well, I'm not really new to this, but I have a question

[SassafrasChelsea]

I just put it in a 0g on my right ear lobe (like 4 hours ago)...I did it right after I took a shower because, personally, I think it's easier and better to do it when the ears are wet...it's a little sore (I think that's normal though because I remember every time I made the hole bigger, it was sore for a little), but it didn't bleed at all, and I was at a 2g for about 5 months...but I've been reading about other peoples' experiences about going to a 2g to a 0g (about blowouts and stuff) and now I'm a little frightened. Should I take it out and do the taping method? Or just keep it in?

Also, I have a 2g in my cartilage but I'm also afraid to make that one bigger because when I went to a 4g to a 2g, part of the cartilage shattered and when I take the gauge out, the skin is very limp and it kind of flops down...but there wasn't any scar tissue or infection and with the gauge in, you can't even tell there's anything wrong with it. But nonetheless, I'm kind of scared to put a 0g in my cartilage and although there's no problems yet in my 0g in my lobe, I'm kind of afraid to leave it in there. Any advice?

[stashapistachio]

If you're wanting to have your cartilage larger anyway... Get it punched. It'll take out all the scar tissue and bits you've messed up. You might want longer jewellery in case it swells up more than expected because of the damage though.

Stretching lobes shouldn't hurt per say, but likely will be uncomfortable. You'll have to use your judgment on that, everyone has different tolerances to pain and different ways to explain it :/
Bleeding is definately bad though!

[SassafrasChelsea]

yea it didn't hurt or anything (and it didn't bleed at all)...but I've reading about blowouts that usually happen when people go from 2g to 0g and I was wondering XD thxs though

[soundandfury]

some one around here will recommend you 1g jewlerly, thats a good idea and if no that than the taping method. yeah, that strech seems to be the most difficult for people.

[SassafrasChelsea]

it actually worked out fine! i don't dare to stretch my cartilage to a 0g...but my lobe is fine! i stretched it like 2 days ago, there wasn't any bleeding, blow outs, and it doesn't itch, i can't even feel it there XD I guess I just got paranoid lol

[ViolentJayne]

the lobe should be fine as far as I know . but it sounds like you really damaged your cartilage and when cartilage becomes to damaged it pretty much disolves and your body absorbs it thats why the skin is floppy , like when a boxer gets Cauliflower ear .. id get it punched like someone had suggested ... good luck

[ast.riske]

+1 to getting your cartilage punched.

If you have it punched at a 0g, they may taper you up either halfway to a 00g or all the way there. It's bigger than your goal, but you will likely be happier for it since it will return you to a healthy state of ear. ; )

Stretching cartilage is a very VERY slow process. It's not elastic like your skin so you have to take it super duper easy. If you decide to stretch your cartilage in another piercing, try going up by half-sizes as you are able to. I know GlassWear Studios will make half-size plugs, for example a 7g or 3g, what have you.

Even at this slow speed, seriously consider only stretching cartilage once every 6 months to a year.

As far as your lobes go, I'm glad to hear things are feeling better. 2g to 0g is a big jump. Lots of people have a rough time of it.