How do i start gauges in my ears?

-i've had my ears pierced for a long time and i want to get plugs now. how do i start them and what size gauges do i start them at? i've heard 20, 18, and 16 but i dont know which is right or how to do it. also, where online or what stores can i get plugs from? thanks!It is safe to buy 16 gauge tapers and plugs since your ears are probably 20 or 18 right now. Spencer's, Hot Topic, Medusa, and piercing shops sell tapers and plugs.

Once you get them, remover your current earrings. Then put cleaning solution on the tapers and insert them slowly straight into your ears as your would a normal earring. This process should not hurt. If it does, you should back the tapers out a little and keep them in for a few hours, gently pressing them in farther (as long as it doesn't hurt). Once they are fully in, align the plugs (of the same size) with the end of the tapers and push them through. The tapers will fall out the back and your plugs will be in. Do them one at a time of course.

Keep your plugs in for at least a week before attempting to stretch your ears again. Clean the holes with saline solution once or twice a day.you can find them at spencers in the mall. usually if you have a reagular perceing earing and you want to start gauging your ears your best bet is to start with a 16.
What size are you currently?

I would assume either 20 or 18. Well, if you're at a 18g then get a 16g taper and plug (Using steel is best).

How much do you want to stretch your lobes?

I would suggest getting a kit off Amazon.com or Bodyartforms.com

Oops I forgot read this:

http://forums.bodyartforms.com/showthrea鈥?/a>
Hot Topic has some pretty sick gauges :)

http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Homepage.jsp