At 23, Paulina Casillas Landeros from Jalisco, Mexico, took her body modifications to an unconventional level by removing her belly button. She gifted it to her then-boyfriend Daniel Ramirez, considering it an ultimate sign of love and intimacy. Known for her fascination with body modifications, Paulina had already undergone other unique surgeries, including a “back corset” with piercings along her spine and a split tongue. However, her decision to part with her belly button stemmed from a desire for a profound transformation.
A Symbolic Removal of Humanity
Paulina’s choice to remove her belly button was driven by a complex emotional journey. She described the navel as a part of herself that symbolized “what makes us human.” The procedure felt like a form of self-liberation, intended to “dehumanize” her in a symbolic way. Her family relationships had been strained, and she felt deeply angry, seeking an act that would sever her connection from past ties. In her mind, this radical gesture would serve as a striking expression of independence and detachment.
An Act of Love with Lasting Consequences
Gifted to Daniel in 2015, the belly button came packaged in a small bag alongside a handwritten note declaring her love. The gift was an emotional, spur-of-the-moment act intended to symbolize her deep connection to him. She felt secure with Daniel, who had been a source of support through difficult times, and saw the gift as a powerful reminder of her love. Though they later parted romantically, the two remain close, and he has kept the unconventional keepsake as a lasting reminder of their bond.
A Painful Healing Process and Lingering Regret
The aftermath of the surgery, however, wasn’t as romantic. Paulina experienced significant pain and complications, including an infection that left her bedbound and struggling to move for weeks. Her body never fully healed from the trauma of the removal, and her belly button remains a permanent mark of her decision. Looking back, she views the choice as reckless and impulsive, a painful reminder of a younger self driven by frustration and detachment from her family.
Finding Peace and Repairing Family Bonds
In the years since, Paulina’s perspective has shifted, particularly as her relationship with her family has grown stronger. Reflecting on her mother’s feelings about her actions, she regrets the emotional impact her choice likely had on her loved ones. Understanding her mother’s devastation helped her to see the consequences of her actions from a new perspective. Today, Paulina is more mindful of the lasting effects her decisions can have on herself and those she loves.
Embracing Lessons from a Bold Past
Paulina’s story stands as a reminder of how bold actions can carry lasting, unforeseen consequences. Though she views some aspects of her journey with regret, her experience highlights the importance of self-awareness and the impact our choices have on others.
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