I first ventured into the world of ear stretching about one year ago. I was watching the Discovery Chanel one morning when a woman appeared on the screen with ears so large I could jump rope with them. I was instantly intrigued. What would posses a person to make their ears that large? I had to find out for myself. So off I went to the local mall. I trotted into a jewelry store and stated, "Ma'am," I says, " I'm here to enquire about ear stretching." She pointed me in the direction of larger ear jewelry. I bought a pair of 14g ear jewelry and ran homeward. I bolted through the door and into the bathroom. At this point I didn't know about tapers. Those things are clever when used properly. Back to the jewelry, they slipped right in like butter.
At A Glance Author Sianer Contact Sianer@bme.anon When N/A Artist Myself So it was. I had begun the on going journey that is, ear stretching. I suddenly became addicted. I needed ear stretching as much as a hippie needs LSD... Maybe not quite as much. I stretched every month, or when I could afford more jewelry. I experimented with organic jewelry, acrylic, titanium, even silicone! The variety made me jump with joy!
At one point of my journey I decided that I would jump two sizes in one swift move. I purchased a pair of silicone eyelets over the internet. About a week later they arrived. Antsy as can be I opened the package and again, dashed to the bathroom. I took my jewelry out and stared at my new possessions. I twisted them and balled them up. The jewelry fit right in! Odd thing though, it was still folded up. With a snap of my finger they opened up and my ears went up two sizes. I have a high tolerance for pain, I'd just like to state that before I whine. That night was the most uncomfortable attempt at sleep. I found a cool cloth dulled the pain. My ears were throbbing for days. Eventually they healed and went about their normal day.
I would make routine trips to piercing shops to make sure that my ears were in good shape. During these visits I over heard many different methods of cleaning the ears. One of which was bactine and anti bacterial soap. My ears began to stink. I mean really smell. Bactine wasn't helping so I went to a different shop. They argued that bactine was too harsh of a product for my delicate ear lobes. They opened my eyes to sea salt. This effective method cleans the ears and leaves them happy. I began soaking my ears at least once a day. It became as routine as brushing my teeth.
Some of my friends decided to take this ear journey with me. They stopped as they reached 00g. I couldn't though. I continued stretching. People gave me dirty looks, asked questions, or vomited at the sight of my ears. Maybe society isn't ready for the large eared people of the world. I had to push the bar!
Just for entertainment value I'll list a couple of ways NOT to stretch your ears. Do not stretch with silicone! I went up two sizes with silicone because I thought it was convenient that they were so flexible. That night I experienced the worst pain of my life. I couldn't sleep. The pressure against the jewelry caused my head to pound like no other! Also, do NOT stretch too soon. It's not a race. Just recently I bought a lovely pair of 1" jewelry and got a bit too excited to put them in. I found out this morning that I had a blow out. It looked like a third ear was trying to escape. I took the jewelry out immediately and salt soaked my poor ear. Next, I went to the shop faster than a pregnant lady in labor jolts to the hospital. At the shop I met the most kind gentleman. He informed me that there was NO WORRIES! This happens to many people and I was right to take the jewelry out and keep it clean. He said I wouldn't have to down size much since it was new. This was quite comforting. The thought of recessing back to 3/4g was a heart breaker. Just days later and my ear looks as good as new. I'll be visiting the shop in the near future to find a more careful way to stretch it to an inch.
Ear stretching is quite the commitment. I wouldn't recommend anyone to take part in this adventure unless he or she is fully prepared. It is a very expensive process. Jewelry just raises in cost as you increase the size. It can be painful, if done incorrectly. A lot of jobs have a problem with this as well. But fear not, I work at a very conservative restaurant and get away with it quite nicely. Have fun!