1. Infection: Anytime a person has their skin pierced, there is a risk of infection. This risk of infection increases if the body modification is done in an unsterile environment, if the artist is not properly trained, or if the tools used are not sterilized. 2. Allergic Reaction: People can be allergic to tattoos, and when they get body modifications, they might develop an allergic reaction to the dyes in the ink. Symptoms can include itching, skin lesions, and swelling.