7.2 Stretching Piercings
Description
This article is from the Piercing FAQ, by Anne Greenblatt with numerous contributions by others.
7.2 Stretching Piercings
Only well-healed piercings should be stretched. Stretching too soon or
too fast can tear the piercing or stretch it unevenly. Piercings will
stretch beyond the thickness of the jewelry if the wearer plays with
the jewelry frequently or wears heavy jewelry.
A stretching taper should be used to test how far the piercing can be
stretched safely. Stretching tapers are available from body jewelry
suppliers. A taper will stretch the piercing evenly in all directions.
Using a taper will facilitate a continuous insertion of the larger
jewelry. Insertion tapers are available with a concave end for
inserting rings or with a pin coupling to guide internally threaded
jewelry. Heating the piercing prior to stretching by using hot
compresses or by soaking the piercing allows the tissue to expand more
comfortably and easily.
Piercings can be stretched using knitting needles manufactured in the
Brown and Sharpe gauge system. The disadvantage of using knitting
needles is that both ends are tapered, making continuous insertion of
the jewelry impossible. Some people may have sensitivities to the
metal from which the needles are made. Some plastic needles have a
seam that can damage the piercing.
Piercings can be stretched by adding weight to the jewelry. However,
adding too much weight to thin jewelry can tear a
piercing. Additionally, weighted piercings tend to stretch vertically
rather than evenly in all directions.
Piercings may be stretched by wearing an increasing number of rings.
This method may not be comfortable in areas of the body on which
pressure is exerted. Piercings often stretch unevenly with this
method. If the rings are in the same configuration for a prolonged
period of time, the piercing will conform to the gaps between the
rings.
Tapered jewelry such as rings or plugs or talons can be used to slowly
stretch a piercing as the jewelry is worn.
The instrument used to stretch the piercing should be sterilized or at
least thoroughly disinfected. The piercing may be sore for a day or
two after stretching. If the piercing tears or if it produces a
discharge after stretching, it should be treated as a new piercing
with an appropriate aftercare regimen.
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