Given that neither a piercing nor a tattoo, nor the desire to have such things, cause suffering nor poor ability to function in life - one of the key features of a "pathological" disorder - I'd be inclined to disagree. I don't think that tech implants cause suffering nor poor ability to function in life either.
Without picking a side here, I'd like to point out that piercings (and tattoos?) can certainly cause complications if an infection ensues from the initial modification.
Of course if that does happen and you successfully treat it, I imagine you aren't impaired in any way going forward, but that is entirely thanks to antibiotics.
On the other hand, the vast majority of activities can result in suffering. The difference is between "can" and "will", and the intentions - someone who performs an activity with the intention of something going wrong and causing suffering to them might be ill.
Of course they're risky. That's why we DO them. Tattoos and piercings, and possibly also circumcision, have their roots in ancient rituals designed to prove to the community that you are a hardass who can withstand pain and brave the risk of death. Important traits to have if you are going to be called upon to fight to defend your monkey tribe from invader-monkeys.
Ehh... for me, they're pretty and make me feel happy about my body. They're not for other people. I don't know anyone who's got a piercing or tattoo that they didn't want for their own reasons.
