Pierced at 18g 2 months ago, 4 days ago went to 14g help PIC

[Rabiaa]

Hey, guys. Two months ago I got my piercing done at an 18g, and just four days ago I stretched my fat earlobe to 14g. I think the process is going alright, but I'm obviously posting here to read you guys' opinions as this is my first time stretching, and I'm not 100% if what I'm doing is safe.

First off, during the 2 month period, I lost my original stud(fell down drain while trying to put it on after getting out of my ROTC uniform) which was small and my mother got me this one, which is heavier(about double the size of the first one). I wore this one surely for a month.


Now, four days ago I went to Hot Topic(heh, I know) and bought a set of two 14g tapers and plugs. I got home, took my old stud out, took all the safety and cleanliness procedures and inserted my 14g taper. I did not feel a thing, it went in way smooth and there was no blood. Here it is.


I've read that one is supposed to wait up to 4-5 months before stretching their ear for the first time, but I think the reason it went in so smooth is because the huge "diamond" stud I was wearing stretched the piercing a bit by weighing it down(I also toyed with it sometimes). Since I put the 14g in, it has not been swollen or sore ever, but I still want you guy's opinion to see if it's going alright.





The inside is slightly reddish. Yes, it's an acrylic plug, but I've been cleaning it twice a day with the Claire's anti-septic and tomorrow I will be buying H2Ocean or a similar product.

Also, here's a picture comparing the jewelrys


EDIT: Don't worry, I'm not wearing the taper.

[dylanmoody]

It should be 5-6 months from a fresh piercing to your first stretch. You should downsize immediately back to 18G and and do sea salt soaks. If your not familiar with that, take a cup or shot glass and add 1/8 tsp. of non-iodized sea salt to 1 cup of warm water and soak your piercing for 5-10 minutes. You should do this everyday until the piercing is completely healed and wait about 5-6 more months before you try to stretch again. Also, you should never skip sizes. If you're stretching from an 18g, you should go to 16. Never wear acrylic or silicone in a fresh stretch either. Use steel, titanium, or glass.

A guideline for stretching waiting time would be as follows:

Fresh piercing to first stretch: Approx 5 to 6 months
16g to 14g - 1 month
14g to 12g - 1 month
12g to 10g - 1.5 months
10g to 8g - 2 months
8g to 6g - 3 months
6g to 4g - 3 month
4g to 2g - 3 months
2g to 0g - 4 months
0g to 00g - 4 months

If you're going to stretch you have to learn to be patient. Stretching isn't a race and you want to take good care of your lobes.

You should follow this guide, as it seems to be the best one I can find for a beginner.

http://forums.bodyartforms.com/showthre ... y-piercing

I hope all of this helps and good luck with your piercings/stretching in the future.

[Rabiaa]

I've read that same post about 4 times now in different threads/forums. I made this post basically because I stretched my ear rather quickly, but it looks fine to me. It's been 4 days since I did it and never showed signs of blowouts or bleeding, nor has it been swollen or hurting, and I figured that if it was destined to go wrong it would have already, no?

[dylanmoody]

Not necessarily. You could encounter problems later. Especially a build up of scar tissue that will make future stretches a lot more difficult and you will build wrinkles in your ears known as the "cat butt" effect. I've been through it before. You can't afford to take risks. You should be make your lobes happy, you only have one pair. But trust me, my advice will help you in the long run.

[Rabiaa]

From what I've read, though, the "cat butt" effect comes when you stretch too fast in larger sizes like 06, 04, 02, or 00. And a slight "cat butt" effect is supposedly normal when you have no jewelry in(in larger sizes).

Gah, I'm sorry if I'm sounding like a stubborn and ignorant teenager. I promise you and anyone reading this that if I notice damage or anything in my earlobe, I will take the plug out and downsize immediately. I will also be sure to buy metal plugs/tapers next time I stretch, which will be in probably two months since I put this one in early, along with oil for lobe massages.

Again, sorry if I sound so stubborn.

[dylanmoody]

I understand. I'm not saying that my advice is perfect either. Just trying to help. Good luck.

[StrickyCub]

Your ear may not feel or look like there's anything wrong with it, but not letting it heal for 5-6 months after freshly having it pierced means you will have less skin tissue inside your hole to stretch with.
Basically, by stretching already, you're weakening the fistula inside the hole which means if you plan on stretching further you will find the likelihood of getting a blowout and/or tearing greatly increased.
If I were you I'd downsize immediately back to your previous jewellery and not touch your ear for another 4 months until it's healed completely. Trust me.