What You Should Know about Tongue Splitting - Body Piercing Basic EP129
In the 129th episode of DaVo's YouTube series Body Piercing Basics, he covers the subject of Tongue Splitting and what should be considered beforehand.
Show Notes:
AKA bifurcation, splitting, or forking
Disclaimer
This is an extreme body modification
Ideally done by a licensed Oral or plastic surgeon.
May, or may not be legal in your area or country
In 2003, the state of Illinois made it illegal for anyone without a license to practice medicine to perform the procedure.
In the USA, it may fall under the definition of practicing medicine without a license. It is illegal in the US to prescribe an injection of an anesthetic.
The Australian State of Victoria banned tongue splitting on minors
The UK in March of 2018 ruled that tongue splitting by a body modification professional be illegal in England and Wales
Due to the rarity and legal questions of the mod, it is often performed in an underground situation. Making it next to impossible to verify the abilities of the person doing it.
Risks:
May partially or wholly regrow together.
Can cause permanent damage to nerves and muscles. Including impairment of eating, speaking, tasting, and swallowing.
Death of tissue
Could cause excessive bleeding
Swelling could affect eating, drinking, and breathing
Infection is always a risk, including a blood infection from tools and/or a heart infection
Damage to teeth, gums, and tissue in the mouth from the cutting tools.
allergic reaction to any anesthetics that are used
Skills & etc… needed:
Medical training would be helpful
Expert-level knowledge of the anatomy and structure of the human tongue
A working knowledge of cross-contamination prevention
Using a scalpel and/or an argon laser or cautery tool.
suture skills and experience with stitches
Access to sterile equipment and proper biohazard disposal
A clean and controlled environment for the procedure.
Procedures:
There is an increased chance of success if the tongue is pierced.
Scalpel:
The anatomy is evaluated and marked.
The scalpel is heated to minimize bleeding.
The scalpel is used to cut a straight line from the tip to the back. This can often take 5 to 10 minutes or longer to complete.
Once the cut is completed, the edges of the wound on both sides are stitched shut. This also can take some time.
Cauterization:
The main difference is that a heated beam of the laser or tool is used to cut through the tissue.
Though there is usually not as much bleeding, areas may still need to be stitched shut.
Tie-Off or fishing line
This is the old DIY method of slowly tightening a piece of line through a tongue piercing and the tip of the tongue. Should only be done under the supervision of a professional.
It can take an extremely long period, up to over a year, and can be highly uncomfortable.
The tissue may grow back together, or the tongue piercing will just migrate.
You could have an allergic reaction to the mono-filament or other line
This could also cause tissue damage, resulting in loss of tongue function or a significant infection.
The aftermath:
2 weeks or longer for the wounds to heal.
Bleeding off and on for the first few days
Because there is a great deal more trauma than a tongue piercing, expect much more swelling and the swelling to last much longer.
You will need to adjust your diet.
Your speech will be affected for a few weeks at best,t and these may be long-term.
Long-term effects could include:
Higher risk of mouth infections
overproduction of saliva
effecting breathing
airway blockage
loss of taste
loss of control of your tongue
lesions on the roof of your mouth
heavy scarring
Speech impediment
If you have a question you would like to see covered in a future video, please comment or contact DaVo at davo@axiompiercing.com.
I, also known as DaVo, have been a professional body piercer and the owner of Axiom Body Piercing Studio in Des Moines, Iowa, since 1994. My focus on education and helping clients make informed decisions about getting pierced has always been a significant part of my business practices and services. With my website and increasingly on YouTube, I hope to expand and inform others outside of my small part of the world. I always welcome questions and comments, so if you have one, please don't hesitate to share.
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All images used are used in the spirit of Fair Uses. If you are the photographer, piercer, or owner of the piercing and would like to be credited, don't hesitate to get in touch with DaVo at davo@axiompiercing.com
The links below are affiliate links and a portion of the proceeds will go to DaVo, the Axiom, and Body Piercing & Tattooing Staff.
Suggested Aftercare Products:
- For Premixed Saline, DaVo suggests. NeilMed Neil Cleanse Wound Wash First-Aid Sterile Saline Solution 6 fl oz Each - https://amzn.to/2lgrfL7
- Band-Aid Brand First Aid Products Tru-Absorb Gauze Sponges for Cleaning Wounds, 4 in x 4 in, 50 ct - https://amzn.to/2Q1nrcm
All footage was filmed using a Canon EOS 80D Camera with the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens - https://amzn.to/3bb5PV4 and Canon EOS R - https://amzn.to/386Y1BZ with Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens - https://amzn.to/3jkvptO
Audio - Recorded with Shure MV7 - https://amzn.to/39fKKbS with a Tascam DR-40x - https://amzn.to/2Lw67O8
For more information on DaVo and the Axiom Body Piercing Studio, go to https://axiompiercing.com
Follow the Axiom:
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Contact DaVo at davo@axiompiercing.com or by phone at 515-262-5989
If you would like to set up a Piercing Appointment, go to https://facebook.com/axiompiercing and click on the "Book Now" button.
Skin Kitchen Tattoo and The Axiom Body Piercing Studio are located at 3800 Douglas Ave./Des Moines, Iowa 50311
Tattoo hours are Thursday - Monday 1-8 pm
Piercing hours are Thursday - Monday 2-8 pm
