I’ve actually seen a few designs of these in the past, but this particular example was made by Kolo Narvaez.
Latest Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News
- Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetryby JonathonOne of the most powerful things about being at a convention like OSC is the sheer concentration of experience, creativity, and capability in one place. When you’re surrounded by people who not only understand the technical complexities of suspension but are excited by the challenge… Read more: Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetry
- Twelve Points to the Skyby JonathonThere’s a particular kind of magic that happens at your first big suspension gathering when you arrive with nerves, an open heart, and the quiet hope of flight. Guided by the encouragement of mentor Lynn Loheide and driven by the quiet confidence of belonging, Alex… Read more: Twelve Points to the Sky
- Ontario SusCon 2025by JonathonIn March 2025, BME attended the Ontario Suspension Convention in Hamilton, hosted by the Kevin Donaghy and the Ontario Suspension Collective. We had the pleasure to take part and help document the event, but also run a booth to sell a bunch of old (but… Read more: Ontario SusCon 2025
- Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezineby NefDear BME Community, We’ve been gone far too long, but BME is back to give people a voice, a space, a community. With time everything evolves, and BME may be different than you remember. Our goal is to stay true to Shannon and Rachel’s values… Read more: Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
- BME Social Mediaby NefWord of mouth has been our method of reuniting the community, and it has brought a substantial amount of us together. I am inspired by your loyalty and I want to remind more people of BME’s existence. In 2020 we gained control over @bmezine on… Read more: BME Social Media
- BMEShopby NefDespite the hurricanes in 2015 which destroyed almost all of what Rachel owned, she managed to save the original inventory from BME. We have relisted some of the stock on BMEShop.com with the hopes you may be interested. Our first drop includes a selection of… Read more: BMEShop
Comments
138 responses to ““The Original Ear Expander””
I’ve been streching with Koas Softwear since I’ve been
at 1/2″. I’m 1″ now, no problems, no blowouts, not even any pain really, then again, its taken me 4 years to get to to 1/2″, and about 3 years to go from 1/2″ to the full 1″.
Slow and steady….
…these look like you’d be moving too fast… although they look fuckin’ cool.
I’ve been streching with Koas Softwear since I’ve been
at 1/2″. I’m 1″ now, no problems, no blowouts, not even any pain really, then again, its taken me 4 years to get to to 1/2″, and about 3 years to go from 1/2″ to the full 1″.
Slow and steady….
…these look like you’d be moving too fast… although they look fuckin’ cool.
What a lazy piece of junk.
Stretching is about the process and the dedication coupled with the respect for your body.
This device is rather typical of the attitude of many people into body modification these days.
Do it properly or not at all.
What a lazy piece of junk.
Stretching is about the process and the dedication coupled with the respect for your body.
This device is rather typical of the attitude of many people into body modification these days.
Do it properly or not at all.
Giles, well said 🙂
Giles, well said 🙂
Hadnt thought about the process much, but I didn’t realise lobe stretching would take such a long time. But I guess new skin has to grow.
Hadnt thought about the process much, but I didn’t realise lobe stretching would take such a long time. But I guess new skin has to grow.
This looks like it’d be handy for people who don’t like buying lots of new plugs. Obviously it doesn’t look ideal actually for stretching, but once you’d stretched properly, you could just keep using the same plug and just widening it up to the right size each time.
This looks like it’d be handy for people who don’t like buying lots of new plugs. Obviously it doesn’t look ideal actually for stretching, but once you’d stretched properly, you could just keep using the same plug and just widening it up to the right size each time.
gooooooodd
gooooooodd
I have personally stretched with Kaos with no problem. However, I have also seem many people have serious problems stretching with Kaos.
IF you’re going to stretch with Kaos, which is not officially recommended, here are my comments:
1. STOP if you have any tearing or other complications.
2. Go slow
3. Make sure you have NEW plugs (the new designs are less “sticky” and safer for stretching).
My feeling is that the ideal way to stretch is UNFINISHED (ie. slightly rough) homemade hardwood plugs assuming you have no reaction. But to really do the you have to have a lathe so you can machine all the steps… But the rough wood gives you a really health end product in my opinion.
