Branding for 'fun'
Re some of the comments below about people getting branded by personal choice...
I know two ladies that have had just that done, I was present with both of them! I have gotta agree that the smell is pretty unpleansant but the end results turned out very well.
One of the ladies went back for a 2nd branding some time later. I held her hand and she didn't try and break my fingers during the session. Her later comment was that the discomfort was no worse than being under a very hot shower. Mmmm, I'm still not convinced and think I'll give it a miss. Two tattoos are enuf for me (and a few piercings).
Trust is a big issue with the person doing the work, and a good enviroment. We took our own music allong, some incense and just 'got into it'.
The effectivenes of the brandings can vary greatly from person to person depending on the skin type. Some people have skin that heals very well and so the effect is not so great. Others have skin that scars very easily. While this is a problem with an injury, it is a blessing for branding and cutting. I have heard that good healers can emphisize the effect by rubbing in hydrogen peroxide on the wound (OUCH!) but I have no experience of this so it might just be 'urban myth' stuff.
With the branding equipment available now, fairly detailed work is possible.
Aftercare is also important. Not getting the 'fresh' branding wet was important so it was glad-wrap galore in the shower till the scab lifts off.
Anyway, both ladies were very happy with the results and I suppose thats what counts.
Some examples at...
http://www.metaflesh.com/educate/mod.php?pgt=G&modtype=1010