Singer AJ Rafael reveals transformation after 18 years of ear gauges

For nearly two decades, singer-songwriter AJ Rafael was defined by a specific look. Influenced by the punk-rock scene of his youth, he began stretching his ears as a teenager.

"I remember seeing a bunch of stretched ears at Warped Tour and I wanted to be like them. I also was just blooming as a musician and artist at the time, and I wanted to have a specific look," he told PEOPLE.

Despite his mother’s concerns and negative comments from his church community, he embraced the "ugly" holes as a badge of artistic individuality.

Now 36 and expecting his first child, the Los Angeles-based artist decided it was time for a change. While he once dreamt of being the "cool dad" with tattoos and large gauges, his vision of family life shifted.

Six months ago, he visited a Beverly Hills surgeon for a £3,000 earlobe reconstruction and reduction. The hour-long surgery took his lobes from 16mm back to a standard size.

The results have been life-changing. Rafael shared a video documenting his journey, noting that his scars became "completely unnoticeable" within eight weeks.

Reflecting on the permanent transformation, he feels as self-assured as ever. "I am very pleased with the outcome, and I’d say I have the same amount of confidence I had before. I just have less to do, think about, and buy now," he says.

As for his future style? The musician admits a "simple stud will do" for his new chapter as a father.