An Overview
Ear stretching, sometimes referred to as ear gauging or earlobe stretching, entails extending the earlobe piercing hole to allow for larger jewelry. This custom has been practiced for centuries by many different nations, including tribes in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa. Ear stretching has become a trend among young people in Western countries in recent years and has grown in popularity. The hole in the ear is often stretched gradually over time using various-sized plugs or tunnels. Depending on the desired size of the stretched earlobe, the operation may take many months or even years. While some people do it for fashion, others might do it for cultural or spiritual reasons.
Ear stretching can be a safe and fun activity when done correctly, but it is crucial to proceed with caution and attention. The process should be quick, and you must choose high-quality jewelry. Good stretching and hygiene practices are vital because improper stretching can cause infections, scars, and other issues. Do your study and get assistance from a qualified piercer if you’re considering expanding your ears. They can advise on how to extend your earlobes properly, what jewelry to wear, and how to care for your stretched earlobes. Ear stretching can be a unique and enjoyable method to express yourself and flaunt your style with the appropriate planning and maintenance. I will explain the equipment required for it, the procedure of ear stretching, aftercare, and possible risks and complication. Thus, I will lead to a logical conclusion with interesting, frequently asked questions.
Equipment Required for Ear Stretching
The first step is to get your ears pierced before starting ear stretching procedure. Going to a reputable piercing business, getting your ear pierced, and waiting a few months for the piercing to heal is all it takes to do this.
Pick a piercer who is authorized to perform piercings in your state. Estheticians and tattoo artists frequently take additional courses on piercings. If piercers don’t employ sterile tools and procedures, they risk contracting hepatitis, HIV, and other infections. You may receive all the tools you need to enlarge your piercings once the wound has completely healed. You will need the following items to get your ear stretching done:
Tapers
To begin stretching out the skin, you insert these lengthy, spiky objects into your piercings. Depending on how far you wish to stretch out your piercing, they are available in different sizes or gauges. Steel or acrylic tapers are the most common. Which one you choose to use is really up to you. Steel tapers are frequently suggested since they are easier to insert into the piercing. They cost a little more, though. Cheaper plugs and tapers are often of unknown quality, which may irritate the ears and delay recovery. You may receive all the tools you need to enlarge your piercings once the wound has completely healed. Tapers are available in various sizes, so you can choose one after discussing it with your piercer.
Plugs
The round jewelry you insert to extend your ear is called a plug. They are made of various materials, each of which has advantages of its own:
Steel
Steel is strong.
Titanium
Steel-like titanium is lighter and less likely to bother your ears than steel.
Silicone
A hypoallergenic material is silicone. It can require cleaning more frequently.
Organic Materials
Examples of organic alternatives are glass, finished wood, polished stone, and other natural materials.
A lot of plugs have “flared” sides that make it simpler to install them. Stocking up on them might be a bright idea, so you won’t have to worry about having difficulties inserting your plugs.
Lubricant
Any safe lubricant will make it simpler for the taper to pass through the piercing. You can use plant-based lubricants like coconut or jojoba oil in addition to the commercial-grade lubricants routinely offered at jewelry stores. Avoid using lubricants containing chemicals or additives to avoid irritating or infecting your piercing.
Procedure to do Ear Piercing
Although, it is not your job to do ear stretching. However, you must know the procedure to ensure that everything is being done correctly. After arranging the required equipment, we will use those things to perform ear stretching.
- Wait for the complete healing of your ear piercing (no discharge, swelling, itching, etc.).
- Selecting fine jewelry made of materials like glass, titanium, or surgical steel is crucial. Useless materials like silicone and acrylic can irritate the skin and infect it.
- Before ear stretching process, make sure to clean them to prevent infection thoroughly. Use warm water and a mild cleanser to clean the region around the piercing.
- To warm up and stretch out the skin, massage your earlobe. You can boost blood flow to the ear by taking a hot bath or shower.
- Use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Use rubbing alcohol to disinfect all of your piercing tools.
- Begin modestly, start with a small gauge size, like 18 or 16, then over time, and progressively increase the size. It is advised to wait at least a month between stretching sessions to give the earlobe time to recover and adapt.
- Apply a lubricant to the jewelry (also taper and piercing), such as jojoba oil or emu oil, to make the stretching process more comfortable and lower the possibility of tearing or harm.
- Put the jewelry gently through the piercing hole until it is fastened. Do not force if the jewelry does not fit or if it hurts or is uncomfortable. I am talking about pushing the taper into the opening while starting with the thinner side closest to the piercing. Slow down; you’ve overdone it if you feel any discomfort.
- To quickly enter your plug into the stretched piercing, place it towards the thicker end of the taper.
- Once the taper has passed through the hole, place your plug there.
- When performing ear stretching, remember to be patient and take your time. Rushing the procedure increases the risk of harm and problems. Consult a trained piercer or a medical expert if you feel any pain, discomfort, or symptoms of infection.
