Flesh Tunnels and Plugs Piercing

Flesh tunnels and plugs

Are you looking for a good online piercing shop for flesh plugs and flesh tunnels, but everywhere you only find the same boring products and hardly any information on stretching and proper care of ear plugs and tunnels?

This site offers you not only a well-organized shop with a huge selection of exclusive designs, but also all the necessary information about lobe piercing.

Because we want to make our customers happy, this includes special jewelry pieces that are only available from us and providing the most important tips and necessary knowledge that you need if you want to start stretching.

So that in the end you have beautiful flesh tunnels - with jewelry that everyone will envy! And no pain, no torn slits in the ear, and no infected wounds.

Trend or tradition?

Right now, you see them everywhere: teenagers and young adults with stretched earlobes. These range from tiny 4mm holes with delicate, intricate jewelry like hand-carved stretching spirals or hooks made of bone, horn, or wood, to enormous flesh tunnels. In our part of the world, the maximum diameter is around six centimeters! Even larger sizes are common among indigenous cultures, with stretches up to 15 centimeters having been observed. Which brings us to the question: are flesh tunnels and flesh plugs just a short-lived hipster trend, or do they have a long tradition? And indeed, they do: stretched earlobes have long been common not only among indigenous peoples in Africa, America, and Asia, but also in ancient cultures and among famous figures. Stretched earlobes were often a sign of wealth, displayed by adorning them with precious jewelry, which is how the stretching came about (a practice still observed in some tribes today). Famous examples of stretched ears are Buddha (when he gave up his wealth, his stretched ears remained) and Tutankhamun.

All beginnings are difficult

So how does one get such a large ear piercing? Well, dear piercing enthusiasts, it unfortunately requires patience, at least if you want to get through it painlessly and without torn earlobes or infections. You actually start with a regular ear piercing, which you then stretch bit by bit to make it bigger. There's also the option of punching. With a dermal punch, a round area is punched out of the cartilage or connective tissue; impatient people also use this method for flesh tunnels and flesh plugs. However, you have to be aware that you're removing tissue, which you'll later need for stretching. Because a larger stretch only works if there's still enough tissue around the tunnel; otherwise, tears will occur. If the skin at the edges becomes too thin, there will also be problems with blood circulation. So it definitely makes sense to take the long way around. You stretch by about one millimeter per week, using stretching rods or spirals. Once you reach a certain size, flesh plugs or flesh tunnels will also fit in your ear. These are available starting at 2mm. But even smaller sizes offer fantastic ear jewelry, such as mini stretching spirals made of horn, mother-of-pearl, bone, or wood. These delicately carved beauties are harder to find later with larger diameters, so don't be impatient; enjoy each stretching stage, because there's unique jewelry everywhere, allowing even small diameters to be styled beautifully and strikingly.

What if something goes wrong, or I no longer want the flesh tunnel in my ear?

Yes, this can happen too: if you stretch too quickly, or if the initial earlobe piercing isn't centered, you can get what's called a "slit ear": the tunnel tears, and the two dangling ends won't heal together on their own without contact – very unsightly. Or your taste might change with age, and you might simply get tired of those huge holes in your earlobes when you're 40 or 50. Luckily, there's a solution for both: plastic surgery. In a minor procedure lasting between 15 and 30 minutes, performed under local anesthesia, the earlobe is reconstructed. This involves removing the outer epithelial layer, redistributing tissue, and then stitching it back together. It's technically feasible, but it comes at a price. So think carefully about how big you want to stretch your flesh tunnels. The hole will shrink on its own if you gradually insert smaller flesh plugs and reduce the size step by step, but it will never disappear completely.

Which piercing style suits me best?

You've probably all read about them or seen them before: there are plugs and tunnels, which can be single flared, straight, ribbed, or double flared. There are also spikes, stretching rods, hooks, spirals, ear weights, and so on… But what does all of this actually mean, and which one is right for me?

The simplest difference first: plug or tunnel. Both fill the piercing channel, but the flesh plug fills it completely, while a flesh tunnel leaves a large opening through which you can see: it's like a ring, so the hole in the ear remains visible when worn. Which you prefer is a matter of taste. However, for an ear plug or flesh tunnel to stay securely in the piercing channel and not simply slip out, it needs to be held in place, and this can be ensured in three ways:

Single-flared flesh plugs and flesh tunnels have a rim or outward curve on one side, while the other side is completely smooth and straight with only a notch. This straight side is inserted through the earlobe, and then a rubber ring is slipped over it from behind, resting in the notch. The rubber ring prevents the plug from slipping out. From the front, it appears quite large, yet can still be easily threaded into the earlobe.

