Ear gauges, also known as ear expanders and flesh tunnels, are a popular form of body modification. Many people choose to wear them as a way to accessorize their look or express themselves. If you’re considering getting your ears gauged, it’s important to understand what they are, how they work, and the potential risks involved. Read on for an in-depth guide to everything you need to know about ear gauges. 

What Are Ear Gauges? 

Ear gauges are hollow plugs that are inserted into the earlobe or other parts of the ear to stretch its size. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be made from metal, plastic, wood, horn, bone, silicone or glass. Depending on the material used for their construction, some ear gauges may be more comfortable than others when worn for extended periods of time. 

How Do You Measure Your Ears To Get Gauged? 

The most common way to measure your ears for gauging is with tapers – metal or plastic rods with a gradual increase in size towards one end. The size of the taper indicates the gauge size that you need – the smaller the number, the larger the hole will be. To gauge your ears correctly with tapers you will need to insert them into each lobe slowly and carefully so that they fit snugly but do not cause any discomfort or pain. It is important to pay attention during this process since inserting a taper that is too large could damage your lobes irreparably!

Are There Any Risks Involved In Getting Ear Gauges? 

While there are no medical risks associated with getting ear gauges (as long as they are done safely), there are some potential aesthetic risks that should be considered before going ahead with this type of body modification procedure. These risks can include scarring or tearing of the skin around the piercing site due to improper insertion techniques; infection if proper sterilization procedures aren’t followed; and even permanent stretching if too large of an ear gauge is inserted too quickly without allowing enough time for healing between sizes. Additionally, some workplaces may not accept employees wearing visible piercings like those created by ear gauges so it’s important to take this factor into consideration before committing yourself!

Caring For Your Ears

Once you have your new ear gauges in place, proper care is essential if you want them to last longer than just a few weeks! Make sure you keep your ears clean by cleaning them regularly with an alcohol-free cleansing solution specifically designed for stretched piercings like sea salt soaks or tea tree oil cleaning solutions. Additionally, avoid wearing jewelry made from materials other than those mentioned above as this can lead to infection or irritation in the long run due to their porous nature. Lastly, keep away from swimming pools and hot tubs until your ears are fully healed!

All in all, getting your ears gauged can be a great way to express yourself through body modifications – as long as it is done safely and responsibly! Before taking this step it is important to research all aspects of this procedure including sizing guidelines, how long it takes for lobes to heal after being stretched out by an ear gauge and any potential health risks associated with these types of piercings.