Stretch earlobes

Basic principle

• When stretching, a normal lobe piercing is gradually enlarged to a larger diameter.
• This is done slowly so as not to damage the tissue.

Methods

• Expansion rods (taper method)
  Conical rods made of surgical steel, acrylic or wood are used to gently enlarge the hole.
  
  
• Expanding spirals or sickles
  The spirals/sickles made of surgical steel, acrylic or wood can be slowly pushed through the earlobe's canal until the appropriate size is reached.
  
  
• Ear weights
  Jewelry with weight to support the stretching process (less recommended due to uneven stretching).

Stretching steps and waiting time

• 1 mm per expansion step, better still 0.5 mm to avoid cracks.
• Wait at least 4 - 6 weeks after each stretching step before stretching further.

Pain and risks

• Minimal pain if stretching is performed correctly.
• Stretching too quickly can lead to microtears (tears), blowouts (tissue protrusions) or infections.

Care

• Use a disinfectant spray for the first few days.
• Massage the skin with jojoba or vitamin E oil for elasticity.
• Do not skip any stretching steps to avoid cracks.

Types of jewelry

• Tunnels and plugs made of surgical steel, wood, glass, silicone or acrylic.
• Do not use silicone jewelry to begin with, as it can accumulate moisture and promote infections.

Special features

• The earlobe can often contract again up to approx. 8-10 mm.
• From 10 mm+, the stretched hole usually remains permanent. If you want to reverse the stretching, a surgical procedure may be necessary..