What Is Tongue Splitting?
Tongue splitting is a body modification procedure in which the tongue is split into two separate halves. New body concepts can be extremely different from traditional esthetic concerns. Tongue-splitting practice is considered body modification by some people or an action causing disfigurement or damage by others. It involves splitting the tongue from the tip toward the central part of the base. The resultant forked tongue appearance may resemble that of a snake. The appearance may also be referred to as ‘lizard tongue’ and has become popular recently. Getting a tongue split is considered a part of being trendy and up-to-date.
How Is Tongue Splitting Done?
Tongue splitting, also known as tongue bifurcation or tongue forking, may be done using a scalpel or other methods. A surgeon or body modification practitioner usually does the procedure. Some people try doing it on their own. Some of the ways in which tongue bifurcation can be done are:
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Scalpel: Tongue splitting can be done using a scalpel. By this method, the tongue will be cut down using a scalpel from the tip to the middle portion to create a bifurcation. The cut edges of each half will then be sutured or stitched. To prevent excessive bleeding, the scalpel may be heated before use.
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Cauterization: Cauterization is the use of temperature changes to destroy tissues or cells. Using a heated scalpel will be beneficial as it decreases bleeding by cauterization. An argon laser or a cautery unit may be used by the surgeon for tongue splitting. By this method, the tongue will be split, and the blood vessels will be closed to prevent bleeding from the site. The surgeon will suture the partially sealed areas after the procedure.
The person may have difficulty speaking and eating during the healing period. It usually takes one to two weeks for the tongue to heal. Due to the limitations it offers, tongue splitting is banned in many countries.
What Are the Complications of Tongue Splitting?
Tongue splitting is a highly specialized form of body modification procedure and can be extremely dangerous. The risks associated with the tongue-splitting practice are the following:
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Bleeding or hemorrhage.
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Infection due to following an unhygienic practice or not doing it under a medical professional.
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Muscle damage.
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Nerve or artery damage, especially if the procedure is done by an inexperienced person or the self.
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Speech abnormalities due to the creation of bifurcation.
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Pus or fluid discharge from the area.
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Blood infections, lead to heart problems.
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Scar tissue formation, which gradually affects speech.
Since the legality of the practice is restricted, the availability of healthcare professionals practicing the same will be minimal or nil. This motivates the people seeking tongue-splitting practice to get assistance from less experienced ones. They will also try to satisfy their desire by doing it on their own. In such cases, the chances for complications like nerve and artery damage, muscle problems, and related risks increase.
What Happens After Healing?
Some of the risks of tongue splitting persist for a long time or even for the rest of the life. Since the tongue surface contains taste buds that help in detecting taste, tongue bifurcation may affect the taste buds, leading to a lack of taste sensation. Due to the damage caused to the muscles, some may find it tedious to move the tongue as they used to do previously. In some cases, tongue movement will become completely impaired. In addition, faulty techniques can cause damage to the tooth, gums, and other oral structures. In some cases, healing may take more time, and in the postoperative period, individuals may present with symptoms like severe pain, bleeding, or infection. It is necessary to seek medical help if serious complications develop. The surgeon will also be helpful in cases in which the surgical site opens up or the stitches fall apart.
Why Is Tongue Splitting Performed?
People opt for tongue splitting to improve their strength. Some consider it a part of self-empowerment, especially after facing extreme life trauma. The people choosing tongue bifurcation usually like the 'lizard tongue' appearance. Some consider it a method of healing, while others consider it an act to increase sensation, by doubling the number of tongues. Even if some groups consider it as a part of beauty modification, another group may consider it as a method to create a scary or 'animal-like' appearance in order to get the population's attention. Tongue splitting may also be considered as an identity for a specific group of people in some regions. Some may do it to improve their sexual experience by enhancing the methods of kissing and performing oral sex.
Can Tongue Splitting Be Reversed?
Since tongue splitting causes many undesirable changes, people may opt to reverse the procedure. Tongue bifurcation can be reversed surgically. The surgery may usually be performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon will cut out the healed portion of the tongue halves and place sutures uniting the two halves. It is necessary to choose an experienced surgeon for the procedure, which will otherwise cause severe complications. In addition, proper post-operative care is important to avoid the causation of further risks.
Conclusion
Tongue splitting is a body modification procedure done by people to achieve various sorts of desires. Some may be completely related to aesthetic enhancement and some may be for weird satisfaction. Whatever the reason is, the procedure has many disadvantages, including serious functional or physiological impairment. Due to this reason, it is made illegal to split the tongue, in many countries.
