Almost every (but not EVERY) scarification artist working in the Western world is also a body piercer. The easiest way to find scarification artists local to you is an Internet search, coupled with visiting the better piercing and tattoo studios in your area.

Chemical scarification is the use of chemical agents to damage the skin and induce scarring. Most people agree that the results achieved using this technique are not that different from those achieved using other, far simpler, safer, and more predicable methods. As such, little research has been done into this method.

Instead of using base or acidic chemicals to burn down into the skin, and instead of rubbing chemicals into cuts, some people actually inject questionable chemicals under the skin. In some cases, these blister up and form a permanent scar, resembling the inoculation marks of the past.

Abrasive scarification is scarring achieved using friction to remove enough layers of skin to create scarring. Abrasive scarification is generally used to create subtle unraised scars, but it can be used to create almost every type and texture of scar.

Certain activities -- be it BMX racing and other extreme sports, or be it fighting or punching out windows -- tend to lead to scars because of the injuries they bring. Many view these scars as desirable, and not only seek them out by putting themselves in harm's way, and by rubbing irritants into any wounds to induce them to scar.

I can't stop you from doing this, but the best way to get a low quality scar is to do it yourself. Self scarification, while common, is not recommended.

Most artists are self trained, but this is not the most responsible option, especially nowadays. The best way to become a scarification artist is by apprenticing under an experienced practitioner. As far as how to achieve that, get to know one on a personal level and take it from there. In addition, it is important that young people reading this realise that under no circumstances should scarification be considered as a "career" -- the commercial market is just not large enough.

Fakir Musafar (www.bodyplay.com) offers group training in traditional scarification techniques, and has recently added some modern (cautery) techniques as well.

The basic categories are branding (scarification through burns, either from heat, or from lasers or electrocautery devices), cuttings (fine scarification using a thin blade, sometimes coloured using tattoo ink, sometimes including the removal of patches of skin), and various other less common means including the use of chemicals and other non-traditional means.

By far the largest risk is the aesthetic one. Branding, cutting, and scarification are far from precise arts, and because the call for scarification is much smaller than that for piercing or tattooing, most artists are simply not that experienced. In addition, even experienced artists have trouble getting consistent results because there are so many variables in the healing process.

Tattooing works by reciprocating needles passing repeatedly through the surface of the skin. If a tattoo artists is too "heavy handed" (that is, tattooing too deep, or needlessly spending too much time in a given area, grinding it up), the tattoo will heal with some degree of scarring. This can be done on purpose as well.

There will be a fee charged for a consultation in the office, therapy services, and for follow-up visits when indicated. A charge may be made for any special dressings, casts, x-rays, or special equipment used in the office. We have a schedule of fees covering everything from office visits to the most complicated tendon transfer. If you have a question regarding a specific procedure, we will be happy to discuss it with you at any time.

We are experimenting with a number of different services such as gift wrapping and a quarterly bulletin/newsletter. We are always looking for ways to enhance our customers' shopping experience.

The services you see are the result of interests among the people who have built and worked on the library, and reflects their interests, skills, and expertise. The only mandatory service was a story hour (directorial privilege); everything else was decided by consensus and interest. We had many other ideas, but limited time and resources have forced us to choose, and this is what we have chosen, so far.

While People Inc. offers a wide range of services for people of varying needs and abilities, most of the services we offer are designed specifically for people with developmental disabilities.

You need to become a consumer of DOR in order to receive services. Also, the services we provide are part of a detailed rehabilitation plan developed by the consumer and counselor based on the client's specific needs and employment goals.

a state facility we accept prospective patients regardless of financial resources or insurance status. A financial interview is conducted at the time of admission. A sliding scale is used to determine the cost of treatment, based on your income.

If your child is under 3 years of age, contact the Early Intervention program in your state. (Look at Local Links for contact information.) If you child is 3 or older, seek services through your local Child Find office. A call to your local Department of Education should get you on your way. If you live in an area where the powers that be are reticent to give kids their entitled services, get in touch with your local Parent Training and Information center.