Scarification

"Scarification is a permanent body modification that uses scar tissue produced by the body to form designs, pictures, or words in the skin. Scars are most often formed by cutting or branding the skin. Scarification is sometimes called cicatrization (from the French equivalent)." (From Wikipedia)

Scarification FAQ
examples of a Scarification artist's work**WARNING** graphic images

Scarification can produce beautiful results, and because the body produces the final results it is even more personal than tattooing. Scarification is still an illegal practice in Scotland, not sure about the rest of the UK...I think that, with the necessary health guidelines imposed, it should be legalised. I'd be interested to hear the variation in laws and viewpoints from international members, or anyone who's had/considering getting this done.

What's your general opinion of Scarification and the laws governing it?

Well, I looked at both links, and agree that those are some beautiful peices.

I think that as long as the procedure is done correctly, then it should be legalized. Ultimately, it is the decision of the person recieving the art.

Personally, I would balk at carving or burning anything into my flesh, but I must say, the results are gorgeous in some aspects.

it's just tatoos without ink
so it's one of those law's that's there without being inforced

(on a side note, I just looked at WeFoundTheDuck's avatar and loved it

spill_no_sick:

it's just tatoos without ink
so it's one of those law's that's there without being inforced

(on a side note, I just looked at WeFoundTheDuck's avatar and loved it

Thanks! [/offtopic]

I agree that it's nothing more than a tattoo with no ink. I really don't see how it's illegal. They are beautiful, in my opinion.

I'd like to know the real differences between tattooing and scaring because wouldn't the scars have to be made deeper so they have a last effect

with tattoo's it's barely on the surface thats why ink is used so when the wound heals and leaves no mark the tattoo is undamaged. There are cases of blood poisoning.

so what are the risks of scaring?

this is just extrem tattoos, and even though they have some really beautiful designs, i dont think they should become mainstream, if you want it done however you should be alowed to, but you should be made aware of the dangers of it becoming infected if not looked after properly, i can see how its illegal, and unless your over the age of 21 you shoudnt consider it.

NeoSteph:

I'd like to know the real differences between tattooing and scaring because wouldn't the scars have to be made deeper so they have a last effect

with tattoo's it's barely on the surface thats why ink is used so when the wound heals and leaves no mark the tattoo is undamaged. There are cases of blood poisoning.

so what are the risks of scaring?

Basically, in the case of etching, which is scarification done using a tattoo gun without ink...the needle is set to go deeper, and sometimes (depending on how tough your skin is I guess) a part of the design has to be run over a couple of times to get it done right.

The risks are much the same as for a tattoo- infection. Although I guess because there's no ink, involved, there shouldn't be allergy issues with scarification. Because the wounds are deeper the risk may be greater, but as with a tattoo, following the aftercare instructions properly should overcome this. It's just common sense and taking care of yourself, really.

The healing process is where the major difference arises. The aftercare for a tattoo is designed to make sure it heals as fast as possible, causing as little aggravation (and therefore scarring) to the tattoo as possible. With scarification, part of the healing process is to aggravate the wound to cause more pronounced scars.

I think that's a great aspect of this art...ultimately it's you and your body who decide the end result, and even if two people get identical designs, the end results are likely to be vastly different.

To the person who said this shouldn't become mainstream- I don't see it happening, personally. It's a much more painful and extreme form of body modification...and the pain alone will put most off.

It's almost like an elitest thing...where years ago it was only hardened bikers and criminals who were 'tough' enough to get tattoos, now it's a lot more mainstream as inks have developed to accommodate more varied and effeminate designs. Scarification is a whole different ball game though, and not one for the faint of heart. To have a mark like that put on yourself takes guts. Though I am looking to have an etching done, I am in awe of those who go through cutting and skin removal because I couldn't do it.

I have seen some scarifications on people, one example the man who wanted to become a lizard.

Just think about this makes me shiver, not because i don't think the end result would look good but the sheer pain of it

I read most of the FAQ you posted and it seems there's a lot less people who are qaulified to even perform so if it was ever to become a mainstream back alley phenomenom it would be alot more dangerous than when sailors used to get tattoo's done when that was starting out.

