Body modification or alteration is the deliberate altering of the human anatomy or phenotype. It is often done for aesthetics, religious beliefs, to display group membership, shock value, self-expression, and other reasons. Some modifications are more socially acceptable in our culture such as: plastic surgery, circumcision, and ear piercings; however less acceptable and more uncommon modifications have gained popularity: such as multiple ear piercings, lobe stretching, and piercing of other body parts. The majority of piercings and stretched parts belong to the younger population due to their emphasis on individuality and self-expression. With this, some people have gotten creative on what to pierce or what to stretch, such as: corset piercings, stretched Labrets, cheeks, stretched and pierced septums, Medusas, and Third Eyes.