Care of Ears after Ear Stretching
- Frequently cleaning your ears will help to prevent infection. You can use saline solution or a mild cleanser to clean strained earlobes frequently. Avoid using harsh cleaners with alcohol since they might dry out the skin and irritate it.
- Always thoroughly wash your hands before touching your ears or replacing your jewelry to avoid touching your ears with unclean hands. Infection can result from contaminated hands introducing germs and other pollutants into the piercing.
- Give yourself at least six weeks between gauges, but be mindful of your piercing. After six weeks, if you experience any redness, swellings, or irritation, don’t move up to the next gauge. Depending on your healing process, it can take longer.
- Please refrain from wearing heavy or dangling jewelry since these items might place extra strain on the earlobe, causing it to stretch unevenly or tear. During the healing process, wear comfortable, light jewelry.
- Regularly massaging your stretched earlobes with mild oil like coconut oil and jojoba oil or lotion will promote blood flow and reduce the risk of scarring. You must not use products with aroma as they may irritate the skin.
- Be unconcerned with a slight smell. A gauged ear can occasionally smell a little because dead skin cells can’t be flushed out of the piercing while you’re stretching. This is entirely typical. But if the smell persists even after washing, visit a doctor.
- Keep an eye out for symptoms of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or pain, in your ears. Consult a qualified medical professional or a professional piercer if you experience any of these signs.
- Avoid getting anything that could pull or stretch the piercing, like a loose thread trapped or lodged in it.
- You may make sure that your stretched earlobes recover properly and prevent issues by paying attention to these guidelines. Keep in mind that maintaining stretched ears that are healthy and appealing requires adequate maintenance.
Side Effects
When your ear is stretched too quickly, a “blowout” results because scar tissue accumulates in the hole. This may leave long-lasting scars. When you pull too quickly, you may tear your ear tissue in two, or your earlobe skin may separate and hang from your head. A fast stretch or neglecting your ear could cause an infection. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Redness or swelling that hurts
- Bleeding from the piercing
- Fever
- Lymph node swelling
- Cloudy yellow or green discharge from the piercing
- Infection
- Scarring
- Tearing
- Shrinkage
- Nerve damage
Conclusion
It is crucial to approach ear stretching cautiously, utilizing fine jewelry according to proper hygiene practices and stretching techniques. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or symptoms of infection, seek advice from a qualified piercer or a healthcare provider. Keep in mind that maintaining stretched ears that are healthy and appealing requires proper regular upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is ear stretching painful?
Ans. Although stretching your ears may feel uncomfortable or slightly painful, it shouldn’t be too painful. If you feel excruciating pain, stop extending and consult a skilled piercer or a health care provider.
Q. How long do ears need to be stretched?
Ans. The length of time it takes to stretch your ears will vary depending on several variables, including the gauge size you’re aiming for and your body’s elasticity. Obtaining bigger gauge sizes can take several months or even years.
Q. Can I use regular earrings while ear stretching ?
Ans. No, because conventional earrings are inappropriate for ear stretching because they are not made to lengthen the earlobe progressively. Use specialized jewelry, such as tapers and plugs, for stretching ears.
Q. Is it safe for me to do ear stretching?
Ans. It can be dangerous to stretch your ears by yourself because it can result in complications and harm. It is advised to ask a professional piercer for help and direction to ensure safe and efficient stretching.
Q. How can I tell when it is safe to extend my ears again?
Ans. It is advised to wait at least a month between stretching sessions to give the earlobe time to recover and adapt. Additionally, be aware of any signs of pain or discomfort and refrain from stretching again until the area has completely healed.
Q. Can I still wear regular earrings after stretching my ears?
Ans. You can still wear conventional earrings and other jewelry when your ears have healed. You might need larger earrings because stretched earlobes might not return to their former size.
Q. How can I clean my stretched ears?
Ans. To avoid infection, frequently clean your extended earlobes with a saline solution or a mild cleanser. Avoid using harsh cleaners with alcohol since they might dry out the skin and irritate it.
Q. Can ear stretching cause hearing loss?
Ans. If done correctly, ear stretching shouldn’t result in hearing loss. However, you should consult a qualified piercer or a medical expert if you feel any pain, discomfort, or symptoms of infection.
Q. Can I swim while using earplugs?
Ans. In most cases, it is safe to swim while wearing earplugs. It is advised to stay away from swimming in bodies of water that may contain bacteria, such as lakes and rivers, to reduce the risk of illness,
Q. Will taking out my plugs cause my stretched earlobes to heal?
Ans. It depends on the size and length of time that your earlobes have been stretched. The earlobe may return to its former size in some instances, but it might not, leaving you with a stretched appearance that won’t go away.
Q. What size do you stretch to first?
Ans. The most common gauge size for ear piercings while expanding your ears is 14. You will then raise to a size 12 gauge (2mm) taper if you stretch.
Q. How long does it take to start stretching ears?
Ans. You can expand your ears whenever you choose. The only prerequisite is that your piercing must fully heal before you begin. Waiting up to six months is ideal.
