Pros and cons of implants
Transition from tradition, writes Thobile Mazibuko
BODY modification has become the in thing. Most people have moved away from labelling it as “demonic” seeing that more and more people are embracing it… using it as a way to communicate and express themselves. Recently, we’ve seen a lot of people transitioning from wearing normal rings to implants.
We chat to Conrad Francis Feldman, a professional body modification artist and managing director of Beyond Body Modification.
Specialising in genital piercing and various other modification procedures, Feldman tells us more about “engagement piercings” implants that most people are getting instead of a traditional ring. What is an implant? Implantation is when a foreign subject is inserted under the skin layer to create a specific look on the surface. There are two types of implants, sub-dermal and trans-dermal implants.
What is the difference between a sub-dermal and a trans-dermal implant?
A sub-dermal implant is when a 3D biocompatible material object is implanted completely below the skin layer. This is done by making a small incision with a scalpel near to, but not at the site of the final resting place of the implant.
Then an instrument, most commonly a dental spatula, is used to then elevate the skin layer as well as separate it from the connective tissue below. The implant is the carefully placed inside this pocket under the skin and the incision is sutured closed.
A trans-dermal implant, also known as a surface anchor, is a combination of a sub-dermal Implant and pocketing.
Most trans-dermal jewellery pieces consist of some kind of footplate, usually with holes in it to allow the tissue to grow through and anchor the plate. It also has a shaft which travels upward at a 90-degree angle through the skin layer to the surface of the skin.
The procedure is almost exactly as is with the sub-dermal implant, however, with the exception that before the jewellery is introduced to the pocket, a hole is made at the precise location of where the exit of the shaft is to be.
This is done with a dermal punch and by using the spatula in the pocket as a backing, it protects the underlying tissues from being damaged by the dermal punch. Once the hole is made, the jewellery is then inserted into the pocket with the shaft exiting the freshly punched hole. The incision often a few centimetres away from the site is then sutured up.
What are some of the pros and cons of getting implants? Sub-dermal implants are rarely troublesome and with the right after-care procedure, will usually heal without any complications.
Trans-dermal on the other side have a lot more risks associated with them, unlike with the sub-dermal implants. In the trans-dermal implant there is an entrance from the surface of the skin to below the skin and so presents the possibility of infection if after-care procedure is not adhered to.
Some trans-dermal implants never heal completely. This is unfortunately down to the individual’s body. It is up to the individual to decide if the risk is acceptable or not. How can one avoid risks? You have to find a professional. Don’t take any chances. Make sure you are pierced with a needle and not a gun. Follow the aftercare procedure.
Say now I get an implant and after some time I no longer want it, how do I remove it?
Don’t try removing it yourself. This is why it is advisable to get an implant done by a professional so that when you no longer want it, you can go back and have it removed. Don’t go to a doctor either because they might just cut your finger, always go back to the person who did it as they know what to do.
Feldman is fascinated by body modification. He was trained by master piercer Eddie Graham and has built a name for himself as one of the best body modifiers. Stay connected with Feldman via Instagram @ beyond_body_mod.