Lobe
piercing
Soft tissue. The foundation of most stacks — and the most forgiving placement to heal.
The classic, done well
The earlobe is soft tissue, which means it heals faster and more predictably than any other placement. A well-placed, well-healed lobe becomes the foundation for stacks, studs, and a full curated ear.
We pierce with a 18g needle and implant-grade titanium. Placement is measured to sit centre-lobe, leaving enough tissue above and below to accommodate future piercings if you want to stack.
The technique matters here more than people assume. A slightly crooked lobe piercing will never stack cleanly — the angle is permanent. We take time to mark, check, and re-check before we proceed.
Exactly what to expect
What healing looks like
Minor tenderness
Very mild soreness. Saline rinses morning and evening. Sleep on the opposite side where possible.
Visible redness reduces
Normal activity resumes. Continue saline rinses. Avoid submerging in pools or oceans.
We see you back
Complimentary downsize appointment. A shorter post once swelling has settled prevents long-term tension.
Fully remodelled
The channel is stable. You can change jewellery freely or add the next lobe placement.
Nine rules. No exceptions
Lobes heal faster than cartilage — typically 6–8 weeks — but only if the aftercare is consistent. Most lobe problems we see come from early jewellery changes or skipping the downsize.
- 01Saline rinse twice dailySterile saline only. No hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or tea tree oil.
- 02Do not twist or rotateThe jewellery should move only when you downsize it. Rotation tears fresh tissue.
- 03Sleep comfortably — lobes heal wellUnlike cartilage, you can sleep on a healing lobe. Avoid excessive pressure from tight headphones or hair clips.
- 04No pools, oceans, or saunasFor at least six weeks. Water carries bacteria; heat delays healing.
- 05Phones kept cleanA phone against the ear is one of the dirtiest objects to contact a fresh piercing.
- 06Dry with clean tissue onlyPat dry — never rub. Bath towels harbour bacteria and snag on jewellery.
- 07Return for downsize at 6–8 weeksIncluded free. The shorter post removes pressure on the lobe and is the most important step for a clean long-term result.
- 08No DIY jewellery changes before the downsizeLet us do the first change. Cheap or fashion jewellery on a healing lobe is the leading cause of reactions and infections we see.
- 09After downsize — implant-grade or BVLA onlyFor the first three months post-downsize, use only implant-grade titanium or BVLA. Your lobe is still maturing.
Lobe work
Questions we're asked, often
If your question isn't here, bring it to the consultation. We'd rather answer it in person.
Does it hurt?
Lobe piercings are the least painful of any placement we do — quick, sharp, and over in a second. Most clients describe it as a firm pinch.
Can I pierce both at once?
Yes. Unlike cartilage, lobes are soft tissue and don't have the sleep-pressure problems of a helix. Pairs are the norm.
When can I wear regular earrings?
After the 6–8 week downsize, if the heal is tracking well. We recommend implant-grade titanium or BVLA for the first three months — fashion jewellery on a maturing lobe is the most common cause of reactions we see.
Will it stretch over time?
Not at normal weights. Very heavy earrings over years can thin the tissue — we avoid placing earrings over 4g weight in freshly healed lobes.
What about a second or third lobe?
Entirely possible. We mark a sequence so each placement sits cleanly — most clients add a second six to eight weeks after the first heals.
Book your lobe
All placements are by appointment. Expect a 30-minute slot, start to finish — with full anatomy consult, sterile placement, and aftercare included.
Jewellery for your
lobes
The lobe offers the most versatility — from subtle everyday pieces to statement clusters. Browse our full collection or start with these.
Browse all 88 BVLA pieces →