Ribbed tunnels and plugs are straight in the middle but have a small rim protruding at the top and bottom. This rim on the front and back prevents the flesh tunnel from falling out. Unlike a single flared plug, this type of flesh plug is slightly more difficult to insert because you also have to thread the rim through the earlobe, which requires some stretching.

Double-flared earplugs and tunnels have a specific shape: the plug is wider at the front and back, but curves slightly inwards at the sides, meaning it appears to curve inwards towards the center when viewed from the side. Even with this popular shape, you need to stretch it a little when inserting it, as the outer edges are somewhat wider.

Metal and acrylic plugs also include threaded flesh tunnels. These screw-in plugs usually have wide rims, but they can be screwed on, easily inserted, and then screwed back on in the ear, as the center is narrow. With threaded flesh plugs, please be sure to test before insertion whether the piercing opens and closes easily, and then do not screw them on too tightly in the ear.

Stretching spirals , spikes, hooks, and tapers all have a specific part that is pushed through the earlobe; this part is either straight or bent like a hook. It starts narrow and gradually widens. These lobe piercings are simply threaded into the earlobe and slowly pushed through to the desired position.

Ear weights are a special case: these are hung in the earlobe along with stretching spirals and hooks, usually on a hook, but sometimes like half-tunnels, though they don't completely fill the earlobe. The purpose of the weight isn't to stretch the ear, but to display the stretched earlobe in its full size. A portion of the earlobe is intentionally left open and visible as a hole. This trend has recently been rediscovered, but as we learned above, it was still common practice among indigenous peoples today, or even during the time of Buddha.

Which material should I choose?

Plugs, lobe piercings, and tunnels are available in a wide variety of materials, such as wood, horn, bone, mother-of-pearl, stone, glass, silicone, acrylic, stainless steel, brass, or sterling silver. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages.

We will present a few materials as examples:

Wood: allows the skin to breathe, and it doesn't produce unpleasant odors. It also adapts to body temperature, is very lightweight, and nickel-free. Furthermore, the jewelry pieces are often handmade and therefore unique. Disadvantages: not as durable as metal, sensitive to water contact (should be removed before showering, bathing, etc., and cared for with oil instead of water), no threading is possible, and it lacks a metallic look. Some people are allergic to certain types of wood.

➥ Types of wood piercings

Horn, mother-of-pearl, and bone: also lightweight, nickel-free, allow the skin to breathe, and maintain body temperature. These piercings are also often hand-carved, unique pieces. Water contact is less problematic, but these materials are sometimes more delicate (risk of breakage) than wood; a metallic look and threading are also not possible.

Organic piercings are not suitable for freshly stretched ears because they absorb fluids, which is normally an advantage. However, during the healing process, this also applies to wound fluid: this can clot and stick to the ear, making it painful to remove. Furthermore, organic materials cannot be sterilized, and non-sterile piercings like flesh plugs and flesh tunnels should not be used in freshly stretched, still-healing earlobes.

Metals like stainless steel , brass, or silver : The clear advantage is their stability, allowing for more delicate designs and screw threads, as well as their shiny metallic look and smooth surface. Designs range from modern to tribal (Afghan, Indian, Thai). Surgical steel is hygienically well-tolerated, brass is certified lead-free, cadmium-free, and nickel-free, and 925 sterling silver is generally well-tolerated. Disadvantages: these tubes are cold and heavy and don't allow the skin to breathe. This can lead to sebum buildup and unpleasant odors after prolonged wear. Furthermore, not everyone tolerates brass, as it can react with sweat and discolor in some people.

Silicone: The advantage is, of course, that this material is very soft, light, and therefore very comfortable. It's easiest to wear regular earrings underneath flesh plugs to wear both. These flesh tunnels are also much more comfortable to wear at night while sleeping, during sports, or under a motorcycle helmet than hard materials, and they are also shatterproof. Silicone comes in a wide variety of colors and is inexpensive; however, it doesn't allow the skin to breathe and can therefore lead to odor, which is why it's not suitable for freshly stretched ear piercings. Furthermore, particularly delicate shapes aren't possible, and the finish is rather matte.

Acrylic : Acrylic plugs offer a wide variety of designs. Because they are machine-made, not handmade, even intricate designs are possible, though these are only printed on the plug. Acrylic is lightweight and inexpensive, and threaded options are available, although the threads are more delicate than those of a steel tunnel. It is generally well-tolerated by the skin and its smooth surface allows for easy insertion. However, like other materials, acrylic plugs don't allow your skin to breathe, which can lead to sebum buildup and unpleasant odors. If the plug creates an extremely tight seal, the skin can become inflamed and weepy, as it doesn't absorb fluids (such as sweat), so please be careful. For short-term wear, however, acrylic tunnels are generally not a problem.

