Tattoo model spends £40k on body modifications – including forehead implants

Tattoo model spends £40k on body modifications – including forehead implants

08/12/2020

Lina L., originally from Germany but living in California, looks unrecognisable from her teen years – and not because she’s ditched a dodgy perm or learned to properly draw on her eyebrows.

The tattoo model, who goes by the name of Cigno on Instagram, ditched the rat race to focus on her body modifications, and now has over 81,000 followers on Instagram.

Over the years she’s spent over $50,000 (£38,000) on these changes, with the procedures getting more and more extreme.

After ditching her corporate job in the Bay Area earlier this year to become a full-time tattoo model and artist, she has undergone three more extreme body modifications in the past month, adding to her transformation in a quest to achieve a ‘city cyborg look.’

Speaking to Jam Press, Lina explained, ‘I got 3D-Art Implants for my forehead (silicone ribs/spines) and chest (silicone circle) which were installed by Ian Bell with implant grade silicone designed by Steve Haworth, who invented the 3D-Art implant.’

A silicone implant is implanted fully under the skin using an incision made with a scalpel and creates a dramatic sculptural change. It can be performed on any part of the body and takes up to three months to reach the desired effect.

Lina said the procedure took around 1.5 hours and ‘wasn’t cheap’ but admits she has spent far more on body modifications, tattoos and plastic surgery in the past.

The model, who already has over 100 tattoos, is currently working on a complete tattoo bodysuit and altering existing tattoos as well as adding new designs in order to complete her ‘cyborg armour.’

The plan next is to get her tongue split and have her ears pointed.

Lina had a love for tattoos since she was a teenager, and was always fascinated at how the body could be transformed and wanted to become a ‘living canvas’.

‘I wasn’t happy with myself and I decided I don’t have to accept something if it doesn’t contribute to my overall happiness,’ she explained.

‘There are many ways to transform yourself. Technology, medical advancements as well as the art of body modifications make it possible to pursue my transformation – which for some people may seem extreme.’

Through her body modifications, Lina felt she was able to express herself freely and confidently without fear of judgment, and said she now feels more herself than ever.

She added: ‘I am feeling more myself in my daily life. The day I was able to let go of any fear of judgment for my individuality, it felt like I was finally able to express myself freely and confidently.

‘I am part of a generation who teaches society to change their thinking, especially under the light of diversity. I do feel that I have to prove myself more so than others, but I have no problem doing so.

‘It means I can contribute to our collective capacity to let go of and move past judgment, stigma and prejudice, and celebrate individuality with all its shades and colours.

‘Self-expression means something different for any individual – the closer one comes with being who they truly want to be – the happier they are with themselves and the more accepting they will be of others.’

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