Piercing question

[TV guy]

I need to be able to take the jewelry out on occasion - I only have one piercing per ear, in the lobe. My ears close over very quickly so I was thinking of using those tunnel/donut things to keep the hole open. So my questions are;

• 1. What are those damm things properly called anyway?
• 2. What is the smallest size available - I really don't want to stretch the lobes
• 3. I've heard that they're available in a nearly invisible silicone; true?

Any help would be appreciated.

[CraftyGuy]

I could be wrong, but I think they're called gauges. 

Can't help with the other questions though.

[baldOUfan]

yes on clear on size not sure google gauge size or something like body jewelry 

[mrzed]

www.chaingang.com has some hider plugs, but I don't think they go as small as you are interested in.

[Lynchy]

You could just get a clear stud?

Realistically you should be able to leave it out for a while without an issue!

[Hingatao]

Lynchy's right. Taking the studs out occasionally won't be an issue. I've got both ears pierced but haven't worn anything in my right ear for at least a year and the hole is still there.

[TV guy]

I guess I just got fast ears ' cause if I go a month or more with nothing in the holes, they're closed over.

[Blitzed]

On the other hand, or should I say ear, I had worn an earring for two years,  occasionally taking it out to put in a new one or clean the area and then....the hospital insisted that I remove it whilst I had surgery. Four days later it had completely closed up-I asked my surgeon to look-and he confimed it. If one pressed on the lobe there was a slightly hard place in the ear but no visible sign that it was ever there. Now the question is whether to start over and, if so, whether to get both sides done....

[Hingatao]

There's probably no reason not to start over. As far as whether or not to pierce both goes, that's a matter of personal preference. It'll probably cost the same either way. My suggestion would be to do both to see if you like it. If not, just let one of the holes close up.