“But the ‘Kim’ one isn’t a tattoo.
It’s actually a branding.”
Branding is a punch in of body marking that uses heat to permanently scar the skin with a design.
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What’s the history of scarification?
Colonizers later appropriated body markings, andtattoosbecame mainstream as technology advanced.
Here’s what you gotta know about how body branding and cutting work, according to experts.
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How does scarification work?
When the skin is wounded, tissue breaks apart.
Initially, immune cells called neutrophils rush to the area to fight off infection and help the tissue heal.
“The heat damages the surrounding tissue and not just where you strike the design,” he says.
Is scarification safe?
During that time, Dr. Kim says, it’s important to watch out for signs ofinfection.
“Go to the doctor after you notice infection symptoms,” says Dr. Kim.
Another consideration: Scars are more permanent than tattoos.
