Scarification
the artistic application of scars

Scarification is the creative and artistic application of scars to acheive an aesthetically or spiritually pleasing result. Check out the different kinds to learn more.

injection scarification
Scarification obtained through noxious injections

This extremely rare form of scarification creates unique, if not apparently intentional scars. Procedurally it's simple -- inject rubbing alcohol or other fluids under the skin and watch it blister out. However, results are unlikely to be controllable, and there is an element of danger involved if care is not taken.

Tattoo gun scarification
Scarification done using a tattoo machine

Also known as "etching" by some artists, tattoo gun scarification works by over-tattooing an area using either nothing or a slightly abbrasive formula. This ground up skin then heals to leave a relatively faint but well detailed scar.

Dremel Scarification

Dremel scarification is a form of scarification wherein layers of skin are ground away using the rotating abrasive tip of rotary tools like a dremel. The technique is bloody and can potentially fling pathogens into the atmosphere and surfaces around the area in which the modification is being performed so extreme care must be taken to avoid contamination. The healed scars produced using this method tend to be pale and minimally raised, but the technique offers excellent control over line contour.

This method of scarification is also known as the "Mamiya Technique", named after one of its first pioneers, Eizo Mamiya of Tokyo, Japan.