I have personally stretched with Kaos with no problem. However, I have also seem many people have serious problems stretching with Kaos.
IF you’re going to stretch with Kaos, which is not officially recommended, here are my comments:
1. STOP if you have any tearing or other complications.
2. Go slow
3. Make sure you have NEW plugs (the new designs are less “sticky” and safer for stretching).
My feeling is that the ideal way to stretch is UNFINISHED (ie. slightly rough) homemade hardwood plugs assuming you have no reaction. But to really do the you have to have a lathe so you can machine all the steps… But the rough wood gives you a really health end product in my opinion.
I can definitely second what Shannon just said, but really, going slow and stopping if you tear is pretty much the alpha and the omega of any stretching. We’ll see what I’ll use in the future, Kaos is but one choice, though I’ve never had any problems stretching with either steel, titanium, acrylic or wood in the past either. Then again, I’m a real slow stretcher so I have never torn anything (to the best of my recollection) either.
Giles, I don’t really understand where you’re coming from with that comment. Experimentation is a huge part of body modification. If some dude eons ago never thought to experiment with his own body we wouldn’t be sitting here today. I welcome things like this, even though it may never be commonplace it’s always nice to see people conceptualize their ideas, regardless if it’ll work or not.
I can definitely second what Shannon just said, but really, going slow and stopping if you tear is pretty much the alpha and the omega of any stretching. We’ll see what I’ll use in the future, Kaos is but one choice, though I’ve never had any problems stretching with either steel, titanium, acrylic or wood in the past either. Then again, I’m a real slow stretcher so I have never torn anything (to the best of my recollection) either.
Giles, I don’t really understand where you’re coming from with that comment. Experimentation is a huge part of body modification. If some dude eons ago never thought to experiment with his own body we wouldn’t be sitting here today. I welcome things like this, even though it may never be commonplace it’s always nice to see people conceptualize their ideas, regardless if it’ll work or not.
I did a fairly small stretch with Kaos jewelry, from 6 to 8 mm. There was a fair amount of tearing, and the problem was, the pressure from the jewelery prevented the newly stretched skin from breathing properly (or at all).
Consequence: After two days of pain, blood and yellow splodge pouring out of canal when pressure was released, I realised this wasn’t doing it. I guess I’ve learned my lesson now, since I’m streching extra slow… But even so, I’ve had to start from scratch, as that lobe closed to maybe 1mm.
The main problem with Kaos squishies is that they unfold suddenly, so you don’t have any the control over the pain/tearing that you have with a taper, with which you can just stop before you do too much damage.
Don’t try it unless you don’t mind having to start from scratch again. It’s a gamble…
I did a fairly small stretch with Kaos jewelry, from 6 to 8 mm. There was a fair amount of tearing, and the problem was, the pressure from the jewelery prevented the newly stretched skin from breathing properly (or at all).
Consequence: After two days of pain, blood and yellow splodge pouring out of canal when pressure was released, I realised this wasn’t doing it. I guess I’ve learned my lesson now, since I’m streching extra slow… But even so, I’ve had to start from scratch, as that lobe closed to maybe 1mm.
The main problem with Kaos squishies is that they unfold suddenly, so you don’t have any the control over the pain/tearing that you have with a taper, with which you can just stop before you do too much damage.
Don’t try it unless you don’t mind having to start from scratch again. It’s a gamble…
I find these ‘gizmos’ take away from the ritual and dedication that comes with stretching lobes. They belittle the focus of mind that goes hand in hand with the process of adapting your body in such a way.
It’s a short cut, a quick method, a lazy gadget where the user simply has to turn a screw and think nothing of it.
It takes no discipline to do, it bypasses the knowledge that body modifiers have spent decades perfecting so that those wishing to stretch can learn from.
In effect it detaches itself from the tribal roots where this decoration originated and gives it a western twist.
It’s part of the quick-fix culture we live in where results do not come from dedication and discipline but can be had from simply flicking a switch, pushing a button or turning a screw.
