Lesson 1Managing complications in stretching: migration, tearing, blowouts, and counselling on downsizing or surgical referralAddresses common stretching complications such as migration, tearing, and blowouts in Zimbabwean practice. Guides piercers in triage, conservative management, counselling on downsizing, and recognising when surgical or dermatology referral is necessary.
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 essential stretching tools, including tapers, plugs, tunnels, and insertion lubricants in Zimbabwe. Explains correct use, sizing, and maintenance of O-rings, plus cleaning and sterilisation protocols for reusable tools to prevent infection.
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 suitable jewellery materials for stretched lobes in Zimbabwe, focusing on implant-grade metals, glass, and PTFE or Bioplast. Reviews 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 piercingsReviews lobe anatomy, including skin layers, adipose tissue, and blood supply, and how these affect stretching capacity in Zimbabwean clients. Compares healed versus recent piercings, scar tissue behaviour, 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 timelinesExplores how to measure lobes accurately, interpret gauge charts, and plan safe, incremental stretches in Zimbabwe. Covers 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 jewellery risksClarifies unsafe stretching practices to avoid in Zimbabwe, including forcing jewellery, skipping sizes, and using unsafe materials or heavy weights. Emphasises 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 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 maintenance in Zimbabwe. Includes 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 jewellery timing and precautionsMonitoring for blowouts and thinningLesson 8Client education on aesthetics and lifestyle impacts: sleeping, headphones, workplace considerations, and permanenceFocuses on counselling clients about the aesthetic and lifestyle impacts of stretched lobes in Zimbabwe. Discusses sleeping comfort, headphone and helmet use, workplace policies, social stigma, and the 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 sizesTeaches how to assess whether a lobe is ready to stretch by checking healing markers, palpating for scar tissue, and reviewing medical history in Zimbabwe. Covers 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 stopProvides a step-by-step protocol for safe stretching in Zimbabwe, from cleaning and lubrication to gradual taper insertion. Compares tapers, weights, and dead-stretching, and explains when to stop due to pain, resistance, or tissue blanching.
Pre-stretch cleaning and setupCorrect taper insertion techniqueTransitioning from taper to jewelleryUsing weights versus dead-stretchingRecognising pain and resistance limits
