While stretching your earlobe piercings might interest you, like any body modification, there are issues surrounding the process that may make you think twice. The process of stretching ears is commonly called "gauging," which is an incorrect term. The term "gauge" refers to a size increment, not a type of jewelry or body modification process. Consider the possible outcomes of stretching your earlobes to larger holes before undergoing the process, whether you are stretching your ears as a spiritual journey or to alter the way you look. A consultation with a professional body piercer can alert you to the positive and negative results of stretching your earlobes.
Scarring
Scarring is possible when you are stretching your ears to a larger size. Attempting to stretch your own ears too quickly can result in your earlobes ripping or tearing. Your earlobes need time to heal between each stretch. If you skip sizes while stretching the ears, a large rip or tear in your earlobe can result in scarring, according to the Infinite Body Piercing website. Professional piercers use sterile tools to stretch your earlobes gradually from one size, or gauge, to the next. Silicon plugs are responsible for significant ripping, tearing and scarring when stretching your earlobes.
Silicon plugs are a type of earring that you can fold to a smaller size to fit in your earlobe piercing that expands once you release the folds. If you insert the silicon plug and the jewelry is significantly larger than the hole in your earlobe, ripping and tearing occurs in your earlobe. For example, inserting a 4-gauge silicon plug into an 8-gauge piercing will cause your earlobe piercing to rip and tear. Once your earlobe has present scar tissue, stretching to a higher size is not possible. Never attempt to stretch your own earlobes to avoid scar tissue or a ripped or torn earlobe.
Permanence
Once your stretched earlobes are past a specific size, the stretched holes may be permanent. Depending on the size, usually larger than 0 gauge, of your stretched earlobes and your immune system, the holes may not shrink to a smaller size. If your stretched earlobe size is achieved instantly by scalpel or dermal punch instead of the slow process of stretching with a taper, your earlobe holes will not close even if the jewelry is not inserted. The only option for large, stretched earlobes that will not shrink is cosmetic surgery. A surgeon sews the sides of the stretched earlobe holes together to close the holes. Scarring is possible from the surgery. Only stretch your earlobes to small sizes, such as 6 or 4, to avoid the result of permanent holes in your earlobes. Discuss scalpel and dermal punching procedures with your piercer to grasp the ramifications of the permanent nature of the procedure.
Social Stigma
Even though body modification is viewed on television and is more mainstream than ever, stretching your ears may affect your personal and professional life negatively. The sight of your stretched earlobes may offend family members, significant others or friends, causing tension or issues with your relationships. Some institutions, from independently owned to corporations, may not hire you because of how your stretched ears look. A business may have concerns about the reactions of customers or clients to your appearance. If you are currently working at a job and begin to stretch your ears, your management team may take disciplinary action against you if stretched earlobes violate the dress code or handbook rules.
