There was a time when piercings and tattoos were associated with gangs and fringe groups. Over time, however, they have become more common and increasingly acceptable in the workplace. Most people have one or two piercings and maybe a couple of tattoos, but there are those who take body modifications to the extreme. Chiara, an eighteen-year-old woman from Rome, Italy, is one of those people. Chiara is an extreme body modification enthusiast and has an eye-catching appearance that she loves.
Chiara has over twenty facial piercings, twelve “scarifications” (a procedure involving cutting the skin to create permanent scars resembling tattoos), two “brandings”, six subdermal implants, and tattooed eyeballs. She has also stretched her lower lip to four centimeters and had extensive modifications to her labia. She has had some of these procedures, including the tattooed eyeballs, done by her boyfriend, Michele.
Chiara states that her body modifications are natural and do not stem from a need to seek attention. While her mother, Samantha, is supportive, she worries about how society will perceive Chiara. Chiara is unfazed by the attention her appearance attracts.
An important point to consider is whether extreme body modifications could be indicative of underlying psychiatric issues. While some believe that individuals with extreme body modifications may have body dysmorphic disorder, it is difficult to substantiate such claims in every case.
There are various psychological motivators behind body modifications. Some individuals seek body modifications to express their individuality, enhance their attractiveness, show a love of art, or create a personal narrative. Others pursue body modifications for metaphysical reasons or as a form of resistance.
Chiara, as well as many others, found that body modifications can be addictive due to the release of endorphins and adrenaline when experiencing intense pain. It’s essential to carefully plan and consider the reasons behind body modifications to ensure they are a positive and authentic reflection of oneself.
For Chiara, her motivation for body modifications is fueled by her desire to see what she has always wanted to be when she looks in the mirror.
