Nipple Stretching: What You Need to Know

Stretching your nipple piercings is a popular form of body modification. But before you get started on this body modification technique, it’s essential to understand the risks and how to do it safely. Here is what you need to know about nipple stretching to decide if it’s right for you.

What is Nipple Stretching?

Nipple stretching is a form of body modification that involves gradually increasing the gauge size of your nipple piercing.  It can be done for aesthetic reasons or to make them more sensitive. If you're interested in trying nipple stretching, it's essential to do your research and start slowly. Talk to your doctor or a piercer who has experience with this type of modification before getting started.

Types of Jewelry for Nipple Stretching

Many types of jewelry can be used for nipple stretching. The most popular type is the barbell, a straight bar with a ball on each end. It is inserted through the piercing, and the balls sit on either side of the opening. You can also use circular barbells, horseshoe shaped jewelry made of surgical steel that go through the piercing and sit around the opening. There are also captive bead rings with a small bead in the center of the ball. This type of jewelry is less likely to fall out and can be tightened or loosened as needed.

Gauge size for nipple rings

Both male and female nipple jewelry should be more than 2 mm longer than the piercing and between 16-12 gauge in size. Captive bead rings and horseshoe rings should be between 14-12 gauge in size, with no more than ⅓ of the ring passing through the nipple.  The majority of nipple jewelry comes in a 14 gauge size as standard. However, it is possible to increase the size of the nipple jewelry. How big you can go in terms of gauge size depends on your anatomy and is different for everyone. 

The Process of Stretching Your Nipples

When it comes to stretching your nipples, there are a few things you need to know in order to do it safely and effectively. First, you must ensure your nipples are clean and dry. You don't want any bacteria or irritants getting into your body through your nipples. Your nipple piercings must also be fully healed before you start increasing the gauge.  It is essential to stretch your nipples safely to avoid infection or causing damage to the area.. You should not stretch your nipples if you are not okay with the potential of having them permanently stretched.  All stretching methods except dermal punching can be used with nipple stretching. Tapers, Teflon tape, and weights are all safe methods for stretching nipple piercings. However, keep in mind that nipple stretching takes a lot of time. This is a sensitive area of your body; fully healing takes a long time and patience. If stretching your piercing hurts, stop. You may be going up in size too quickly, causing trauma to the piercing. Only go up one gauge at a time, do not skip gauges. This can cause permanent damage and harm to your body. The more room a piece of jewelry has, the higher the chance of keloids, migration, and rejection become. Be extremely careful about jewelry size, and monitor your piercings closely throughout the process. 

Aftercare Tips for Nipple Piercing Stretching

After you have your nipple piercing stretched, it is important to take care of the area to ensure proper healing. Here are some aftercare tips to follow: 

• Keep the area clean by washing it twice a day with mild soap and water. 
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or other recommended ointment to moisten the area and prevent scabbing. 
• Avoid touching or picking at the piercing. 
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritation. 
• Sleep on your back or stomach to avoid putting pressure on the piercing. 
• Do not expose the piercing to harsh chemicals, sun, or salt water.