My daughter weighs in yet again
:
It seems like you stretched 2mm per stretch recently. Unless you’re using a very gradual method such as Teflon tape, this can leave micro-tears in your ears. Over time, these tears can leave scar tissue, which can make both stretching and healing harder.
7mm and 9mm (1g and 00g) can be hard to find. However, bodyjewelleryshop.com (who is in the UK) carries 3mm through 12mm in steel flesh tunnels. The product page is here:
http://www.bodyjewelleryshop.com/onl...be_3386258.cfm
The also have steel tapers for 1.6mm through 15mm. The product page is here:
http://www.bodyjewelleryshop.com/onl...ns_4020428.cfm
Glasswear Studios (an American company) also sells all sizes, though their prices are a little higher. However, they have an amazing variety and their work is flawless.
http://glasswearstudios.com
The 11mm size is actually sold as 7/16in. So, try looking for that size through American retailers like
http://www.bodyartforms.com or
http://steelnavel.com. Bodyjewelleryshop.com also sells 11mm tunnels and tapers.
To help minimize scar tissue, make sure you wait at least three months between stretches.
Massage your ears (as mentioned previously) with the appropriate oil. (Emu oil can actually help to soften scar tissue.)
Make sure to lubricate all tapers and jewelry with oil before insertion.
If you’re inserting a taper and it feels painful, stop. Remove the taper and replace the old jewelry. Wait another two weeks before trying to stretch again.