Stretching a piercing is a process that enlarges the diameter of the fistula. This means, literally, stretching the tissue that holds the piercing, so that thicker (larger gauge) jewellery can be worn. The location of the piercing is an important factor in its long-term health, as well as the extent to which stretching the piercing will affect the tissue around the piercing.

If a piercing lies close to the edge of skin tissue, and the stretch enlarges the piercing so much that the skin at the edge thins too much, it could become so thin that no blood can pass through it. Then the tissue dies, making the skin fragile and prone to splitting. In these circumstances, it is often necessary to visit your doctor to re-stitch the tissue together, and then hope that the skin will re-heal in a normal and uniform fashion.

Sometimes, when a stretch is performed too soon after the previous one, the tissue of the fistula tears and subsequent stretching can result in a "blow out". "Blow out" is an effect caused by stretching tissue, that has not healed to its natural thickness. They appear as a flap of tissue, that extends away from the fistula, like a floppy tyre, hence the name.

Immediately reducing the size of the jewellery can help allow the tissue to resettle uniformly. Rubbing pure olive oil or vitamin E cream onto the "blow out" (combined with reducing the jewellery size, or removing it) might help the skin tissue to resettle.
Stretching is better done gradually and in accordance with the signs given by the healing piercing.

If the stretch is still tight and a little sore, allow it to settle down and loosen up before attempting to stretch-up the piercing. Skin tissue isn't equally elastic for all people. Skin requires different times to heal and settle into its new size.

Stretching existing piercing with weights can lead to over stretching the fistula at one point, namely the point that is pulled down by the weighted jewellery. The tissue (that is being over stretched) can become so over stressed that it can tear, again, a condition that might require stitching to rectify. But the damage to the skin tissue itself (in the form of long skin tears) can hinder the ability of the skin to re-heal uniformly or even allow it to stretch to larger gauges without further damage. A stretched piercing is less likely to heal back to its original shape if it has been over-stretched, stretched to a large diameter like 12/14mm and above. This does depend on the original dimensions of the skin that was stretched.

Need to remember:

1. Stretching needs time and patience. If you feel impatient, always keep in mind that you are trying to beautify your body, not destroy it.

2. Never attempt to stretch your piercing until the tissue has well healed - rushing this process and attempting to stretch unhealed tissue can cause excessive scar tissue (known as keloid tissue) to form, leading to thickened unsightly skin which will be difficult to stretch at all.

3. Do not attempt to stretch your piercing more than one size at a time, and make certain that the wound has healed and toughened before attempting to move up to the next size.

4. When increasing the size, lubricate your jewellery well with Vaseline or baby oil, or better still (from a hygiene point of view) an anti-bacterial soap - it washes away easily and won't clog up your piercing with bacteria-harbouring gunk. Always scrub up as if you were operating on yourself, because you are!

5. Be extra careful with lobes and other soft parts as they can easily tear. Go slowly with cartilaginous areas as these are not so well supplied with healing blood vessels.

6. If you have problems with swellings and decide to give up, consider leaving your original jewellery in place to keep the piercing open - this can also help prevent infection as the wound is not allowed to close with infection inside it.

7. Use saline solution as usual to clean the wound and keep it from getting infected - don't fiddle with it!

DISCLAIMER These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense and research. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Be aware, however, that many doctors have no specific training or experience regarding piercing and may not be educated on how to best assist you. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE