Comments: Though their origin is unknown (for now), there is little point in questioning the authenticity of the preceding images, of which there are other examples on the Web and which depict an acknowledged genre of body modification called "corset piercing."

What is questionable is the notion that it represents a "new summer trend," as claimed in the subject headers of the forwarded emails to which the photos are attached (one variant of which indicates it's a trend in New Jersey, specifically — as if that makes it any more plausible). From what I gather, the practice isn't particularly novel and remains confined to a relatively small number of body art enthusiasts.

"A corset piercing is not for everyone," explains Lori Wilkerson, a freelance writer specializing in the topic of body piercings and related jewelry. "The corset piercing is most popular for performance art and fetish events, and is almost always removed immediately afterward. They usually can’t heal properly because they are a surface piercing in an area prone to rejection and they use a type of jewelry that isn’t really suitable for permanent use in the area."

It's not for the squeamish, in other words, nor is it the most likely candidate for a new summer trend — in New Jersey or anywhere else.

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Sources and further reading:

Corset Piercing - Not Meant to Be Practical or Permanent
Via Body Jewelry You Seek

Body Piercing Gallery - Corset Piercings
Via Painful Pleasures

Tattoos, Piercing and Body Art Home Page
With your About Guide, Karen Hudson

Last updated: 04/08/05