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STRETCHING PIERCINGS

Only well-healed piercings should be stretched. Stretching should not be attempted if any tough scar tissue is present around or in the piercing. To prevent tearing piercings should only be stretched a maximum of two gauge sizes (for example, 14 to 12), unless the piercing has already stretched beyond the thickness of the existing jewelry. Piercings will stretch over time 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 safely be stretched. Stretching tapers are available from body jewelry manufacturers. 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. Threaded tapers are available from a few manufacturers for internally threaded jewelry and usually only fit that manufacturer's jewelry.

Piercings can be stretched using knitting needles manufactured in the Brown and Sharpe gauge system. The diasadvantage 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 tear the piercing.

Piercings can be stretched by adding weight to the jewelry. Too much weight on too thin a gauge can easily tear a piercing. The thinner the gauge the more easily the piercing will tear. 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 or advisable in some areas. Piercings may stretch unevenly with this method. If the rings are in the same configuration for an extended period of time, the piercing will shape itself around and in between the rings.

Tapered jewelry can be worn to slowly stretch a piercing. Tapered plugs or «claws» are held in place by rubber o-rings.

The instrument used to stretch the piercing should be thoroughly cleaned or sterilized if possible. Expect the piercing to be sore for a day or so after stretching. If the piercing does tear or if there are any secretions or dried discharge around the piercing after stretching treat the piercing as a new piercing with an appropriate aftercare regimen.