Downsizing Stretched Ears

It is easy to go through the motions of stretching your ears so that they reach a larger size. However, the time may come when ear stretching is no longer your preference. You may want to downsize your earlobes to a more manageable size if this happens. There is some debate about how small your earlobes can get after stretching. The answer may not be as straight forward as you’ve hoped, but there are some different approaches you can try for the best results.

Should I Keep My Plugs In?

The first and most vital step to downsizing your piercing size is to take out your jewelry. If you have jewelry keeping your ear open to a certain size it will not shrink down. This is true no matter what your plugs are made of. To start this process, take your plugs out for a week and see how much they’ve shrunk by the end of that time period. The decrease in size depends on a few different factors, but ultimately you won’t know how small your ears can get until you try it yourself.

How Small Will my Ears Get?

This is a simple question with a not so simple answer: it depends! There are several variables that control how small you can downsize your earlobes. It’s important to be realistic with your expectations. If your ears have been stretched to an inch for ten years, they probably won’t end up at a 14g. However, it’s feasible that your earlobes can end up at a more manageable size consistent with your lifestyle. Focus on that level of change and you won’t be disappointed.

What Factors Control Earlobe Shrinkage?

First off, everyone’s skin is different. Some people have more elastic skin that can bounce back from stretching better than others. The only way you will know where your skin falls is to take your jewelry out and see what happens. It is hard to say an exact size that you will end up at because of this factor.

Secondly, the length of time you’ve had your ears stretched to a larger size is going to determine how much they can downsize. If your ears have only been at a larger size for a week, they are still healing and will probably downsize relatively easily. This may not be the case if you’ve been at a larger size for months or years. Your earlobes have most likely built up some scar tissue in that time and shrinkage will be more difficult to achieve. This means your ears will downsize slightly, but it may be difficult to shrink them to even half the size you’re at.

How Can I Help Downsize my Ears?

Vitamin E oil is highly recommended to assist in downsizing your earlobes. Many lotions and skin care products contain vitamin E, but your best bet for downsizing them is to find a pure vitamin E product like capsules. Take your plugs out and massage your earlobes with vitamin E oil daily. Make sure to keep up this habit for at least the first week after you remove your plugs. Vitamin E promotes blood flow, helps dissolve scar tissue in the ear and can help promote earlobe shrinkage. The massaging combined with the effects of the oil should help your earlobes reach at least a slightly smaller size. You can continue this habit for as long as desired, but you will probably hit a point where your ears stop shrinking.

Ear stretching isn’t a look desired by everyone, and sometimes things change. Adjusting accordingly means downsizing your earlobes to a desired size that fits with whatever that change might be. Follow these tips, be realistic, and you’ll find success with downsizing your ears to a smaller size!

Disclaimer: If you have any questions or concerns about your piercings please visit your local Professional Piercer or Medical Doctor.