Body piercing stretching is a very important decision to make, especially when you decide to add bigger body jewelry to your body piercings. For it to work, it has to be planned and well-guided by a professional piercer or there is a risk you could have excessive scar tissue.

So, what is Stretching?  

Stretching is the gradual enlargement of your piercing typically done by tapering, dermal punching, or using weights or plugs. When properly done, piercings will displace weight and stress over a bigger surface area to allow wearing large body jewelry.

Do you have to do it?

The decision rests solely on your shoulders. We must say that not everyone has the heart to do it because it requires slightly different aftercare than the usual body piercing. For some, the size of body jewelry is very intimidating. However, if you aim to wear a prominent piece of body jewelry, then, you definitely must do it.

Does it heal fast?

No, it all depends on the kind of piercing and how your body will heal after the body piercing. The process takes several weeks for some, while for others, months or longer. Make sure that your piercing is completely healed so you will not risk scar tissue buildup, reduction of blood flow, or some other permanent damage.

How do you get started?

Get in touch with an experienced piercer so he can discuss how stretching will be done and what type of jewelry will work for your body piercing. Once you consult your body piercer, ask about risks and what type of care you should do before and after stretching.

Hasty stretching can result in unwanted scarring, which the Association of Professional Piercers says can cause permanent changes to your body. Stretching can “limit tissue flexibility/stretching, lessen vascularity, and reduce the piercing’s ability to tighten” if you decide to remove your body jewelry.

What is the right amount of Stretching?

How much you stretch will depend on your target body jewelry and how fast your body heals. Hence, it is very important that is done gradually and under supervision to detect or prevent any side effect such as overstretching.

When a body piercing is overstretched, there can be a buildup of scar tissue, restricted blood circulation, and a “blowout”, wherein the scar tissue is inflamed.

Stretching a body piercing does require some work and planning. Thus, it should be done with help from a professional piercer so the process can allow for sufficient time for healing and avoiding unnecessary scarring and cut blood circulation.

Not sure if stretching is for you or piercing goal? Talk to us in the comment box. We will respond as soon as we can.

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