So, we hope we've given you a comprehensive overview of flesh plugs and flesh tunnels. You can also find information about getting pierced (including the standard lobe piercing, which is the starting point for stretching) and aftercare in our FAQs. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. Now, we hope you enjoy browsing our extensive selection. In addition to classic designs, we also offer unique models and, of course, the latest trends. To ensure you're always at the forefront of what's available, we're constantly expanding our range. We also create many of our own designs, which you'll only find here, so you can become a trendsetter instead of wearing boring mass-produced items that are everywhere. Our customers are individual and diverse – and our products reflect that, with many being handcrafted and made from natural materials, making them truly one-of-a-kind. So what are you waiting for? Find your favorite flesh plug and flesh tunnel from Chic-Net!

➥ Tips and tricks if the tunnel smells

➥ How to properly stretch or close flesh tunnel earlobes

➥ Tribal jewelry at CHICNET comes in various styles.

Flesh Plug Sizes

Flesh plugs are a type of body jewelry used in piercings to stretch or enlarge the opening. They are commonly used in ear, eyebrow, or lip piercings.

Flesh plugs are typically made of materials such as stainless steel, titanium, acrylic, or wood and have a spherical or tunnel shape. They are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different levels of stretching.

Plugs come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different levels of stretching in piercings. Some common plug sizes are: 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and so on. Larger sizes such as 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, and so on are also available for those who desire greater stretching.

It's important to note that not every size is suitable for all types of piercings. A professional can help you determine the correct size for your piercing based on its size and condition, as well as your stretching goals.

Extra-large or XL plugs are designed for those who desire a particularly strong stretching of the piercing. These sizes can be, for example, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm and larger.

It's important to note that extra-large or XL sizes are not suitable for all types of piercings, and significant stretching of the piercing may not be appropriate or safe for everyone. It's crucial to consult an experienced professional before choosing such a size to confirm it's safe and suitable for the piercing.

Wooden tunnels are a type of flesh plug that can be inserted into piercings to stretch or enlarge the opening. A wooden tunnel with a size of 10mm, for example, refers to the diameter of the tunnel and can be used for certain piercings that already have a 10mm opening.

Wooden plugs larger than 30mm are intended for people who want to significantly stretch their piercing. However, it's important to note that such large sizes are not suitable for all types of piercings, and significant stretching may not be appropriate or safe for everyone. It's crucial to consult an experienced professional before choosing such a size to confirm it's safe and suitable for your piercing.

As with any piercing, thorough hygiene should be observed when using plugs to minimize the risk of infection. It is also important to ensure that the piercing is fully healed before inserting a plug to reduce the risk of damage or complications.

It's important to note that enlarging a piercing with plugs is irreversible, as the piercing tissue, once stretched, cannot be compressed again. Therefore, you should carefully consider your decision and, if necessary, consult a professional before getting a piercing.

Flesh plugs are a type of body jewelry used in piercings to stretch or enlarge the opening. They are commonly used in ear, eyebrow, or lip piercings.

Flesh plugs are typically made of materials such as stainless steel, titanium, acrylic, or wood and have a spherical or tunnel shape. They are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different levels of stretching.

Plugs come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different levels of stretching in piercings. Some common plug sizes are: 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and so on. Larger sizes such as 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, and so on are also available for those who desire greater stretching.

It's important to note that not every size is suitable for all types of piercings. A professional can help you determine the correct size for your piercing based on its size and condition, as well as your stretching goals.

Extra-large or XL plugs are designed for those who desire a particularly strong stretching of the piercing. These sizes can be, for example, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm and larger.

It's important to note that extra-large or XL sizes are not suitable for all types of piercings, and significant stretching of the piercing may not be appropriate or safe for everyone. It's crucial to consult an experienced professional before choosing such a size to confirm it's safe and suitable for the piercing.

Wooden tunnels are a type of flesh plug that can be inserted into piercings to stretch or enlarge the opening. A wooden tunnel with a size of 10mm, for example, refers to the diameter of the tunnel and can be used for certain piercings that already have a 10mm opening.

Wooden plugs larger than 30mm are intended for people who want to significantly stretch their piercing. However, it's important to note that such large sizes are not suitable for all types of piercings, and significant stretching may not be appropriate or safe for everyone. It's crucial to consult an experienced professional before choosing such a size to confirm it's safe and suitable for your piercing.

As with any piercing, thorough hygiene should be observed when using plugs to minimize the risk of infection. It is also important to ensure that the piercing is fully healed before inserting a plug to reduce the risk of damage or complications.

It's important to note that enlarging a piercing with plugs is irreversible, as the piercing tissue, once stretched, cannot be compressed again. Therefore, you should carefully consider your decision and, if necessary, consult a professional before getting a piercing.