Lesson 1Managing complications in stretching: migration, tearing, blowouts, and counseling on downsizing or surgical referralAddress common stretching complications like migration, tearing, and blowouts. Guide piercers in triage, conservative management, counseling on downsizing, and recognizing when surgical or dermatology referral necessary.
Recognizing early signs of migrationIdentifying and treating small tearsBlowout stages and conservative careWhen and how to recommend downsizingCriteria for surgical or specialist referralLesson 2Tools and materials for stretching: tapered pushers, plugs/tunnels, insertion lube, retention o-rings, and sterilization of reusable toolsCover essential stretching tools, including tapers, plugs, tunnels, and insertion lubricants. Explain correct use, sizing, and maintenance of O-rings, plus cleaning and sterilization protocols for reusable tools to prevent infection.
Types of tapers and when to use themSingle-flare and double-flare jewelry useLubricant selection and applicationRetention O-rings sizing and placementCleaning and sterilizing reusable toolsLesson 3Jewelry materials for stretched lobes: implant-grade metals, glass, PTFE/Bioplast; pros, cons, and allergy considerationsDetail suitable jewelry materials for stretched lobes, focusing on implant-grade metals, glass, and PTFE or Bioplast. Review pros, cons, allergy risks, surface finishes, and when to avoid porous or reactive materials in fresh stretches.
Implant-grade titanium and steel optionsGlass plugs and tunnels: benefits and limitsPTFE and Bioplast flexibility and usesIdentifying and managing metal allergiesSurface finish, porosity, and hygieneLesson 4Anatomy and tissue properties of ear lobes: skin, adipose tissue, vascular considerations, healed vs recent piercingsReview lobe anatomy, including skin layers, adipose tissue, and blood supply, and how these affect stretching capacity. Compare healed versus recent piercings, scar tissue behavior, and individual variations that influence safe size limits.
Skin layers and elasticity in the lobeAdipose tissue thickness and supportVascular supply and healing capacityHealed versus recent piercing responseScar tissue formation and weak pointsLesson 5Measuring and planning progressive stretching: gauge size charting, safe expansion increments, and realistic timelinesExplore how to measure lobes accurately, interpret gauge charts, and plan safe, incremental stretches. Cover realistic timelines, tissue response, and documentation to prevent over-stretching and long-term structural damage.
Using calipers and rulers on ear lobesReading and converting gauge size chartsChoosing safe increment steps between sizesBuilding realistic stretching timelinesDocumenting stretching history and changesLesson 6What to avoid when stretching: forcing, jumping sizes, using unclean or inappropriate materials, and heavy jewelry risksClarify unsafe stretching practices to avoid, including forcing jewelry, skipping sizes, and using unsafe materials or heavy weights. Emphasize infection risks, tissue thinning, and long-term deformity from aggressive techniques.
Dangers of forcing or rushing stretchesRisks of skipping gauge sizesHousehold objects and unsafe materialsOveruse of heavy weights and hangingRecognizing and correcting bad adviceLesson 7Aftercare for fresh stretches and long-term lobe care: cleaning, massage, silicone/sea-salt guidance, scar tissue management, and monitoring for blowoutsExplain aftercare for new stretches and long-term lobe maintenance. Include cleaning routines, massage techniques, silicone and sea-salt guidance, scar tissue reduction, and early detection of blowouts or thinning to protect tissue health.
Daily cleaning routines for fresh stretchesOil massage techniques and frequencySea-salt soaks and when to avoid themSilicone jewelry timing and precautionsMonitoring for blowouts and thinningLesson 8Client education on aesthetics and lifestyle impacts: sleeping, headphones, workplace considerations, and permanenceFocus on counseling clients about aesthetic and lifestyle impacts of stretched lobes. Discuss sleeping comfort, headphone and helmet use, workplace policies, social stigma, and likelihood of permanence or reversibility.
Discussing desired size and appearanceSleeping positions and pillow choicesHeadphones, helmets, and sports gearWorkplace dress codes and policiesPermanence, shrinkage, and scarringLesson 9Assessing readiness to stretch: healed status indicators, scar tissue palpation, medical contraindications, and timeline between sizesTeach how to assess if a lobe ready to stretch by checking healing markers, palpating for scar tissue, and reviewing medical history. Cover safe intervals between sizes and adapting timelines for high-risk clients.
Visual signs of complete healingPalpating for scar tissue and weak spotsClient medical history and medicationsMinimum time intervals between sizesAdjusting plans for high-risk clientsLesson 10Step-by-step safe stretching technique: cleaning, lubrication, gradual insertion using tapers, using weights vs dead-stretching considerations, and when to stopProvide step-by-step protocol for safe stretching, from cleaning and lubrication to gradual taper insertion. Compare tapers, weights, and dead-stretching, and explain when to stop due to pain, resistance, or tissue blanching.
Pre-stretch cleaning and setupCorrect taper insertion techniqueTransitioning from taper to jewelryUsing weights versus dead-stretchingRecognizing pain and resistance limits
