As of 2012, what woman holds the record for the most body piercings in a lifetime?

Elaine Davidson, a Brazilian-Scottish former nurse, based in Edinburgh, is the world record holder for body piercing in the Guinness Book of Records.

Elaine first broke the record in May 2000, when a Guinness World Records official examined her and found 462 piercings on various parts of her body, including 192 on her facial area alone.

Elaine never removes the rings and studs, which she estimates weigh a total of three kilos (approx. 6.6 pounds). She insists there is no pain involved in piercing and sleeps soundly with all of her piercing ornaments in place.

A lady of many talents, Elaine also sleeps on a bed of nails, walks on fire, lies on broken glass, and holds a black belt in Judo, which she earned in Japan.

Elaine does not drink, take drugs or smoke cigarettes and she wants people to know this. This is because she sees her position in the Guinness Book of Records as a responsibility as much as a dedication.

By 9 August 2001 when she was re-examined she was found to have 720 piercings. In 2005, she had 3,950 body piercings. As of 2003, she had more piercings in her genitalia than in any other part of the body 500 in all, externally and internally. As of February 2009 her piercings had totaled 6,005.

In March of 2012, her piercings total 9,000.

According to her website, in January 2019, she has 11,003 piercings.