Start here · Essential guide
Beyond the Surface: The Science Behind Body Modification
A plain-language primer on how the body responds to tattoos, piercings and similar changes: wound healing, the immune response and scarring, in general terms.
Body and Practice
Practices and Science
The science and the practices, from skin and implants to hair.
Beneath the Surface: Exploring the World of Subdermal Implants
What subdermal implants are, why they carry real medical risks, and why any such work belongs only with licensed professionals. General information, not advice.
Beneath the Surface: The Art of Subdermal Implants and Microdermals
How microdermal anchors differ from subdermal implants, plus common complications, why migration or rejection happens, and why professional care matters.
Beyond the Norm: Pushing Boundaries with Extreme Body Modification
A cautious overview of the far end of body modification: what the term covers, the medical risks, and the legal and ethical debates, with no instructions.
Beyond the Surface: The Science of Skin and Body Modification
A plain explanation of the skin's layers and why depth matters for tattoos, piercings and implants, with no do-it-yourself instructions.
Beyond the Tattoo: Exploring the World of Temporary Body Art
A look at henna, transfers, body paint and other temporary body art, with plain cautions about skin sensitivity and how to reduce the chance of a reaction.
Body Hair Removal: The Cultural Significance of Smooth Skin
A look at the history and cultural meaning of removing body hair, the general options people use, and sensible skin-safety cautions.
Body Hair Transplantation: A New Era in Body Modification
A general explanation of body hair transplantation, its limits and uncertainties, and why a qualified doctor should be consulted. No results are promised.
Body Suspension: The Extreme Sport of Body Modification
What body suspension is, why it carries serious physical risks, and why it is not something to attempt casually. General information only, with no instructions.
Breast Augmentation: The Most Popular Body Modification Procedure
A general, non-promotional explanation of breast augmentation: what it involves, the risks, recovery, and why to consult a qualified surgeon. No outcome promises.
The Body as Canvas: The Art of Temporary Tattoos
How henna-style designs, transfers and similar temporary tattoos work as art, plus skin sensitivity cautions and sensible ways to test for a reaction.
Related topics
More in body and practice
Art and Expression Body art as creative work, style and collaboration with artists. Industry Evolution How body art and modification developed over time, from piercing to implants. Cybernetic Futures Technology, implants and digital versions of body modification. Cosmetic Procedures General-terms look at common cosmetic and surgical procedures and the technology behind them. Hair and Temporary Looks Hair changes and painted skin as reversible or lower-commitment ways to change appearance. Piercing History Where piercing came from, what it has meant and how it is seen today. Scarification What scarification is, its history, and the debates around pain and meaning. Tattoo Stories Tattoos as personal change, emotional experience and a working craft. Artists and Craft How tattoo and piercing artists work, train and present their craft. Pain and Extreme Practices Scarring, branding, suspension, stretching and other pain-linked practices. Industry Size and Shape How big the body modification business is and where it is heading. Business Opportunities How companies, entrepreneurs and marketers work in this field. Unusual Modifications Stretching, suspension, implants and other less common practices. Risks and Consequences The physical and practical downsides of modification, and why licensed care matters. Economics of Modification How money, markets and marketing work in the modification trade. History and Evolution How modification practices developed from ancient times to today. Future of Modification Emerging trends and technologies that may shape the field. Technology Crossovers Where technology meets body modification, from implants to future ideas. Emerging Frontiers Implants, 3D printing, body hacking and digital tools. Rising Practices Suspension, hyper-modification, micro tattoos and the anatomy behind them. Skin and Scar Science How skin is built, how it heals and what scarring involves. Piercing and Ink Science What is known about healing, anatomy and risk in piercing and tattooing. World of Modification A tour of practices, technology and the business around them.