Jordan is now 18, So I can write about him and show you these pictures. Jordan is a singer in a hardcore straightedge band and found stretching his lobes as a way to express himself. This is a detailed story about Jordan and his journey that landed him in my shop with an ear that was about to fall apart. I want to tell Jordan's story to not only to show how I was able to help Jordan but to look at a detailed story of how maybe the outcome could have changed with simple information and awareness of the lobes.
Jordan started stretching his lobes 2 years ago when he was 16 years old, he learned how to stretch from friends and for the internet, specifically YOU TUBE videos. He was looking for a way to express himself and his individuality.
Luckily his mother was on board and agreed to take him to get them pierced at a professional studio. He pierced them at 10g. (off to a good start!!, or so we think)
I would think that the piercer would have had some dialog with him at this time about proper healing time and his plans for the future and what not but apparently not because he began stretching around 4 weeks after the initial piercing which I would say is a little premature. ( at my studio we say at least 8 weeks even longer for first stretch after initial piercing )
Jordan was unaware at this point that there was a recommended wait time for stretching lobes and would not return to a professional piercer for advice until it was too late for his lobe.
Jordan began stretching using oil and in the shower using short taper like jewelry that he purchased from a company called King's Body Jewelry (online), he would massage them every day and would go up once size approx. every two to four weeks.
He never felt as if he was forcing them and never had adverse reactions after the stretches. After about 00g he began to purchase titanium tapers and single flared jewelry that wold follow through in the back. This is when the stretches started to feel tight and have more of the burning sensation.
