If you are extending your earlobes and everything is going OK. Then one day, you will notice a gloomy look of red tissue on the back of your lobe. BAM! It is a blowout!
Now what?
Let’s discuss what blowouts is.
A blowout refers to a specific problem that can occur during the healing process. It typically affects earlobe piercings but can occur in other areas as well. A blowout happens when the body jewellery, such as a plug or tunnel, is forced through the piercing hole, causing the back of the piercing to push outward. This results in a visible and often unsightly protrusion of the skin at the back of the piercing.
Why Blowouts Occur?
Blowouts can occur for various reasons, including improper stretching of the piercing, using too large or heavy jewellery, applying excessive pressure or trauma to the piercing, or inadequate aftercare practices. They can also be more likely to happen if the tissue is thin or if the piercing is done too close to the edge of the earlobe.
When a blowout occurs, the skin at the back of the piercing may appear thin, stretched, or pushed out. It can be escorted by signs such as tenderness, redness, and swelling. In some cases, the blowout may lead to skin splitting.
If you have blowouts, then what can you do?
Steps you should take:
✔ Examine the piercing carefully to confirm if it is indeed a blowout. Look for signs such as thinning or protrusion of the skin at the back of the piercing hole.
✔ If the blowout is causing discomfort or further irritation, you may temporarily remove the jewellery. However, it’s advisable to consult a professional piercer or a healthcare provider before removing any jewellery to ensure it doesn’t cause more harm or hinder the healing process.
✔ Visit a healthcare provider having experience in piercings. They can assess the blowout, provide proper guidance, and offer suitable solutions based on the severity of the situation.
✔ If the blowout is mild and the jewellery contributes to the issue, downsizing to a smaller gauge or lighter jewellery may help relieve the pressure and allow the blowout to heal.
✔ Follow proper aftercare practices recommended by your piercer or healthcare provider. This typically includes keeping the area clean, using saline solution or salt water soaks, and avoiding any irritants or trauma to the piercing.
✔ Massage your earlobe twice a day with almond oil. It will keep your piercing safe.
✔ In some cases, allowing the piercing to rest and heal without any jewellery for some time may be necessary. This can help the blowout heal, and the tissue recover.
✔ In severe cases, or if the blowout doesn’t improve with conservative measures, your piercer or healthcare provider may recommend removing the jewellery temporarily and allowing the blowout to heal entirely before considering re-piercing.
To prevent further complications, try to address a blowout on time. Treatment options may include:
- Downsizing the jewellery.
- Applying warm compresses to reduce swelling.
- Keeping the area clean and moisturized.
- Avoiding further irritation or trauma to the piercing.
Suppose you experience a blowout or suspect you have one. In that case, it’s recommended to consult a professional piercer or a healthcare provider who can provide appropriate advice and guidance based on your situation. In severe cases, removing the jewellery temporarily may be necessary and allowing the piercing to heal before considering re-piercing.
What is Dead Stretching?
Dead stretching, also known as passive stretching, is a method used to stretch a piercing without using any tools, such as tapers or insertion pins. It involves gradually and gently increasing the size of the piercing hole by inserting larger jewellery or plugs over time. This technique is commonly used in earlobe stretching, although it can also be applied to other piercings.1
Dead Stretching Process
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the dead stretching process:
✔ Firstly, you should know how to heal the piercing. Dead stretching should only be attempted on a fully healed piercing. It’s essential to wait until the initial piercing has completely healed before stretching. It may take time from several weeks to several months.
✔ Secondly, before stretching, it’s essential to ensure that the piercing and jewellery are well-lubricated. Using a water-based lubricant, such as a piercing-specific lubricant or saline solution, helps reduce friction and discomfort during stretching.
✔ Thirdly, when you start inserting jewellery that is slightly larger than your current gauge. This can be a single-size jump or a slight increase in diameter. Gently and slowly insert the larger jewellery into the piercing. If you experience significant pain or resistance, it’s essential to stop and not force the jewellery through.
ü Lastly, Healing Time? After inserting the larger jewellery, allow your piercing time to adjust and heal. It’s recommended to leave the jewellery in place for an extended period, typically several weeks or more, to ensure the piercing has fully adapted to the new size. Once the piercing has fully healed, you can repeat the stretching process, gradually increasing the size using jewellery slightly larger than the current gauge. Continue this process until you reach your desired size.
It’s important to note that dead stretching should be done with caution and patience to minimize the risk of complications.
Trends of Dead Stretching
Dead stretching has gained popularity as a preferred method of stretching piercings among a certain community of body modification enthusiasts. It’s essential to note that trends can vary within different body modification communities, and individual experiences may differ. If you are considering dead stretching, it’s recommended to consult a professional piercer who can provide guidance and ensure you approach the process safely and responsibly. Here are some trends and aspects associated with dead stretching:
Dead stretching is often favoured for its more natural and gradual approach to stretching piercings compared to using tools like tapers. It emphasizes patiently allowing the body to adapt to larger jewellery sizes over time, reducing the risk of injury and promoting healthier stretching. The trend of dead stretching has led to an increased demand for a wider range of jewellery options. Plugs, tunnels, and other types of jewellery are available in various materials, colours, and designs to accommodate different stretching sizes and personal style preferences.
It has fostered a sense of community among those interested in body modification. Online platforms and forums allow individuals to share experiences, tips, and advice about dead stretching. This allows for knowledge exchange and support for those going through the stretching process. Dead stretching allows for more customized size increments based on individual needs and preferences. Unlike pre-determined taper sizes, dead stretching enables incremental increases that suit the body’s ability to stretch comfortably.
Dead stretching is seen as a safer alternative to rapid stretching methods. By allowing the body to adjust naturally, it aims to minimize the risk of blowouts, tearing, and other complications that can occur with improper stretching techniques.