Which Type of Earring and Which Piercing Point Is Safest with Regard to Tearing Through the Ear by an External Force?

Abstract

The 4-mm point is recommended for hoops, buckles, and studs, and the 8-mm point or higher is recommended for screws and hooks.

Laser Earlobe Revision

“…A final point of consideration involves the relationship between piercing points and the types of earrings and mechanical force needed for them to tear the earlobe. Hwang and Hwang studied earring tensions when placed 4, 8, and 12 mm from the lowest earlobe border and the amount of force and degree of pull necessary for the earrings to tear the lobe . Based on their study, a 4‐mm point is recommended for hoops, buckles, and studs, and an 8‐mm point or more is recommended for screws and hooks .…”

“…Hwang and Hwang studied earring tensions when placed 4, 8, and 12 mm from the lowest earlobe border and the amount of force and degree of pull necessary for the earrings to tear the lobe . Based on their study, a 4‐mm point is recommended for hoops, buckles, and studs, and an 8‐mm point or more is recommended for screws and hooks . It is thus important to discuss earring placement and earring types commonly worn with patients when contemplating repiercing after earlobe repair.…”