11 Black Ink Tattoos With Scarification

Successful scarification takes a lot of efforts from both the artist and the wearer. Here's how to care for your new body modification.

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WARNING: The images that follow are a bit graphic for anyone with a weak stomach.

While scarification is an incredible work of art, it comes with a lot of pain and discomfort. Plus, the end result does not solely depend on the talent of the artist, the wearer has a bit of work to do too.

The objective of the healing process is to optimize scarring. Thus, caring for your scarification piece is much different than caring for a new tattoo. It takes about six weeks for the work to heal completely. In those six weeks, it’s important you stay hydrated, wear loose clothing, and keep your hands clean.

The artist will seal up the piece after their part is done—wait 12 hours before removing this wrap. Once you remove the wrap, gently wash the piece in the shower with antibacterial soap. Continue to rinse the piece twice a day for the next five days. Pat with paper towels to dry. Once dried, seal it up to avoid exposing the wound to oxygen (this will prevent scabbing). Saran wrap and medical tape will do the job.

After five days of washing and wrapping, rub antibacterial ointment on the wound to keep it moist. Again, seal to prevent oxygen exposure. Do this for a week. This will get the scarring started. Still continue to wash the wound gently when in the shower. Eventually, it will start to scab—DO NOT PICK THE SCAB.

After a week of rubbing, let the scarification breathe. In a few weeks, the scabs will be gone, the scars will be visible, and your new body modification will no longer be an open wound. To evenly irritate/raise the scar, massage the area of work.

Beauty is pain—and work—people. According to the scarification gallery below, the efforts are well worth it.

Earth•Air•Fire•Water

Scarification by Christian Bedics