<P> Cauterizing can be done with a cautery unit or an argon laser . Both burn the tongue in half which closes off blood vessels, preventing much bleeding . If an established tongue piercing is not used as the back end of the split with this method, the tongue has a higher tendency to heal and the procedure must be done again to achieve the depth desired . </P> <P> The tie off or fishing line method is done by the person themselves . Fishing line is tied through an existing tongue piercing to the tip of the tongue and tightened . When the line has cinched through the tissue and become loose, it is cut out and a new tighter line is placed in to continue the cut . This slower process allows the tongue to heal as it is being split, negating the need for stitches or cauterization to control bleeding as blood loss is limited . It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to split the tongue this way depending on the individual's pain tolerance and determination . </P> <P> The tongue generally heals in 1--2 weeks, during which time the person may have difficulty with speech or their normal dietary habits . Splitting is reversible but the reversal is even more painful than the tongue splitting procedure . </P> <P> After the tongue is split and the sides healed, control over the individual sides can be gained with practice . The two halves can be raised up and down opposite each other, spread apart from the other half which makes the split quite apparent and some objects can be grasped onto and held . A split tongue is an easy body modification to conceal with a little effort . Keeping the tongue in the mouth and the two halves pressed together when speaking can keep the split out of view . When the two sides are held together, it appears as though there is only a deep crevice in the center of the tongue . </P>

How long does it take for a split tongue to heal