How to Safely Downsize Stretched Ears

Choosing to shrink stretched ears isn’t an admission you’ve made a mistake or a sign something’s gone horribly wrong. In fact, downsizing can be just another step in your ear stretching journey, reflecting your ever-evolving style.

Some of the most common motivations to downsize stretched ears include:

Aesthetic Shifts and Style Changes

Perhaps you stretched to a size you were curious about, but now it feels… well, less like you. The thing is, ear stretching can be a phase, just like fashion, hair, and other expressions of personal style. So, there’s no shame in changing your mind if you fancy a smaller look.

But you don’t have to wave goodbye to the ear stretching community entirely just because you’re going smaller rather than bigger. At the end of the day, downsizing is a cool way to experiment with different looks and keep things fresh with smaller sizes and varied jewellery styles. So, you’re still very much part of the squad.

Practical Considerations

Life brings change, sometimes including a nudge to downsize stretched ears. For example, many workplaces aren’t exactly thrilled with big, ‘f**k you’ gauges. Or, you might have an upcoming event like a wedding or family occasion where it feels right to shrink stretched ears permanently or temporarily. Thankfully, downsizing enables you to retain your style while making room for other elements of life.

Health Concerns

Stretched ear tissue can begin to thin out or become uncomfortable over time, especially if you've pushed for larger sizes at pace. For this reason, the decision to downsize ear gauges can ease any strain on the tissue. In turn, this provides relief from discomfort and supports long term ear health.

Plus, there’s always the fact a slower, gentler gauge helps avoid issues like skin tears or blowouts.

In short, downsizing doesn’t mean erasing the story your stretched ears tell. It just means you’re adapting to fit where you’re at right now.

Downsizing is no place for shortcuts. Jumping in without the right prep can set you up for irritation or worse. So, it’s important to pay care and attention to getting both your ears and your toolkit ready:

Assess Your Ear Health

Take a good look at your lobes. Are they sturdy, or is the skin looking thin? Any history of tears, blowouts, or scar tissue? Your ears will tell you a lot about what they need. And you should always pay attention to them!

Skin integrity and elasticity are key factors when you shrink stretched ears. So, hang fire if your skin feels dry or fragile, and spend a week or two massaging it with LobeLove™ Organic Golden Jojoba Oil or LobeLove™ Premium Ear Stretching Balm to bring the bounce back.

Plus, you’ll need to take extra care if your lobes have suffered past injuries like blowouts or tears. These can complicate things if you’re ready to downsize stretched ears.

Gather Your Kit

Now for the practical part. Stocking up on the right gear keeps everything safe and comfortable. You’ll need:

• Hypoallergenic Jewellery: Stick to high-quality materials, like surgical steel, titanium, or glass, to avoid reactions.
• Lubricant: Lubrication is game-changing when you downsize ear gauges, because it keeps the tissue pliable and reduces friction. So, grab a skin-friendly oil, such as LobeLove™ Organic Golden Jojoba Oil or LobeLove™ Premium Ear Stretching Balm.
• Saline Solution: A saline rinse like LobeLove™ Professional Saline Piercing Spray helps with cleaning, which is essential for healing and avoiding infection.

You’re ready for a safe, clean transition with these essentials at hand.

Let’s get to the nitty gritty. Here’s how to shrink stretched ears safely and pain-free.

Congrats on taking the plunge to shrink stretched ears! But now’s not the time to slack off with care. So, what do you need to do to keep your lobes happy and healthy?

• Clean and Hydrate - Regular saline soaks help fend off bacteria and support healing. And then there’s hydration, hydration, hydration! Apply LobeLove™ Organic Golden Jojoba Oil or LobeLove™ Premium Ear Stretching Balm regularly to keep your skin peachy and supple.
• Keep Consistent - Downsized ears need TLC to stay at their best. So, be consistent with your aftercare routine while your ears are adjusting. Stick to clean, high-quality jewellery and steer clear of any potential irritants. It's also recommended to stick with fresh-stretch-friendly materials such as Surgical Steel, Glass or Titanium.

Like any form of body mod, there are a few traps to avoid on the road to a smaller gauge. Here’s how to sidestep them:

Don’t Use Low-Quality Jewellery:

Cheap materials aren’t worth the risk. You might be able to get away with them when your ears are fully healed. But for now, invest in hypoallergenic pieces to keep irritation at bay.

Don’t Re-Use Old Jewellery:

Old jewellery can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is the last thing you want crashing the party when you’re downsizing. Check your jewellery is free from scratches or sharp edges, if all is good then ensure you sterilise before inserting.

Mark our words, taking these steps seriously means fewer headaches and healthier lobes in the long run.

It’s usually straightforward to downsize stretched ears, and doing so can help or cure certain issues you are having. But some issues call for professional help. So, how do you know when to have a chat with a body mod specialist, or even make an appointment with your GP?

• Persistent Pain: There could be an underlying issue if discomfort doesn’t let up. Some soreness can be a perfectly natural part of the process. But, if it doesn’t go away on its own and with the help of a good aftercare routine, it might not go away at all and get worse.
• Excessive Scar Tissue or Blowouts: Thick scars or blowouts might call for professional medical care to heal properly.
• Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, or a bad smell? Time to ask for help.

Your lobes deserve the best. So don’t hesitate to seek advice and help if things don’t feel right.

Wondering how to close gauged ears back to their original state?

Well, here’s the scoop. With care and attention, you can completely downsize stretched ears typically if you haven’t pushed them past that 6mm (2g) sweet spot. In fact, regular massages, gentle downsizing, and loads of hydration are all most folks need to shrink stretched ears back to Ground Zero. And we've even heard of cases where lobes much larger have returned to their natural size!

You just need to keep it real. Don’t expect a miracle overnight. The journey back takes time, just like the original stretching did.

On the other hand, your lobes might not fully close in the following scenarios:

• If you’ve gone all-in with extreme stretching, you’re quite probably going to be left with a permanent reminder
• If you’ve gone the fast and furious route, experiencing tears or blowouts

Surgical intervention is sometimes the only ticket to fully reversing the process with gauges stretched beyond the point of no return or when there’s been damage.

Here are the answers to the most common questions from customers preparing to downsize ear gauges:

How long will it take to downsize?

The process varies. Smaller sizes (under 6mm) shrink faster. But it’s best to expect weeks to months for full shrinkage.

Is it safe to downsize at home?

Yes, absolutely it is with patience, cleanliness, and high-quality materials.

Can I shrink stretched ears completely?

Reversal is usually achievable for lobes stretched to around 6mm (2g). Expect some residual stretching past this point.

Will downsizing reduce the “ear cheese” smell?

That nasty smell is just sweat and oil buildup - gross but totally normal. The good news is it can help to downsize stretched ears. So, take your plugs out regularly, let your lobes breathe, and keep them clean and moisturised. A quick rinse, a little air, and voilà - no more funk!

Downsizing your stretched ears is totally doable if you go slow, listen to your body, and keep things clean. Just remember, both stretching and downsizing are journeys, not destinations. Each choice is part of your unique story.

And if you need a little extra help along the way? At Stretch It Body Jewellery, we’ve got a full line of aftercare products, enough hypoallergenic jewellery to last a lifetime, and everything you need to keep your downsizing journey as smooth as possible. Visit our website to keep your lobes fit and well when you decide the time is right to downsize stretched ears.