Imagine your earlobes as characters in a story. They’re happily growing longer, but suddenly, a gloomy red spot appears on the back of one. It’s like a plot twist, a blowout!
Blowouts Explained
A blowout is a glitch that might happen while your piercing is getting better. It usually messes with cute little earlobe piercings, but other spots can get hit, too. Picture this: jewellery, like a plug or tunnel, gets shoved too hard through the piercing hole. The back of the piercing pops out, making your skin stick out in a not-so-cool way. It’s like an unexpected bump in the healing road.
Why Blowouts Occur?
Blowouts might crash the piercing party for a bunch of reasons: maybe the piercing got stretched the wrong way, or the style you chose is a bit too heavy. Applying too much pressure or accidentally roughing up your piercing can also invite blowouts. And if your aftercare game is slacking, that might be a ticket to messing it up. Keep an eye out if your tissue is on the thinner side or if the piercing’s playing it too close to the edge of your earlobe.
When a blowout gatecrashes, the skin at the back of the piercing might look a bit delicate, like it’s been stretched or pushed out. It brings along some buddies like tenderness, redness, and swelling.
If you have blowouts, then what can you do?
- Check your piercing for signs of a blowout, like thin or protruding skin at the back.
- If it’s causing trouble, temporarily remove the piercing jewellery after consulting a pro or healthcare expert.
- Visit a piercing-savvy healthcare provider for assessment and guidance.
- Downsize jewellery if it’s part of the issue, and follow recommended aftercare.
- Massage with almond oil twice daily for a piercing spa treatment.
- Give your piercing a break if needed, and let it heal without jewellery.
- Address blowouts promptly: consider downsizing, warm compresses, cleanliness, and avoiding irritants.
- If unsure or in severe cases, consult a professional before re-piercing.
What is Dead Stretching?
Dead stretching, or passive stretching, is a tool-free technique to widen a piercing. Instead of using tapers or pins, it slowly enlarges the hole by inserting larger jewellery or plugs over time. Widely employed for earlobe stretching, this method can also be used for other piercings.
Dead Stretching Process
Healing First: Ensure your piercing is fully healed before attempting dead stretching. Wait patiently for several weeks to months after the initial piercing to allow complete healing.
Lubrication is Key: Prior to stretching, make sure your piercing and jewellery are well-lubricated. Use a water-based lubricant, like piercing-specific lubricant or saline solution, to reduce friction and discomfort during the stretching process.
Size Up Gradually: Begin by inserting slightly larger jewellery than your current gauge. It can be a single-size increase or a slight diameter change. Slowly and gently slide the larger jewellery into the piercing. If you feel significant pain or resistance, stop and avoid forcing the jewellery through.
Patience After Stretching: Once the larger jewellery is in place, give your piercing time to adapt and heal. Leave the jewellery in for an extended period, usually several weeks or more, to ensure the piercing fully adjusts to the new size. After complete healing, you can repeat the stretching process, gradually increasing the size with slightly larger jewellery until you reach your desired gauge.
Trends of Dead Stretching
Dead stretching, a popular method among body modification enthusiasts, involves stretching piercings without tools like tapers. Community trends vary, so individual experiences differ. If you’re into dead stretching, it’s smart to chat with a professional piercer for safe advice.
Dead stretching is favoured for its gradual and natural approach, letting your body adapt slowly to larger jewellery. This reduces the risk of injuries and promotes healthier stretching. This trend has increased the demand for a variety of jewellery options like plugs and tunnels, available in different materials, colours, and designs.
Beyond fashion, dead stretching has created a tight-knit community online. People share experiences, tips, and support during the stretching journey. Dead stretching allows for personalized size increments, adapting comfortably to your body’s ability to stretch.
Compared to rapid methods, dead stretching is seen as a safer alternative. By letting your body adjust naturally, it aims to minimize the risk of complications such as blowouts or tearing that can occur with improper stretching techniques.