"Body piercing or mutilation is prohibited only in grief over a deceased friend or relative (as is common in some cultures), or if it is done to emulate a non-Jewish custom."Seeking a more detailed answer, I wrote an email to Project Genesis. They sent me a copy of two responsa that Rabbi Aaron Tendler wrote on the subject. I am posting them here for those who are interested in this subject (I added some clarifications to the letters. They are in parenthesis followed by "M.L."):
Thank you very much for your question. I hope all goes well for you and you keep up your studies. I'm sure that you will be a source of pride to your family and to our entire nation!
Regarding body piercing, the only prohibition to do so would be either in grief over a deceased friend or relative, as is common in some Arab cultures, or if this is done to emulate a non-Jewish custom. Body piercing to beautify the body, as in earings and nose rings, is permitted by the Torah, as you correctly point out that even our Imahos (matriarchs) evidently had nose and earings. Plastic surgery would likewise be permitted as long as there is minimal medical risk involved. I hope that this has been helpful. Please feel free to contact me for further clarification, if necessary.
Take care, Rabbi Aaron Tendler
Although a tongue ring is not necessarily a womans article of clothing, it is not clear to me that this is permitted. I'm not familiar with the significance of such a ring, but if the idea is to identify with a group of people that are uniquely non-Jewish, a Jew would be forbidden by the Torah to do so. Also, it is an Aveira to do things to our body that debase it - "Lo Sishaktzu Ess Nafshoseichem"("Do not make yourselves abominable" - M.L.). It is very possible that this would be considered such by a majority of society, since this is clearly not done as an ornament, as ear or nose rings. It is done to make a statement, and perhaps one of depravity.
So the answer to your question is that it is that I'm not sure that this is permitted, nor is there an "explicit" law to forbid it. It is definitely worthwhile for one who identifies with Judaism and it's customs and wishes to serve Hashem (God - M.L.) to refrain from doing so.
Take care,
Rabbi Aaron Tendler
