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Plugs & Tunnels
Flesh Plugs and Tunnels for Stretched Ears. A range of plug, tunnels and expanders for stretched ear lobes.
Ear stretching is a body modification process where the earlobe is gradually enlarged to accommodate larger plugs and tunnels. Here's a breakdown of the terms and what they look like:
Earlobes: The fleshy part of the ear where piercings for stretching are typically placed.
Plugs: These are the decorative jewellery inserted into stretched earlobes. They come in various styles, materials (like surgical steel, glass, or stone), and sizes.
Tunnels: Tunnels are a specific type of plug with a hollow centre, essentially a tube that goes through the lobe.
The Stretching Process:
Ear stretching should be done gradually and with proper care to minimize risks. Here's a general outline:
Starting with a healed piercing: Make sure your initial earlobe piercing is completely healed before starting the stretching process. This usually takes 6-8 weeks.
Using tapers: Tapers are jewellery pieces used specifically for stretching. They are typically cone-shaped, with a smaller end that fits through the existing piercing and a larger end that pushes the lobe gently to accommodate a larger plug in the future.
Wearing plugs: Once the taper fits comfortably for a certain period (typically recommended to be several weeks to a few months), you can replace it with a plug of the same size as the larger end of the taper.
Gradual increase: Only size up once your lobe feels comfortable with the current size. Rushing the process can lead to tearing or permanent damage.
Important Considerations:
Professional guidance: While you can perform ear stretching yourself, consulting a professional piercer for guidance on safe practices and appropriate jewellery selection is recommended.
Material quality: Use high-quality materials like implant-grade titanium or surgical steel to minimize irritation and ensure safety.
Lubrication: Use a lubricant like a water-based lubricant during insertion and removal to minimize friction.
Cleaning: Regularly clean your piercings and jewellery with a saline solution to prevent infection.
Signs of trouble: If you experience pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, stop stretching and see a doctor or piercer immediately.
Alternatives to Stretching:
If you're interested in the look of stretched ears but don't want to go through the stretching process, you can consider fake plugs or expander earrings. These are regular earrings designed to create the illusion of stretched lobes without