What is a Plug Piercing

What is a Plug Piercing?

A plug piercing is a type of body jewelry in which a piece of jewelry, called a "plug," is worn in a stretched earlobe or other stretched piercing. These plugs, often made of materials such as wood, acrylic, stainless steel, glass, or silicone, have a cylindrical shape and are used to gradually enlarge a piercing. Plug piercings are popular within body modification cultures and are often seen as an expression of personal style and identity.

Features of Plug Piercings

Plug piercings have some unique features that distinguish them from other types of piercings:

1. Stretching Piercing

A plug piercing is usually worn in a stretched earlobe. This means the original piercing has been gradually stretched to a larger size to allow for the wearing of larger jewelry.

2. Cylindrical Shape

Plugs are cylindrical and come in various sizes, depending on the degree of stretch of the piercing. Sizes are often indicated in millimeters or inches, with larger sizes being wider.

3. Miscellaneous Materials

Plug piercings are made of various materials such as:

  • Stainless Steel : Durable and hypoallergenic, ideal for people with sensitive skin.
  • Wood : Organic and lightweight, provides a natural look.
  • Acrylic : Affordable and available in many different colors and designs.
  • Glass : Hypoallergenic and safe for healing, but more fragile than other materials.
  • Silicone : Flexible and comfortable, especially for larger sizes.

4. Different Designs

Plugs can be simple, such as solid-colored ones, or more elaborate with engravings, patterns, or even inlaid gemstones. This offers the wearer many opportunities to express their style.

The Stretching Process for Plug Piercings

The process of stretching a piercing to accommodate a plug should be done carefully and gradually to avoid damage or complications:

1. Step by Step Stretching

Stretching a piercing is done in small increments. Typically, you start with a standard piercing size (usually 1.2 mm) and then gradually increase the size to larger sizes, such as 2 mm, 4 mm, and beyond. The stretching process can take weeks to months, depending on how quickly the body heals and the skin adapts.

2. Use of Tapers

A taper is a tool that helps stretch a piercing. It has a tapered shape and is gently pushed through the piercing to widen the opening. The plug is then placed directly into the stretched opening.

3. Healing time

After each stretching step, the piercing should be given sufficient time to heal before further increasing its size. This helps prevent complications such as tearing or infection.

Materials for Plug Piercings

As mentioned, plugs are made from different materials, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel plugs are durable, hypoallergenic, and very popular because of their long lifespan. They're a good choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

2. Wood

Wooden plugs offer a natural, organic look. Wood is lightweight and comfortable to wear, but it should be avoided in fresh piercings as it can retain moisture and therefore cause infection.

3. Acrylic

Acrylic plugs are affordable and available in many different colors and styles. While they're often used for everyday adornment, some people with sensitive skin may react to acrylic.

4. Glass

Glass plugs are hypoallergenic and very smooth, making them easy to insert and remove from the piercing. They are safe for healing, but can be fragile.

5. Silicone

Silicone plugs are flexible and comfortable, especially in larger sizes. They are ideal for everyday use, but are sometimes not recommended for fresh or healing piercings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Plug Piercings

How much can I stretch my earlobe for a plug piercing?

The extent to which you can stretch your earlobe depends on personal preference and the elasticity of your skin. Plugs are available in sizes ranging from a few millimeters to centimeters. Most people start with smaller sizes and gradually work their way up.

Is stretching a piercing painful?

Stretching a piercing can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. If you experience pain, it might mean you're stretching too quickly. It's important to do the process slowly to prevent tearing or scarring.

Can you close a stretched earlobe?

If you stop wearing earplugs, the stretched earlobe may partially shrink back, depending on the extent of the stretch and how long you've worn the plug. Smaller sizes (up to about 8 mm) can often heal completely, while larger sizes may not close completely without surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Plug piercings are a popular form of body art where the earlobe or other piercing is gradually stretched to accommodate larger jewelry. Due to the variety of materials and styles, plug piercings can be both subtle and daring, depending on personal preference. With proper care and attention to the stretching process, a plug piercing can be a stylish and unique way to express yourself.