Ear reconstruction is getting more common all the time. I’m not sure how I feel about it, because to me it says one of two things: either a lot of people don’t consider the long term implications of permanent body modification, or ear stretching has a lot more physical complications than I believe it has. Anyway, even though removal is an option (be it with lobes or tattoos), I hope people go into body modification experiences with the idea that they’re a life-long commitment. As with most things, it’s a lot harder to climb down than it is to climb up!
That said, if you find yourself in Iquique, Chile, and you’re in need of smaller lobes, visit Felipe Silva at Crew Tattoo. Below is a 2″ ear loop that he removed, both before, and healed.
PS. See also: ear stretching disaster results in removal, another 50mm to 0mm lobe reduction, and of course BME’s lobe reconstruction/removal gallery.
Comments
98 responses to “From 2″ to 0″ in a few minutes…”
I can admit, I am a tad biased in the sense that I really love stretched ears, but that is some great work. I don’t know if I could ever go back and see myself with “normal” lobes ever again.
As for whoever commented on the teacher bit…it is possible to camouflage those lobes (up to an inch anyways). I know several teachers who have stretched ears (none in excess of 3/4″), but they use those silicone “hider” plugs. I’m not saying that it was the easiest path for them to take, but they did it.
I can admit, I am a tad biased in the sense that I really love stretched ears, but that is some great work. I don’t know if I could ever go back and see myself with “normal” lobes ever again.
As for whoever commented on the teacher bit…it is possible to camouflage those lobes (up to an inch anyways). I know several teachers who have stretched ears (none in excess of 3/4″), but they use those silicone “hider” plugs. I’m not saying that it was the easiest path for them to take, but they did it.
I’ll just clarify that I REALLY know that I’ll still adore body mods in 10 years’ time – otherwise I’d have to have a giant tattoo saying “I hate tattoos”.
I’ll just clarify that I REALLY know that I’ll still adore body mods in 10 years’ time – otherwise I’d have to have a giant tattoo saying “I hate tattoos”.
I don’t see what the problem is — earlobe reconstruction is just people modifying their bodies as they see fit. Just because ear stretching is “permanent” insofar as it cannot be corrected without minor surgery does not necessitate the idea that ear stretching in the twenty first century is permanent. People who get reconstructive surgery on their ears do not necessarily lack foresight — they either have extenuating circumstances or merely have tired of the aesthetic of it.
Not every body-mod has to be spiritual.
I don’t see what the problem is — earlobe reconstruction is just people modifying their bodies as they see fit. Just because ear stretching is “permanent” insofar as it cannot be corrected without minor surgery does not necessitate the idea that ear stretching in the twenty first century is permanent. People who get reconstructive surgery on their ears do not necessarily lack foresight — they either have extenuating circumstances or merely have tired of the aesthetic of it.
Not every body-mod has to be spiritual.
Stretching your lobes is body modification. Cutting them is stil body modification. And I can’t think one mod is better than another.
In my opinion it’s not necessarily a matter of “going back”, but more “looking different”.
Of course, it’s easier and safer not to stretch at all, and I don’t think that you should stretch saying to youself “oh nevermind, i can just cut them off if I get bored”. Personnally (I emphasize on this word : p) I just have OGa lobes and I won’t go further before I’m 100% sure I will love my stretch lobes all my life. That implies at least finishing my studies and get a job.
Stretching your lobes is body modification. Cutting them is stil body modification. And I can’t think one mod is better than another.
In my opinion it’s not necessarily a matter of “going back”, but more “looking different”.
Of course, it’s easier and safer not to stretch at all, and I don’t think that you should stretch saying to youself “oh nevermind, i can just cut them off if I get bored”. Personnally (I emphasize on this word : p) I just have OGa lobes and I won’t go further before I’m 100% sure I will love my stretch lobes all my life. That implies at least finishing my studies and get a job.
Good work!!!!
Good work!!!!
to Fielipe Silva, thats some outstanding work, it puts alot of the reconstruction from doctors and cosmetic surgeons that have been on here to shame.
