Body modification

Body modification refers to the permanent or long-term alteration of the body, often also understood as body art. In BDSM, it can appear as an expression of belonging, identity, ritual, or aesthetic presentation.

This can include tattoos, piercings, jewelry, implants, or symbolic markings. Practices such as branding or cutting are highly risky and can cause lasting harm; they should not be treated as casual play. Anything that breaks the skin or leaves scars falls into the category of medically problematic interventions and should only ever be considered with extreme caution.

Body modification is not for beginners and, if at all, belongs in long-term, informed, and fully consensual contexts. Real procedures by laypersons or as part of BDSM play are strongly discouraged. Commercial relationships are generally not an appropriate basis for irreversible body changes.