Tongue splitting

This effectively prevents the tongue from healing forward from the back of the cut, which would result in a split that is not as deep as desired.

Splitting may be reversed surgically by removal of sutures, excision of healed tissue on edges, and re-suturing the tongue together.

[16] Proponents may simply like the appearance, considering it beautiful, enjoy the novelty or shock value, or believe it leads to increased sensation or enhancement when kissing.

Like all body modifications, it can be used to connect or identify with a specific group or to ward off those who would make quick undesired judgments based on appearance.

[18] In 2003, Illinois became the first state in the U.S. to regulate tongue splitting, passing a law making it illegal to perform the procedure on another person, unless it is done by someone licensed to practice medicine.

[21] In 2017 Brendan McCarthy was charged in the United Kingdom for a number of body modifications including tongue splitting.

[22] Cases of body modification artists illegally possessing and injecting local anaesthetics for tongue bifurcation procedures have also been recorded in England.

[23] In March 2018, the Court of Appeal ruled tongue splitting to be illegal in England and Wales when performed by a body modification practitioner for cosmetic purposes.

His procedure was performed by oral surgeon Dr. Lawrence Busino, using an argon laser, in what was the first truly professional tongue split.