I plan on having my right lobe reconstructed sometime in the future (hopefully soon) I was stupid and wanted to go big and do it fast and fucked my lobe up real bad in the process, I don’t want to go back to having normal lobes I want to start stretching once the righty is healed and ready for it again. I think alot of people don’t think about it as being permanent, I sure did’nt when I first started but it I had very little info and not many people that I knew had stretched lobes and the ones that did gave me shit advice like using electrical tape and padlocks…my stupid ass fault and now I’m paying for it.
to Fielipe Silva, thats some outstanding work, it puts alot of the reconstruction from doctors and cosmetic surgeons that have been on here to shame.
I plan on having my right lobe reconstructed sometime in the future (hopefully soon) I was stupid and wanted to go big and do it fast and fucked my lobe up real bad in the process, I don’t want to go back to having normal lobes I want to start stretching once the righty is healed and ready for it again. I think alot of people don’t think about it as being permanent, I sure did’nt when I first started but it I had very little info and not many people that I knew had stretched lobes and the ones that did gave me shit advice like using electrical tape and padlocks…my stupid ass fault and now I’m paying for it.
I had my earlobes removed a few years ago. They looked positively hideous (IMHO) from poor stretching techniques early on. I regret not having more patience, but I don’t regret stretching them, even though I ultimately wound up removing them.
Piercings were only accessories for me; as mentioned previously, I also simply tired of the aesthetic. I enjoyed them while they were in their prime.
I had my earlobes removed a few years ago. They looked positively hideous (IMHO) from poor stretching techniques early on. I regret not having more patience, but I don’t regret stretching them, even though I ultimately wound up removing them.
Piercings were only accessories for me; as mentioned previously, I also simply tired of the aesthetic. I enjoyed them while they were in their prime.
It looks like the new lobe piercing is a little low? (haven’t read all the comments, I will soon, just in a rush.)
It looks like the new lobe piercing is a little low? (haven’t read all the comments, I will soon, just in a rush.)
I’ve taken my plugs out after stretching for about 10 years, I’ve never gone past a 3/4, I will have my lobes worked on because I find that gaping sagging hole in ears very unattractive. It was great while it lasted minus the infection.
I’ve taken my plugs out after stretching for about 10 years, I’ve never gone past a 3/4, I will have my lobes worked on because I find that gaping sagging hole in ears very unattractive. It was great while it lasted minus the infection.
“I didn’t read the title and seriously thought someone had their ear removed…”
hahahaha me too!
“I didn’t read the title and seriously thought someone had their ear removed…”
hahahaha me too!
Hha, i thought they had their whole ear removed too….along with the rest of us.
Hha, i thought they had their whole ear removed too….along with the rest of us.
I don’t see how its so difficult to get a job with stretched lobes, as long as they are on the smaller size and the job allows jewelry. No one knows I have stretched lobes unless I have tunnels in or spirals. Simple solid plugs and you can’t tell. They’re only 0g but I don’t think I’ll have to get rid of them when I start working for real.
I don’t see how its so difficult to get a job with stretched lobes, as long as they are on the smaller size and the job allows jewelry. No one knows I have stretched lobes unless I have tunnels in or spirals. Simple solid plugs and you can’t tell. They’re only 0g but I don’t think I’ll have to get rid of them when I start working for real.
It tells me that some people change their mind about constantly being stared at and being asked stupid questions. It may also come from the idea that it is holding you back career-wise, because the squares don’t take you seriously. Maybe it’s because the cops treat you like a suspect or a criminal when they pull you over and security guard folow you around in department stores. Unfortunately the majority of people have not yet evolved to the point where they don’t judge others by their appearance, and this is the majority of the apes in charge.
I am contemplating “corrective surgery” for my stretched ears right now BTW.
It tells me that some people change their mind about constantly being stared at and being asked stupid questions. It may also come from the idea that it is holding you back career-wise, because the squares don’t take you seriously. Maybe it’s because the cops treat you like a suspect or a criminal when they pull you over and security guard folow you around in department stores. Unfortunately the majority of people have not yet evolved to the point where they don’t judge others by their appearance, and this is the majority of the apes in charge.
I am contemplating “corrective surgery” for my stretched ears right now BTW.
thanks shannon you do not know to whichever esteem your words.
Saludos.
Felipe Silva ( my english is bad)
thanks shannon you do not know to whichever esteem your words.
Saludos.
Felipe Silva ( my english is bad)
the finished ear is pretty
the finished ear is pretty
I have 1-1/2 inch ears, and i have been thinking of getting them “reconstructed”. I would miss them so much, it would be work of 5 years, gone. Whenever i think about it, i know i’d hate myself for doing it. I just wish it was that much of an impact on my life.
