Stretched Lobes are ear lobes stretched beyond the "normal" size of 18g. The incorrect term for the stretching process is "Gauging"; the jewelry are certain Gauges (For example, 2g is 1/4".) The origins of this process go back to tribes in Africa, Asia, and even some in early America.
Frequently asked
questions about this are:
“Does it hurt?”
It really shouldn’t. If you stretch slowly and only one size at a time (waiting till it is healed) it shouldn’t be more than a slight
discomfort for a few seconds.
“How big will I stretch before it won’t go back to normal?”
On average, 2g
“What comes after 00/000?”
Refer to the chart:
-----------------------------
Gauge Inches Millimeters
16ga 1.3mm
14ga 1.6mm
12ga 2.0mm
10ga 2.5mm
8ga 3.2mm
6ga 4.1mm
4ga 5.1mm
2ga 1/4" 6.3mm
0ga 5/16" 7.9mm
00ga 3/8" 9.5mm
000ga 7/16" 11.1mm
1/2" 12.7mm
9/16" 14.2mm
5/8" 15.8mm
11/16" 17.4mm
3/4" 19.0mm
13/16" 20.6mm
7/8" 22.2mm
15/16" 23.8mm
1" 25.4mm
“How big can I go?”
Depends on the size of your lobes, how thick, and how well you stretch. There are people currently here in America with lobes over 3 inches.
“Why do it?”
Personal choice, everyone’s different.
For more
information on “Stretching Lobes” you can refer to www.BMEzine.com.
