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Body Piercing by Bink - Blog Of Specials, Discounts, Public Education, And General Going-Ons!

PSA: Stretching 101

Monday/06/10 15:31
Enjoy this kindly Public Service Announcement about Stretching How-tos and Why-fors from your friends at Body Piercing by Bink!

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Grammar Lesson:

The correct term is "stretching"!
Gauge is the actual size of the jewelry when measured (i.e. 12 gauge) or an instrument used to measure something (i.e. tire pressure gauge).  The act of enlarging a piercing to accommodate jewelry of a larger gauge is called stretching.  The jewelry used in stretched piercings depends on the type, but with non-hanging designs is mostly commonly referred to as plugs.

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How do I start?!  And where should I stop!?
A daunting feeling can accompany the first thoughts of stretching lobes (or any other piercing).  Many people don't really know where or how to start the process.  If you feel this way, you're certainly not alone!

The best thing to do to start the process is drop by the shop and let us find out where your ears are.  It's a good idea to wear jewelry consistently for a few days before your first stretch to start the process.  During this time we can also help with any remaining questions you might have, but hopefully this little newsletter will help with most of those unanswered questions!  Let us know if you still have some.

Generally, among professionals the "point-of-no-return" is considered to be somewhere around 2 gauge.  However, the permanence of a stretch depends on quite a few factors including how the stretch was done, how long it was kept, how healthy the tissue involved was during and after stretching, and the person's body.  Everyone's body is different and handles modification differently.  If there is any question about whether you will always wanted a stretched piercing, think long and hard about your stopping point.  Be warned though, that once you start stretching, it's really difficult to stop, especially with all the amazing jewelry options out there!


How is stretching done?  What are the different methods?
There are quite a few different ways to stretch.  Most commonly, stretching is done with either spirals or with a taper.

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You might ask, "What's the difference and why should I use one or the other?!"  Well, in general, spirals are a slower method of stretching, allowing each ear to stretch at it's own pace.  You'll inevitably find that one of your ears is more apt to stretch than the other, so this method allows you to wear the same jewelry, but give each ear time individually.  However, some people don't like the aesthetic look of spirals and prefer to wear plugs.  There's nothing wrong with stretching using a taper and inserting plugs.  The only disadvantage is that it can take a bit more patience to keep both ears at the same gauge.

No matter which method is used, be patient!  Don't force your body to stretch before it's ready, no matter which method is used.



Are there certain materials that I should or shouldn't wear when I'm stretching?
There are lots of different materials that stretched lobe jewelry can be made from.

Metals
Like any other body jewelry, if you choose to go with metal jewelry, it's important to stick with jewelry that is made from a biocompatible alloy.  Most commonly, our shop would recommend sticking with something that is either Steel with an alloy designation of 316LVM that meets American Society for Testing and Materials standard F-138 or implant-grade Titanium with alloy designation 6AL4V ELI which meets ASTM standard F-136.  If lower grade metals are used, issues are to be had, including but not limited to, keloids, allergic reactions, leached heavy metals (like lead), rusting/patina/corrosion of the jewelry, unintentional tattooing of the skin!  Ick!

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The advantages:
* Biocompatibility with certain alloys
* You can get it wet (yay for showering and swimming), although it's best to make sure that you thoroughly dry your lobes and jewelry after getting it wet so as not to trap moisture (or else you end up with that icky old band-aid effect!)
* Its non-porous surface (no tiny holes, assuming it's manufactured professionally) does not allow it to harbor bacteria

The disadvantage:
* Tends to be more expensive and heavier, especially with larger jewelry

For ideas for metal jewelry, I would recommend looking though the online catalogues of our manufacturers Anatometal & Industrial Strength.  Anatometal has used many hours and plenty of my money, but they are worth every second and every penny.  I would especially recommend treating yourself if gemstones are your fancy and you like to customize.

Glass
Glass body jewelry should be made of quartz (clear only), borosilicate (same as brand-named Pyrex), or soda-lime.  Borosilicate and soda-lime glass can be found in amazing colors with and without designs.

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The advantages:
* It is biocompatible
* You can get it wet (again, make sure to thoroughly dry the jewelry and skin afterwards!  Wrinkly, waterlogged skin ain't pretty to nobody!)
* Non-porous surface when properly manufactured
* Lots of great colors and designs
* Light-weight
* Usually cheaper than most metal jewelry, which is especially important when you have yet to reach your goal size!  No one likes spending a ton on jewelry they're not likely to wear again.

The disadvantages:
* It can be more fragile than metal jewelry.  Generally, especially with larger gauge jewelry, it's pretty hardy stuff... just don't go dropping it on the concrete or throwing it out of aeroplanes.

For pictures of some awesome glass jewelry we can get from our wonderful manufacturers, check out GlassWear Studios.

Organics
Organic jewelry is NOT recommended for stretching use or if your ears have been recently stretched.  One of the draws for organics is that they have a more natural feel.  It can be a great addition to your collection and really is amazingly diverse depending on the type of organic material, design, and method used for its production.

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The advantages:
* A great variety is available in all sorts of materials and designs
* Very earthy feel for all the nature lovers out there
* Mostly light-weight (although this can depend on material and size)
* Price can vary widely!  You can get things that are gorgeous but still very reasonably priced, or you can splurge and get things that are very ornately hand-carved works of art.  There are lots of things that determine that wide ranges of prices.

The disadvantages:
* Not necessarily biocompatible (this again, depends greatly on the material and also the person wearing them.)  Make sure to take into consideration any sensitivities you may have, and if you notice any sort of irritation, discontinue wear.
* You don't want to get these wet, especially because natural materials can have porous surfaces, they can harbor bacteria or even swell when introduced to moisture.
* Just like that lamp in A Christmas Story, organics are "Frag-i-le".  Make sure not to drop them even a short distance.  Organics are generally not a great idea if you're a clutzier fellow...

If you think organics may be more your speed, I would recommend spending some time drooling over the online catalogues of Tawapa and Diablo!  But be warned, they'll make even a non-stretcher want to stretch.

What's the difference between single-flared and double-flared jewelry?
When you're dealing with plugs, there a few different shapes available.  The most common designs are single- and double-flared options. The flare on a plug is what holds it in place, much like a ball or disk end piece on a barbell.

Just like the name would indicate, single-flared jewelry only has one flare, usually on the front side, although plugs are reversible and therefore can be worn with a single-flare to the back if desired.  If you decide to wear plugs while a stretch is still fresh, you'll need to wear single-flared jewelry.

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Usually single-flared jewelry is held in by an O-ring on the non-flared side.  Some people find O-rings to be a hassle to put on and not lose, so after a stretch has taken and the tissue involved has regained its elasticity, some people choose to wear double-flared jewelry.  The second flare prevents the jewelry from coming out as easily, but to put the jewelry in, your body must be able to temporarily stretch a gauge or larger, which will only be possible after a stretch has healed.

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The Piercing Bible

Thursday/01/09 18:38

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Elayne Angel (pictured above) has released her book entitled The Piercing Bible. You can drop by the shop and pick up a copy from us.

The book debuted at the Associate of Professional Piercers Conference in Las Vegas at the beginning of May 2009.

You can read more about the book and Elayne on the above links and at her blog. There is also a lot of good information on Rings of Desire; named for the shop she had in New Orleans before moving to Mexico.