Stretching, also referred to as gauging up, requires careful planning and the right materials to be successful. Although stretching is possible almost anywhere on your body, ear lobes are the most popular body part according to the Tribalectic Magazine website. The good news is that your ear lobes have a plentiful blood supply and heal faster than, for example, your naval or tongue. However, that does not mean they require any less attention.
Set Goals
If there is any chance you may want to remove jewelry and let your ear lobes heal back to their normal size, be careful how far you stretch. Although you can never be certain that your ear lobes will return to their normal size at any point, Dale Hedrick and Jared Kames of Onetribe Organics estimate that 2-gauge is a good stopping point.
Be Patient
You are not actually stretching ear lobe tissue---you are tearing it. Even though these tears are very small, it still takes time for complete healing. Hedrick and Kames recommend a healing period of about 60 days between stretches, or every other month.
Be Sanitary
Regular soap and water washing is good for keeping your ear lobes clean. Make sure you clean daily, especially right after stretching when dead skin cells and fluids can cause an odor. In the first few weeks, clean with your jewelry in place, but as soon as you heal sufficiently, the website Piercology recommends taking your jewelry out, cleaning and then immediately putting it back in place. For the first week or two after stretching, in addition to regular cleaning, soak your ear lobes in a warm-to-hot saltwater mixture.
Use Quality Materials
Avoid using jewelry made from porous materials, such acrylic, as these can initially cause an infection and over time cause ear lobe tissue to breakdown. The best materials to consider, says Hedrick and Kames, are titanium, niobium, 316L or 316LVM implant-grade surgical stainless steel, glass and implant-grade Teflon.
Use Appropriate Jewelry
Until you reach a 4- or 2- gauge stretch, Tribalectic Magazine recommends using heavier jewelry, such as a metal ring. Lighter-type jewelry, such as an eyelet or plug, is more appropriate for larger holes. Avoid weighted jewelry as this can cause uneven stretching.
Use the Right Lubricant
Jojoba oil is the best option, but you can also use extra virgin olive oil. Avoid oils such as vegetable oil that tend to become rancid rather quickly.
