Less dangerous but more common health problems associated with tattooos and body piercings are those that negatively affect one’s appearance. One such problem is keloids, scars that grow beyond nromal boundaries. People with darker pigmentation, such as African Americans and those of Mediterranean descent, have a greater risk of developing keloids. Keloids can develop after the initial tattooing or piercing or later, if the jewelry in apiercing catches on smothing and rips the skin. Often keloids can be removed only by surgery.

Another cosmetic complication is chipped teeth. This complication is specifically associated with oral piercings. Once the tongue is pierced, the jewerly may chip or crack a person’s teeth when he or she is talking or eating. Tongue piercings an also result in more serious health problems.

For example, a person may develop a lisp or have trouble swallowing ue to nerve damage in the tongue. The american Dental Association cites numerous other dangers associated with oral piercings, including the swelling of the tongue from the piercing; choking on studs, barbells, or hoops that come loose in the mouth; and uncontrollable bleeding.