I find these ‘gizmos’ take away from the ritual and dedication that comes with stretching lobes. They belittle the focus of mind that goes hand in hand with the process of adapting your body in such a way.
It’s a short cut, a quick method, a lazy gadget where the user simply has to turn a screw and think nothing of it.
It takes no discipline to do, it bypasses the knowledge that body modifiers have spent decades perfecting so that those wishing to stretch can learn from.
In effect it detaches itself from the tribal roots where this decoration originated and gives it a western twist.
It’s part of the quick-fix culture we live in where results do not come from dedication and discipline but can be had from simply flicking a switch, pushing a button or turning a screw.
#35, Well said, means alot more when you explain why you think it’s junk, I think it looks cool as a piece of jewelry but not as a way to stretch,
I said I would never try stretching with kaos but I ordered a 7/16 ear skin for my septum as I planned on stretching it up from the 00 I was at, I noticed how loose my septum was getting and that I could fit a 00 pincher through the tunnel I was wearing, so I poped the 7/16ths one in, there was a little bit of pain and pressure on my gums and that was about it for the rest of the night, the next day my septum was hell of crusty and sore as hell, I stuck it out for another day but after cleaning bloody crust from around the edges I pulled it out and went back to 00, I could have stuck out the pain as it was’nt that bad, I just did’nt want to deal with it. Those silicone earskins are the most comfortable piece of jewelry I have had for my septum though,
#35, Well said, means alot more when you explain why you think it’s junk, I think it looks cool as a piece of jewelry but not as a way to stretch,
I said I would never try stretching with kaos but I ordered a 7/16 ear skin for my septum as I planned on stretching it up from the 00 I was at, I noticed how loose my septum was getting and that I could fit a 00 pincher through the tunnel I was wearing, so I poped the 7/16ths one in, there was a little bit of pain and pressure on my gums and that was about it for the rest of the night, the next day my septum was hell of crusty and sore as hell, I stuck it out for another day but after cleaning bloody crust from around the edges I pulled it out and went back to 00, I could have stuck out the pain as it was’nt that bad, I just did’nt want to deal with it. Those silicone earskins are the most comfortable piece of jewelry I have had for my septum though,
Okay, I see what you mean Giles, but at the same time to me the use of contemporary and new tools doesn’t negate that one can pay respect to the practices that came before you. I mean, just because this expander looks like it does doesn’t mean it’s a “quick fix” nor does it mean that the user is looking to stretch as fast or as easy as possible. The only one who can really answer that is the originator (and user, in case they’re different people). In the end, what is really so different from using this to slowly stretch to using a taper to slowly stretch? They may look different but the result and methodology (i.e. stretching a fistula) is still the same.
I encourage things like this, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think one should pay respect to ones history. However, without things such as the expander, or other innovative ideas, we’re not going to move forward. If we’re only looking at our past we’re not looking forward and then everything stagnates. As said, I don’t think one negates the other.
Okay, I see what you mean Giles, but at the same time to me the use of contemporary and new tools doesn’t negate that one can pay respect to the practices that came before you. I mean, just because this expander looks like it does doesn’t mean it’s a “quick fix” nor does it mean that the user is looking to stretch as fast or as easy as possible. The only one who can really answer that is the originator (and user, in case they’re different people). In the end, what is really so different from using this to slowly stretch to using a taper to slowly stretch? They may look different but the result and methodology (i.e. stretching a fistula) is still the same.
I encourage things like this, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think one should pay respect to ones history. However, without things such as the expander, or other innovative ideas, we’re not going to move forward. If we’re only looking at our past we’re not looking forward and then everything stagnates. As said, I don’t think one negates the other.
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i would still like to know where i can obtain these mechanics to try them out and see if its is a better stretch or not i’ved tried the web with no luck so if anyone would be soo kind as to let me know?
i like!!!
i like!!!
