Branding, a permanent form of body modification

“Branding, a permanent form of body modification“ was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

Branding, burning and brand-marking all mean the same thing, namely making a brand in the skin of the sub. This can be as simple as stubbing out your cigarette on someone's skin, but you can also use hot metal objects to burn patterns and/or letters into the other person's skin. Not really something for the beginner BDSM practitioner, and caution is of course called for here. Burns heal slowly and with difficulty. Good care of the skin after branding goes without saying.

Branding as symbolism

How beautiful and symbolic it is to brand your initials into your sub's skin... and how intense it is to be allowed to wear the initials of your Dominant in your skin. The ultimate bond between you. Personally I find it the most beautiful tribute to the D/s dynamic... but of course that is different for everyone.

Temperature play

Branding is an extreme form of temperature play, or more specifically: fire play. Temperature play also includes, for example, "fire cupping", where heat is used to create the vacuum in the cups, and wax play, where you let drops of wax from burning candles fall onto the skin.

With branding, however, the skin is considerably damaged, which makes good aftercare important.

What is branding?

Branding is a process in which a hot object is pressed against the skin to create a permanent scar. A metal object is heated to a high temperature and then pressed onto the skin. This causes a third-degree burn which, once healed, leaves a scar in the shape of the object.

Branding is usually not done in traditional tattoo shops. It is often a niche practice within the body modification community and is carried out by body modification specialists. In some cases it is done by the Dominant personally. You can understand that it is enormously important not to just go and do this, and that it is essential to read up thoroughly on the subject beforehand.

The legality of branding differs per country and region. In some places it is prohibited because of the health risks and ethical considerations.

What is cell popping?

With cell popping you use a red-hot needle or poker to place dots on the skin. This can be done in a pre-planned pattern. The practice is also called micro-branding or devil's fire. It is a mild – and less permanent – form of branding. The needle is small and the impact is less deep. This means the body can heal these wounds relatively easily. The pain is sharp but faint and lasts only as long as you keep the needle pressed down.

With cell popping it is important that the needle is hot enough. If the needle is at the right temperature (glowing bright yellow), barely touching the skin will instantly burn the top few layers.

Consequences of branding

As with any serious burn, there is a risk of infection, excessive scarring (such as keloids) and long-term pain. Complications such as skin contractures, which can affect the tightness of the skin, may also occur. A brand is meant to be permanent. The visibility of the scar may change over time, but it will probably always remain visible.

Caring for a brand

Immediately after it is applied, the wound must be properly cleaned and covered with a sterile dressing to prevent infection.

• Keep the wound clean and dry. Avoid submerging it in water until it has healed.

• Use antibacterial ointments as advised by a medical professional.

• Avoid scratching or rubbing the wound.

• Protect the wound from direct sunlight to prevent hyperpigmentation.

How long it stays visible

The wound will need several weeks to months to heal. During this time a scab will probably form, which eventually falls off. The scar will fade over time, but the texture and colour of the skin will probably be permanently changed. How visible it remains depends on factors such as skin type, the depth of the burn and the aftercare.

Disclaimer

It is important to emphasise that branding is a serious and permanent form of body modification. It is essential to be well informed and to consider whether the risks and consequences are acceptable before deciding to have a brand applied. Always consult an experienced and reputable professional and follow their aftercare instructions carefully.

Mistress Moriah

Source

Text: Mistress Moriah
Image: BDSMforyou