Georgia Tattoo Practice Exam

Which of these is NOT included in the definition of “body art”?

1. Tattooing

2. Body piercing

3. Cosmetic surgery

4. Body modification

The correct answer is: Cosmetic surgery

The definition of "body art" typically encompasses practices that involve altering or enhancing the body's appearance through techniques like tattooing, body piercing, and body modification. Tattooing involves the application of ink on the skin to create designs permanently. Body piercing refers to the act of puncturing a part of the body to insert jewelry, while body modification may include practices such as scarification or stretching of body parts. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is primarily a medical procedure aimed at improving or altering physical appearance through surgical means. While it does involve changes to the body, it is classified separately from body art because it usually requires medical training, operates under different regulations, and involves more invasive techniques than the other forms of body art. Therefore, it is the only option listed that does not fall under the traditional or standard definition of body art.