A young Ivorian woman, Ethel Esima, is in a coma in Abidjan after a tongue piercing procedure went tragically wrong. The young woman had spent 2.3 million CFA francs to get a "tongue slice piercing," a practice of splitting the tongue in two to mimic that of a cobra. This trend, which originated in Nigeria, is gaining popularity in the sub-region, but its dangers are becoming increasingly apparent.
Ethel Esima had paid for the operation in advance, hoping to adopt this trend from Lagos. However, the procedure quickly turned into a nightmare. The practitioner, whose qualifications are being questioned, was unable to complete the operation. Uncontrolled bleeding started, leading to massive blood loss and Ethel's immediate loss of consciousness. She was rushed to a health facility where she remains under medical supervision. At the time of the incident, the tongue piercing had not yet been completed.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community. A close friend of Ethel's, contacted on social media, questioned the meaning of this practice, questioning the desire to look like a lizard. This event highlights the risks associated with extreme body modifications, which also include ear, nostril and nipple piercings, as well as ankle chains and gold teeth, trends that are increasingly popular with Ivorian urban youth.
Health professionals warn against the potential dangers of tongue piercings and tongue splitting, including bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and breathing difficulties. In some cases, a reaction to local anesthesia can even lead to serious complications such as seizures, coma, or respiratory and cardiac arrest. Beyond the immediate risks, these practices can cause long-term damage to teeth and gums. Ethel Esima's misadventure underscores the importance of caution and seeking qualified professionals for any body modification.
In England and Wales, tongue splitting is illegal when performed by a non-professional, even with the person's consent, highlighting the seriousness of the risks associated with this practice.