NeoSteph:

I have seen some scarifications on people, one example the man who wanted to become a lizard.

Just think about this makes me shiver, not because i don't think the end result would look good but the sheer pain of it

I read most of the FAQ you posted and it seems there's a lot less people who are qaulified to even perform so if it was ever to become a mainstream back alley phenomenom it would be alot more dangerous than when sailors used to get tattoo's done when that was starting out.

Oh indeed.

But I think that with more interest growing in this art form, surely it's more sensible to legalise it with tight health restrictions?

Otherwise it will become an extremely dangerous back alley practice, with unskilled tattooists performing it just to make business.

Since I have never heard of it I don't have much of am opinion. It makes me shiver to even think of carving something into my skin, but the designs are beautiful and if someone really wants I don't see a reason why he couldn't get it.

SurVi.vali.SM:

NeoSteph:

I'd like to know the real differences between tattooing and scaring because wouldn't the scars have to be made deeper so they have a last effect

with tattoo's it's barely on the surface thats why ink is used so when the wound heals and leaves no mark the tattoo is undamaged. There are cases of blood poisoning.

so what are the risks of scaring?

Basically, in the case of etching, which is scarification done using a tattoo gun without ink...the needle is set to go deeper, and sometimes (depending on how tough your skin is I guess) a part of the design has to be run over a couple of times to get it done right.

The risks are much the same as for a tattoo- infection. Although I guess because there's no ink, involved, there shouldn't be allergy issues with scarification. Because the wounds are deeper the risk may be greater, but as with a tattoo, following the aftercare instructions properly should overcome this. It's just common sense and taking care of yourself, really.

The healing process is where the major difference arises. The aftercare for a tattoo is designed to make sure it heals as fast as possible, causing as little aggravation (and therefore scarring) to the tattoo as possible. With scarification, part of the healing process is to aggravate the wound to cause more pronounced scars.

I think that's a great aspect of this art...ultimately it's you and your body who decide the end result, and even if two people get identical designs, the end results are likely to be vastly different.

To the person who said this shouldn't become mainstream- I don't see it happening, personally. It's a much more painful and extreme form of body modification...and the pain alone will put most off.

It's almost like an elitest thing...where years ago it was only hardened bikers and criminals who were 'tough' enough to get tattoos, now it's a lot more mainstream as inks have developed to accommodate more varied and effeminate designs. Scarification is a whole different ball game though, and not one for the faint of heart. To have a mark like that put on yourself takes guts. Though I am looking to have an etching done, I am in awe of those who go through cutting and skin removal because I couldn't do it.

The pain puts me off, for sure.

It's a pity it hurts so badly. I really adore the designs.

I don't think they have the authority to make something like that illegal. I personally would never get it done because the risk of infection is higher and I'd be too lazy to care for it properly(and I'm a sissy ), but there is risk of infection with all kinds of body modification. If you take care of it properly, then you won't have issues. If you don't, then you more than likely will and it's your own fault. I don't think it should be made illegal only because some people can't do it properly. People who give tattoo's illegally are violating a law and can be punished. I think they same should apply to scarification artists, if they choose to do this behind the scenes without a permitt they need to be punished. Some people breaking the law isn't a reason to forbid it all together.

I'd never get it done myself, but then I'd never get a tattoo either. Personally, I don't think it looks particularly beautiful; it looks like scar tissue, which most people spend their time finding solutions to. But then, maybe that's part of the pull.
I think it should be legalised - it's a personal thing, and if you want to do it it's your skin.

I don't think it should ever occur. Because I've known people who've done it and they did it for also a way to harm themselves.

It's silly and I don't think people should do it.

I think it should be legal, with an age limit or parents' permission, like a tattoo.

druscilla; callmedru:

I think it should be legal, with an age limit or parents' permission, like a tattoo.

Yeah. Okay, my reply was a kinda harsh.

So yeah.

I now second this.

They look good when they're healed, but personally, I'd never have one.

When I saw those, I was like,"Wow! Those are really cool!" I personally agree that there should be an age limit or parent's permission. I would never get this done, but I think people should be able to.

When you look at the pictures though, they look more extreme than tattoos.