Haha this thing has existed in my head for so long, nice to see that someone realized it 😀
Haha this thing has existed in my head for so long, nice to see that someone realized it 😀
i think people misinterpreted my original comment about the kaos.. when you think about it, kaos have a similar concept. they expand from the outside in (which i think in any case is superior to tapering, because it expands uniformly in all directions as opposed to pushing the skin out the back). i think kaos are extremely useful when used right. i went from 1/2″ to 9/16″ with kaos, and to 5/8″ not long after and it went so smoothly. no pain, no tension, no tears, no blood, no discomfort, nothing. people do have a tendecy to abuse kaos though and put them in just cause they “fit” as opposed to when their lobes are ready for it. i am at 7/8″ now and i put in 1″ kaos just for kicks.. and they fit, but i felt tension and discomfort in my lobes so i took them out right after (not ever intending on leaving them in anyway). like shannon said, some people have really great experiences (like myself) and some people don’t (as other commenters have pointed out. though i notice the worst experiences are when people ignore what their lobes are feeling and leave the kaos in anyway). anywho, kaos are great when you are taping just to go that extra step to reach the next size. i apologize if my initial comment seemed ignorant, but i assure you that i know what i’m talking about. it just seemed to me like the contraption in the post was a spring-loaded expander as opposed to a gradual screw-based expander. hence the kaos comment.
i think people misinterpreted my original comment about the kaos.. when you think about it, kaos have a similar concept. they expand from the outside in (which i think in any case is superior to tapering, because it expands uniformly in all directions as opposed to pushing the skin out the back). i think kaos are extremely useful when used right. i went from 1/2″ to 9/16″ with kaos, and to 5/8″ not long after and it went so smoothly. no pain, no tension, no tears, no blood, no discomfort, nothing. people do have a tendecy to abuse kaos though and put them in just cause they “fit” as opposed to when their lobes are ready for it. i am at 7/8″ now and i put in 1″ kaos just for kicks.. and they fit, but i felt tension and discomfort in my lobes so i took them out right after (not ever intending on leaving them in anyway). like shannon said, some people have really great experiences (like myself) and some people don’t (as other commenters have pointed out. though i notice the worst experiences are when people ignore what their lobes are feeling and leave the kaos in anyway). anywho, kaos are great when you are taping just to go that extra step to reach the next size. i apologize if my initial comment seemed ignorant, but i assure you that i know what i’m talking about. it just seemed to me like the contraption in the post was a spring-loaded expander as opposed to a gradual screw-based expander. hence the kaos comment.
I think I would like a pair of these as a novelty. They’re very neat looking but I prefer stretching the old way myself. And to xchristinex, it’s not always about ‘using kaos properly’, I had worn them in fairly newly stretched lobes (NOT stretched with kaos) and I did not feel a single thing until I went to take them out and my ears were a bloody mess, thanks to the tackiness of the jewelry.
I think I would like a pair of these as a novelty. They’re very neat looking but I prefer stretching the old way myself. And to xchristinex, it’s not always about ‘using kaos properly’, I had worn them in fairly newly stretched lobes (NOT stretched with kaos) and I did not feel a single thing until I went to take them out and my ears were a bloody mess, thanks to the tackiness of the jewelry.
i just put 1/2″ from 7/16″ in my second lobe hole.. i have worn 1 1/8″ for quite some time now in my bottom hole… my second hole is pretty irritated, but i plan on sticking out the pain of this one instead of trying to take it out and let it close up. it has hurt for about 4 days now on and off… i have enough skin to where if it rips, it will rip up or down and not out… i will give you a update on if it ever quits hurting or not or if it is even possible for them to heal… someone has to try it…
i just put 1/2″ from 7/16″ in my second lobe hole.. i have worn 1 1/8″ for quite some time now in my bottom hole… my second hole is pretty irritated, but i plan on sticking out the pain of this one instead of trying to take it out and let it close up. it has hurt for about 4 days now on and off… i have enough skin to where if it rips, it will rip up or down and not out… i will give you a update on if it ever quits hurting or not or if it is even possible for them to heal… someone has to try it…
by the way.. i was referring to using kaos for these… i also stretched my lobes to a inch in a year from not being peirced at all… so i am guessing the elasticy of my skin may help…
by the way.. i was referring to using kaos for these… i also stretched my lobes to a inch in a year from not being peirced at all… so i am guessing the elasticy of my skin may help…