Is it safer to get you ears gauged at a shop?

Ok I want my ears stretched/gauged to a size 2 and i was wondering if it is safer to get it done professionally rather then using tapers and doing it yourself? i have had my first holes for about 1 year and a half if that helps. And if you get it done professionally will they make you come back and stretch every month or will they do it at once because i heard some shops say its better all at once if you go to a shop and get them done right then and there. and its safer. well please help out. thanks! and please no rude comments like "EWWW gross" just shut up and dont post if thats what you have to offer. once again thanks....