What does branding refer to in the context of body art?

Branding, in the context of body art, pertains to a form of extreme body modification. This practice involves the use of heated metal objects or tools to create a design or pattern on the skin, resulting in a scar that heals into a permanent mark. It is a form of body art that alters the skin's texture and appearance, distinguishing it as an extreme form due to the degree of pain involved and the permanence of the modifications made.

The other options refer to different methods and practices within body art that do not encompass the distinctive characteristics and implications tied to branding. For example, facial tattooing and piercing involve methods of altering the skin or body without creating the same type of lasting scar associated with branding. Similarly, cosmetic applications involve enhancements rather than modifications aimed at altering the skin in a lasting way. Thus, branding stands out as a specific and recognized method of body modification within the realm of body art.