Lesson 1Managing Complications in Stretching: Migration, Tearing, Blowouts, and Counselling on Downsizing or Surgical ReferralAddresses common stretching issues like migration, tears, and blowouts in Zambian practice. Guides triage, basic management, advice on smaller sizes, and knowing when to refer for surgery or skin care.
Recognising 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 Sterilisation of Reusable ToolsCovers key stretching tools like tapers, plugs, tunnels, and lubes in Zambia. Explains use, sizing, O-ring maintenance, and cleaning/sterilising reusable tools to stop infections.
Types of tapers and when to use themSingle-flare and double-flare jewellery useLubricant selection and applicationRetention O-rings sizing and placementCleaning and sterilising reusable toolsLesson 3Jewellery Materials for Stretched Lobes: Implant-Grade Metals, Glass, PTFE/Bioplast; Pros, Cons, and Allergy ConsiderationsDetails jewellery materials for stretched lobes in Zambia, like implant-grade metals, glass, PTFE or Bioplast. Reviews benefits, drawbacks, allergy risks, finishes, and avoiding porous materials in new 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 PiercingsReviews lobe anatomy in Zambia, including skin, fat tissue, blood supply, and stretching effects. Compares healed vs new piercings, scar behaviour, and personal differences for 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 TimelinesExplores measuring lobes accurately, reading gauge charts, and planning safe stretches in Zambia. Covers timelines, tissue response, and records to avoid over-stretching and 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 Jewellery RisksClarifies unsafe stretching in Zambia, like forcing, skipping sizes, bad materials, or heavy weights. Stresses infection risks, thinning tissue, and long-term shape issues from rough methods.
Dangers of forcing or rushing stretchesRisks of skipping gauge sizesHousehold objects and unsafe materialsOveruse of heavy weights and hangingRecognising 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 BlowoutsExplains aftercare for new stretches and long-term lobe care in Zambia. Includes cleaning, massage, salt soaks, silicone use, scar reduction, and spotting blowouts or thinning early.
Daily cleaning routines for fresh stretchesOil massage techniques and frequencySea-salt soaks and when to avoid themSilicone jewellery timing and precautionsMonitoring for blowouts and thinningLesson 8Client Education on Aesthetics and Lifestyle Impacts: Sleeping, Headphones, Workplace Considerations, and PermanenceFocuses on advising clients in Zambia about looks and life effects of stretched lobes. Discusses sleep, headphones, work rules, social views, and if it's permanent or can reverse.
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 SizesTeaches checking if a lobe is ready to stretch in Zambia by healing signs, feeling scars, and health review. Covers safe time between sizes and adjusting for risky 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 StopProvides step-by-step safe stretching in Zambia, from cleaning and lube to slow taper insertion. Compares tapers, weights, dead-stretching, and stopping for pain, resistance, or tissue signs.
Pre-stretch cleaning and setupCorrect taper insertion techniqueTransitioning from taper to jewelleryUsing weights versus dead-stretchingRecognising pain and resistance limits