I have 1-1/2 inch ears, and i have been thinking of getting them “reconstructed”. I would miss them so much, it would be work of 5 years, gone. Whenever i think about it, i know i’d hate myself for doing it. I just wish it was that much of an impact on my life.
Good work.
I recently had my lobes “reconstructed” for personal reasons. I’m still employed and active in the body mod industry, but for me personally it was the right choice.
Remember ya’ll, don’t be too quick to judge somebody based on how they chose to modify their body…
Good work.
I recently had my lobes “reconstructed” for personal reasons. I’m still employed and active in the body mod industry, but for me personally it was the right choice.
Remember ya’ll, don’t be too quick to judge somebody based on how they chose to modify their body…
Great looking work, Felipe. I was a little confused when I first looked at the pictures, because the first one looks like it’s a cut-off ear.
Great looking work, Felipe. I was a little confused when I first looked at the pictures, because the first one looks like it’s a cut-off ear.
I’m unclear: was this procedure precipitated by a problem with the stretching or was it ‘purely’ elective?
I’m unclear: was this procedure precipitated by a problem with the stretching or was it ‘purely’ elective?
Think before you do.
It’s simple really.
Think before you do.
It’s simple really.
the picture on the left looks like a gross saggy vag.
the picture on the left looks like a gross saggy vag.
I agree with #28.
I don’t really see the big deal, either. Although stretched, it’s still a piercing. Piercings come and go. They get retired. I have 14, and love them all dearly, but I don’t wear jewelry in one of them and it’s probably completely closed by now. It makes me sad, yes, but I’ve moved beyond that one.
I love my stretched lobes. I’m only at 02g even though I’ve been doing it for 4-5 years now. I don’t mind going slow. But all along I’ve known I might not have them forever. Some of my piercings I’d never dream of getting rid of, others I know they might disappear someday.
Shannon & others, I’m curious if you feel the same way about old tattoos being covered up or removed? More meaning tends to go into tattoos, yet I don’t see people “mourning” the loss of the old tattoos as much as reconstructed earlobes.
Everyone has a different reason for things. I think you should give them more credit than just “they didn’t think about it enough”/physical complications. And if they just changed their mind–so what? There’s nothing wrong with that.
And not everything is permanent…
Anyway, congrats to her and her new lobe. It looks great 🙂
I agree with #28.
I don’t really see the big deal, either. Although stretched, it’s still a piercing. Piercings come and go. They get retired. I have 14, and love them all dearly, but I don’t wear jewelry in one of them and it’s probably completely closed by now. It makes me sad, yes, but I’ve moved beyond that one.
I love my stretched lobes. I’m only at 02g even though I’ve been doing it for 4-5 years now. I don’t mind going slow. But all along I’ve known I might not have them forever. Some of my piercings I’d never dream of getting rid of, others I know they might disappear someday.
Shannon & others, I’m curious if you feel the same way about old tattoos being covered up or removed? More meaning tends to go into tattoos, yet I don’t see people “mourning” the loss of the old tattoos as much as reconstructed earlobes.
Everyone has a different reason for things. I think you should give them more credit than just “they didn’t think about it enough”/physical complications. And if they just changed their mind–so what? There’s nothing wrong with that.
And not everything is permanent…
Anyway, congrats to her and her new lobe. It looks great 🙂
this is the reason i have not streached my ears, because how do you know that you would want them forever? they are a pretty visiple modification (i.e. on your head) and how do you know that in twenty years you wont want to wear sparkly dangly earing.
great job on the reconstruction, i hope she is happy with them
this is the reason i have not streached my ears, because how do you know that you would want them forever? they are a pretty visiple modification (i.e. on your head) and how do you know that in twenty years you wont want to wear sparkly dangly earing.
great job on the reconstruction, i hope she is happy with them
Wow that is a excellent reconstruct. Personally I’ve never liked stretched lobes, but that’s just me. Your body changes, your mind changes, your direction in life changes, as can your mods if you want them to. It happens.
Wow that is a excellent reconstruct. Personally I’ve never liked stretched lobes, but that’s just me. Your body changes, your mind changes, your direction in life changes, as can your mods if you want them to. It happens.