Stretching the ear hole

Here you have two options: either the hole is made with a regular size needle and gradually stretched afterward, or the earlobe is perforated to a slightly larger degree in order to speed up the process. The maximum initial size permitted is 2.0mm.

1. Do it yourself:

The traditional stretching of the piercing canal requires a great deal of patience because at each phase the skin tissue needs a few weeks to loosen up, that is, to stretch out without tearing. The stretching process is done a millimeter at a time and very gently. Once the jewelry is removed from the piercing canal, it will gradually close up by a few millimeters. If the stretching procedure is rushed, which is often the case when people do it by themselves, it can cause small tears in the skin and lead to infection. The tissue will be further damaged as it grows back thinner.

Do-it-yourself stretching often goes wrong, at least in the long term.

The fact is that the hole made by a DIY stretching rarely closes, which means that you would have to have a surgeon sew it closed, a procedure which can cost anywhere between 600€ and 1000€ for each hole. These are precisely the costs that you can save simply by getting it done professionally at a piercing studio. Apart from everything else, a hole that has been sewn closed is anything but appealing.

2. Punching:

A further method of body modification for the purpose of wearing larger jewelry is known as dermal punching, or simply „punching“, where instead of stretching an existing piercing canal, a hole of a desired size is punched out directly. This method is usually applied to the auricle, since cartilage tissue is very difficult to stretch. The healing process is also quicker since there is less pressure exerted on the jewelry.

The dimensions available are a 1.2-2.0mm cannula, or a 1.5-2.0mm dermal punch.

We no longer punch earlobes or ear cartilage because it is counterproductive. Instead we prefer to perforate a hole using a sterilized needle with a diameter of 1.2, 1.6, or 2.0mm, and then insert a corresponding piece of jewelry or a tunnel.

After a period of 6 weeks, the customer can then come to us for the stretching procedure which is carried out in intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. This procedure has the advantage of preventing any possible complications or infections.

3. Visiting a professional:

From years of professional experience I would recommend that you stretch a perforated hole very gradually.

I would also advise you to get it done in a piercing studio, for the following reasons:

• it prevent infections caused by unsterilized tools,
• the piercer will be using sterilized stretching tools and will provide preliminary and follow-up care,
• you will get the piercing/tunnel/plug etc. inserted for you and will not risk damage when doing so,
• you can be sure that nothing will be torn or irreparably damaged, and
• you will spare yourself the costs of a surgical operation.

The procedure is simple: A piercing or a tunnel is perforated, ideally with a diameter of 2.0mm. Then you will have to wait 6 weeks, while taking proper care of the piercing.

The piercing studio then begins the stretching procedure, initially in intervals of 1 mm, then moving to 2 mm, depending on the skin tissue.

The stretching sessions then take place every 2-4 weeks (depending on the what the piercer recommends).

The results speak for themselves: no blood, no infection, and no problems switching pieces of jewelry. If you decide you no longer want the stretched hole, it will usually shrink back to the size of the initial piercing.

Healing and Care:

A stretched piercing can take between 3 and 8 months to heal completely, rarely longer. Like other external piercings, in the first three weeks it should be cleaned with ProntoLind spray twice a day, and then coated with ProntoLind gel. It is important to wash your hands before touching the pierced area and the jewelry itself. By caring for the piercing in the correct manner and with the proper materials, you can do a great deal to prevent the onset of proud flesh.

Disinfectant solutions containing alcohol or chlorine should be avoided.