---
url: https://www.star-piercing.ch/eng/Stretch-earlobes
type: blog
published: 2025-03-10T16:33:22+01:00
categories: Wiki Piercing
---

# Stretch earlobes

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

![Stretch earlobes](https://www.star-piercing.ch/media/image/news/30/xl/wiki_dehnen_preview.jpg)

**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..

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Kanonische Seite: https://www.star-piercing.ch/eng/Stretch-earlobes
Strukturierte Daten (JSON-LD): https://www.star-piercing.ch/eng/Stretch-earlobes.json