Body Modifications and Their Health Implications

Abstract

This paper comprehensively defines three forms of body modifications: tattoos, piercings and implants. Some body modifications are functional while others are aesthetic, each serving the needs of its bearer or wearer. The paper describes the motivations behind different forms of body modifications. A document analysis was conducted, inclusive of a public image repository search, to ensure the depth required to reach saturation in the literature and content. A comparison of body modification techniques is assessed across cultural uses, modern applications and risks. Additionally, the health implications of these body modifications are considered and the findings clustered into the themes: physical, psychological and privacy implications. The contribution of this paper is in starting a serious discussion around the potential for health issues to arise from body modification and the impact they may have on the end-user.