Ear piercings have been around for centuries, and they are not going away any time soon. However, what may come and go is the trend of what's considered standard or normal in ear piercing gauges. This can be a confusing subject, especially for those who are new to the world of ear stretching. In this article, we'll explore different gauge sizes and explain what is considered typical or expected in each category.
The Lobe
The lobe is one of the most common areas people get pierced. It's also one of the easiest locations to stretch since it has a lot of skin to work with. Below you will find some information on the average gauges that people tend to use when stretching their lobes:
18 Gauge
An 18 gauge piercing hole is equivalent to if someone were poked with an insulin needle (ouch!). An 18-gauge piercing typically heals quickly compared to larger gauges because there isn't much damage done during insertion.
16 Gauge
A 16 gauge ear-piercing hole takes longer than an 18-gauge but less than anything bigger due to its small size.
14-12 Gauge
This range could be seen as rather tame by many fans of body modification culture that seek unique designs catered towards more extreme sizes which push various limits on how big an opening in your flesh should realistically be before causing harm.
Cartilage
Cartilage piercings require more skillful precision than lobe piercings due their denser nature/flesh content/transparency resulting from pressure applied during growth hindering healing process - this causes extra strain among other possible complications depending upon situation present at hand!
Here are some common cartilage areas and appropriate gauging measurements:
Tragus & Industrial Piercings
A tragus through industrial requires extra care and planning so they tend to be increased by 14-12 gauge before transitioning to larger sizes.
Helix Piercings
A helix piercing hole starts around the same size as a lobe, typically 18-gauge.
Special Considerations
No matter how confident you feel in your piercer or anything found online that DIYs vague information about ear stretching procedures, it's important not only understand but remember the following precautions need consideration throughout:
Aging
As with all tissues, cartilage becomes less resilient over time leading towards increased sensitivity or pain during any further stretches across lifetime of wearer making importance in communication during initial process paramount for ease moving forward.
Placement
With more intricate areas like rook piercings/man-made jewelry pieces always run risk potential infection due innately fragile nature skin plus implications which can arise from handling equipment improperly.
Aftercare Tactics - Tips From Professionals
Ear stretching is a delicate procedure carried over an extended period requiring strong after-care routine through consistent cleaning. Below are tips recommended from professional piercers:
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No swimming or getting piercing wet (or into contact with shampoo/conditioner) within first two weeks post-piercing.
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Be gentle while cleansing wounds maintaining minimal pressure possible avoid undue irritation and worsen situation furthermore (pro tip: do NOT attempt use hydrogen peroxide).
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Always check on integrity of jewelry/beads surrounding piecing openings since they help keep incision clean without contribution large amount-added healing time/degradation quality maintained optimally.
In conclusion, ear gauges come in various standard sizes depending upon location/type whether inclined mot greater bodily embellishment frequent among enthusiasts/people getting started practicing back then at times viewed as 'rebellious' nowadays relatively common/casual thing remaining accessible age range globally desired novelty modification medium itself will never die out given rich culture-making past present expressive possibilities it provides; as with all practices, understanding care importance vital successful/positive experience.