done to give the shaft of the penis a
“ribbed” appearance and feel.
Some examples of adult piercings for males:
- Ampallangs
- Anal
- Apadravyas
- Deep PAs
- Dolphins
- Dydoes
- Foreskin Piercings
- Frenums
- Guiches
- Hafadas/Scrotals
- Nipples
- PAs (Prince Alberts)
- Pubics
- Prince’s Wands
- Reverse PAs
- Scrotal Ladders
Some examples of adult piercings for females:
- Anal
- Christina
- Clitoris
- Fourchette
- Horizontal hood
- Hymen
- Inner labia
- Isabella
- Nipples
- Outer labia
- Princess albertina
- Triangle
- Vertical hood
The act of suspension is hanging the human body from (or partially from) hooks pierced through the flesh in various places around the body.
Body suspensions are often practiced for ritual reasons to gain a higher level of spiritual fulfillment or awareness. They can also be practiced simply for the pure adrenaline rush or to conquering fears. They can be practiced for the experience and/or self exploration, or used as a symbolic tool and represents an important event in life – such as representing one’s passing from childhood to adulthood or the bond two people may share. Overall, people generally suspend to attain some sort of experience. Suspensions and pulls can even be brought to the stage for performance art and sideshow acts.
Some people are seeking the opportunity to discover a deeper sense of themself and to challenge pre-determined belief systems which may not be true. Some are seeking a right of passage or a spiritual encounter to let go of the fear of not being whole or complete inside their body. Others are looking for control over their body, or seek to prove to themselves that they are more than their bodies, or are not their bodies at all. Others simply seek to explore the unknown.
Many people believe that learning how one lives inside ones body and seeing how that body adapts to stress — and passes through it — allows one to surrender to life and explore new realms of possibility. While some people are seeking something spiritual, others are just looking to “do it” and the sense of accomplishment is enough for them.
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.
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.
Ear Pointing is the re-sculpting of the ear to create an “elf-like” or “Vulcan” look.
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.
Freehand piercing is a technique which negates the need for clamps. Freehand piercing involves massaging the tissue by hand, tenting and then holding and piercing the tissue without the aid of tools. This method is often favoured over clamping because it negates the re-sterilization and use of tools. The marking of the piercing and the jewelry insertion are basically the same as any standard piercing procedure.
Piercing for a suspension is done freehand, but the piercing procedure is slightly varied and quicker than standard piercings. This is commonly called “hook throwing”.
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.
I use two types of neodymium magnet implants: one is injection-coated with ASTM compliant implant-grade silicone and the other is coated with a harder and thinner coating generally used to coat pacemakers.
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
Play Piercing can be done for many reasons; Enlightenment, aesthetics, fetish & 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.
Scarification is the creation an artistic scar for aesthetic or ritualistic reasons. This is most commonly achieved by two methods; cutting and branding. There are many other methods that can be used, but these two are generally the safest and most easily controlled.
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 branding.
Branding is another form of scarification that is more toxic and requires a more quarantined facility to be practiced in. Proper air filtration, ventilation and personal breathing filters are recommended for safe branding practices. Branding can have great results, but is limited in the amount of detail that can be achieved. Branding is often described as much more painful than cutting, but can be much faster.
Most compare the sensation of having a cutting done as “quicker and less painful than a tattoo”. Many consider branding to be the most painful of all types of scarification, but the pain is mainly psychological.
Most compare the sensation of having a cutting done as “quicker and less painful than a tattoo”.
For scarification I charge $150 minimum for the first hour, then $100 per hour following that. Contact me for price quotes.
Once upon a time, surface piercings were installed the same way as basic body piercings were; with a straight or curved barbell. Over the years this has been proven to be pretty much the worst way to do a surface piercing. There’s always an exception to the rule, and in relation to this subject some people have healed surface piercings done this way. Having this style of jewelry in a surface piercing puts pressure on the healing tissue above and its lack of flexibility adds to the amount of stress as tissue moves.
Later, an idea came into play that was meant to eliminate the jewelry issues with surface piercing. That idea was flexible jewelry. This helped decrease the pressure on healing surface piercings, but is still considerably less reliable than proper surface bars.
Proper surface bars are made of implant grade stainless steel or titanium and have a perpendicular design in order to optimize the body’s healing process. They are optimally made with internal threading and installed via the punch & taper method; similar to microdermal anchors.
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 independently. Some people are naturally able to do many things with their split tongue, others have to work at it.
About the Church
The Church of Body Modification represents a collection of members practicing ancient and modern body modification rites. We believe these rites are essential to our spirituality. Practicing body modification and engaging in body manipulation rituals strengthen the bond between mind, body, and soul. By doing so, we ensure that we live as spiritually complete and healthy individuals.
Statement of Faith
As followers of this faith, it is our purpose to educate and inspire, to share ideas, and to help each other achieve our dreams. We strive to unify and strengthen our mind, body, and soul so we can overcome any challenges we may encounter. We assert and protect our rights to modify our bodies and to practice our rituals.
We believe our bodies belong only to ourselves and are a whole and integrated entity: mind, body, and soul. We maintain we have the right to alter them for spiritual and other reasons.
Affirmation of our living, breathing, physical beings is paramount to our self-identities and helps us define who we are. The Church of Body Modification promotes affirmation and growth of a more expansive perspective of our physical and spiritual being.
Mission Statement
We, the congregation of the Church of Body Modification, will always respect our bodies. We promise to always grow as individuals through body modification and what it can teach us about who we are and what we can do. We vow to share our experiences openly and honestly in order to promote growth in mind, body, and soul. We honor all forms of body modification and those who choose to practice body modification for any reason. We also promise to respect those who do not choose body modification. We support all that join us in our mission and help those seeking us in need of spiritual guidance. We strive to share a positive message with everyone we encounter, in order to act as positive role models for future generations in the body modification community. We always uphold basic codes of ethics and encourage others to do the same. We are a dynamic community, always growing and changing, continually promoting safety, education, and experience in body modification.
Visit the Church of Body Modification