tongue splitting
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Tuesday April 28th, 2009 @ 4:08 PM
Filed under: Uncategorized
hiya,
i really want to have my tongue split and now i wanted to know if one has to suture the tongue after splitting or if it’s not really necessary…
i heard it’s not really necessary and is just for aesthetic reasons (suturing makes a more ’round’ and natural appearance), is this true?
how about healing time and what are the complications/risks involved,like, what is the worst thing that could happen during a tongue split?
i’ve read all the old posts here on askbme and the only one that i think contains a lot of the information i’m looking for is written in french, and my french sucks 
thanks! 
I’ve seen a window of about 25%-75% minimum regrowth through healing with cauterized splits. With the suture method, that changed to about 25% regrowth maximum. This is the main reason I prefer the results of suturing.
Swelling generally lasts (with proper aftercare) about 1.5-2 weeks and begins to subside after the sutures are removed.
Having a large-gauged piercing healed in your tongue will act as an anchor to help hold the split back and minimize regrowth. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees in how your body will accept the split. This information should be taken as subjective; as there are many variables and different people can heal differently.
The effect of “rounding” within a sutured split is generally not much different than with a non-sutured split, but may depend on the length of the split, how it was sutured, and how long it has been healed for.
As for complications, be sure that whomever you choose to do your split is well versed with sterile procedure and the possible complications of the work at hand. Pain, swelling, numbness, bleeding and bruising can be expected. Infection is a risk with any type of wound.
Different artists will likely have different opinions on this. My advice is subjective to my experiences. If you have any other input to add, please jump in the forum and do so!
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5 Responses to “tongue splitting”
How large of a gauge would work to help the tongue split heal?
Charlie on April 28th, 2009 at 11:31 pmI had a 4g tongue piercing for about eight years. In September 08 I had my tongue split and sutured. I had VERY minimal regrowth (approx 1/4″ and its thin.. frenulm thin). I am having it sliced further back (Its currently 3- 3.5 inches in the near future.
I love it and healed amazing. I do have the “natural and rounded” look, including taste buds that grew inside the split. I adore my split and was the best decision I ever made! Good luck!
James on April 29th, 2009 at 3:22 pmMy tongue piercing was 2g when I split mine. I’d say at least a 6g, but bigger wouldn’t hurt. In order for your piercing to act as a strong anchor, your piercing should be fully healed before your split.
Russ Foxx on April 29th, 2009 at 4:26 pmIs a tongue split suppose to bleed during the procedure? I’ve heard that if done right, it is not suppose to.
Lauren on May 2nd, 2009 at 10:05 pmA tongue split will bleed unless an injectable anaesthetic containing epinephrine or similar has been used.
Even cauterization is not necessary for a non-sutured split, but as Russ says regrowth will be significant. A single straight scalpel cut from a healed piercing anchor is sufficient in many cases for a successful split, but is hardly optimal.
redeye on May 20th, 2009 at 1:34 amLeave a Comment