Tongue splitting, also known as tongue bifurcation, is an extreme body modification that permanently alters the appearance of the mouth. The procedure involves dividing the tongue centrally from the tip toward the base, creating a forked or “lizard-like” effect. This modification is a deliberate, non-medical alteration of a complex muscular organ, often sought for aesthetic reasons or as a statement of self-identity.
Execution of the Procedure
The process of bifurcation utilizes specialized techniques to ensure the tongue remains split and does not fuse back together during healing. The two primary methods employed are the scalpel method and the cauterization technique. Both approaches typically require some form of local anesthesia to manage discomfort.
The scalpel method involves cutting the tongue down the midline to the desired depth, generally between 3 to 5 centimeters. After the incision is made, the newly exposed edges of the tongue tissue on each side must be carefully closed with sutures. Stitching the cut edges is necessary to prevent the two halves from healing back together.
Alternatively, the cauterization method uses thermal energy, often from a heated scalpel or an argon laser, to separate the tongue tissue. This technique simultaneously splits the tongue and seals the blood vessels along the cut, which helps limit bleeding during the procedure. The sides of the split still require suturing to achieve permanent separation. The depth of the split is always constrained by the patient’s anatomy, specifically the location of the submandibular ducts beneath the tongue.
Health Complications and Risks
The high vascularity and dense nerve network of the tongue make the splitting procedure complex. One of the most immediate and serious concerns during and immediately following the procedure is the risk of a severe hemorrhage. The tongue contains large blood vessels, and uncontrolled bleeding can be life-threatening if the procedure is not performed in a setting equipped for emergency medical intervention.
The mouth is naturally populated with bacteria, which makes the deep, open wound created by the split highly susceptible to infection. An infection in the tongue tissue can quickly become serious, potentially leading to airway compromise due to extreme swelling or even a systemic blood infection. The protective lining of the mouth is breached during the split, allowing a pathway for harmful bacteria to enter the tissue.
A significant risk involves damage to the delicate nerves embedded within the tongue muscle. The lingual nerve, which provides sensation to the front two-thirds of the tongue, is particularly vulnerable to injury during the procedure. Damage to this or other nerves can result in permanent loss of sensation, altered taste perception, or difficulty controlling the movement of the tongue.
The long-term presence of a split tongue can also create problems with normal oral function. Articulation may be permanently affected, potentially leading to a noticeable lisp or other speech abnormalities due to the altered shape and muscle control. Furthermore, the split edges may rub against the teeth and gums, increasing the likelihood of dental surface damage or gum recession over time.
Healing and Recovery Process
The initial period following a tongue splitting procedure involves intense discomfort. Severe swelling of the tongue is an expected reaction, typically peaking within the first three to five days post-procedure. This swelling can make speaking difficult and swallowing painful, sometimes to the point where communication is severely limited.
During this initial recovery phase, diet must be restricted to soft or liquid foods, such as soups, yogurt, and milkshakes, to avoid irritating the fresh wounds. Cooler beverages are often recommended as they can help soothe the tissue and potentially facilitate the reduction of swelling. Patients are advised to keep their head elevated, even while sleeping, for several nights to help manage the fluid buildup.
Meticulous aftercare is mandatory to prevent secondary infection in the oral environment. This routine usually involves frequent rinsing with a saline solution or a diluted antiseptic mouthwash every few hours. The sutures must be left undisturbed, as prematurely removing or playing with them can jeopardize the final outcome and promote the halves healing back together. The entire healing process typically takes between one to two weeks before the pain and swelling have largely resolved.
Legal Status and Regulation
The regulatory environment for tongue splitting is complex and often characterized by legal ambiguity across different jurisdictions. Because the procedure involves cutting and suturing deep tissue, many legal interpretations classify it as a surgical act that should only be performed by a licensed medical professional. This classification contrasts with other body modifications like piercings or tattoos, which are generally performed by non-medical artists.
The lack of clarity has led to the procedure often being performed by body modification artists who are not medically licensed, which significantly elevates the health risks. In the United States, states like Illinois, New York, Delaware, and Texas have enacted specific laws that either ban the practice outright or restrict it exclusively to licensed physicians. For example, Illinois makes it illegal for anyone other than a licensed medical professional to perform the split on another person.
In England and Wales, the Court of Appeal has ruled that tongue splitting performed by a body modification artist constitutes grievous bodily harm, even with the client’s consent. This ruling effectively deems the practice unlawful when performed outside of a medical context. The ongoing debate highlights the concern among medical bodies that the demand for the procedure may simply be driven underground, increasing the likelihood of unsafe practices.