In the world of body modification, implants are artificial objects which are surgically inserted into the body usually for decorative purposes. Implants may be either subdermal or transdermal.
Subdermal refers to implants which are completely beneath the skin leaving a sculptural change to the appearance of the body. The procedure involves making an incision next to the area the implant is to be placed. A dermal elevator is used to create a pocket in which the implant (typically made of silicone) is inserted. Once in place, the incision is stitched up and given time to heal.
Transdermal refers to implants which are placed partially below and partially above the skin. Like the subdermal implant, the procedure involves making an incision near the area the implant is to be located. A pocket is opened using a dermal elevator and a hole is made. The implant is then inserted so that the decorative part passes through the hole and the base stays under the skin.
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| Joe Aylward's Metal Mohawk |
Body modification artist Steve Haworth is credited as having invented and popularized both subdermal and transdermal implants. Haworth grew up around the medical industry, his father owning a surgical instrument manufacturing company. Continuing in the family business, Haworth started his own company called Haworth Med Tech (later called Haworth Tech Company) in the late 1980's. Shortly after he opened a chain of piercing studios called HTC peircing studios.
In the mid 1990's Howarth began experimenting with and creating the first implants used for adornment purposes, initially using surgical steel then later teflon and carved silicone. He performed his first subdermal modification in 1994 on a New Zealand woman giving her an under the skin beaded bracelet around her wrist. In 1996 he performed the first transdermal implant called the "Metal Mohawk".
BMEzine Wiki: Subdermal Implant
BMEzine Wikie: Transdermal Implant
Wikipedia: Implant (body modification)
Wired: Body Artist Customize Your Flesh
