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Experts Warn Of The Dangers Of Cosmetic Tongue-Splitting Craze

Experts Warn Of The Dangers Of Cosmetic Tongue-Splitting Craze

People who undergo the cosmetic procedure are putting themselves at high risk of infections, nerve damage and much more

Megan Walsh

Megan Walsh

Listen LADs, you might think it looks cool to slice your tongue down the middle to appear more 'lizard like', but you might be best advised to leave your tongue in its natural state.

Not sure what tongue splitting is? Here's the lowdown.

Tongue splitting is a form of body modification that involves slicing the tongue down the middle to create a 'fork' appearance, similar to that of a reptile.

The procedure requires a plastic surgeon or modification practitioner to slice the tongue with a scalpel, or in some cases a laser is used to burn the tongue in half.

In recent years it's become massively popular among modification enthusiasts who endeavour to look 'otherworldly' or want to increase satisfaction in the bedroom.

But now the experts have spoken and said that the tongue-splitting procedure leaves people at serious risk of haemorrhages, infection and nerve damage, plus a difficulty to breathe or swallow. It can also cause tooth fractures and gum damage.

PA

But not only that - the bloody thing's against the law.

Tongue splitting was found illegal by the Court of Appeal in March this year, in cases where the cosmetic procedure is performed by a body modification practitioner for cosmetic purposes.

According to the Mail, BAPAS President David Ward said about the ban: "In England and Wales practitioners who offer tongue splitting are doing so illegally as the law currently stands."

This ruling applies to England and Wales, but is less clear across other parts of the UK.

Selina Master from the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) said there is an 'urgent need' for the law to be clarified across the rest of the UK.

PA

"As dental surgeons, we've seen some of the horrific consequences of these procedures," she said speaking at the Royal College of Surgeons.

"It's so important that people realise they are putting themselves at serious risk of significant blood loss, infection, nerve damage and problems being able to breath or swallow.

"The FDS and BAPRAS are also concerned that despite the legal debate, the demand for tongue-splitting procedures may continue but simply be driven underground."

Tongue splitting dates back to 1996, when a US body piercer performed the procedure on himself. Since then it's become increasingly popular within the body modification crowd.

If you do still fancy a lizard tongue after all this information, though, take Selina Masters expert advice: "We strongly advice people not to have oral piercings or tongue splits.

"However, if they do, it is crucial they see their dentist on a regular basis so that the impact on their oral health can be closely monitored."

You have been warned.

Featured Image Credit: Korona Lacasse (Creative Commons)

Topics: UK News, Interesting, Cosmetic Surgery