Ear piercing types › Upper Lobe

Upper Lobe Piercing

Try a upper lobe piercing on the planner →

What is a upper lobe piercing?

An upper lobe piercing sits where the earlobe meets the cartilage, just above a lobe stack. It's a bridge between soft lobe and firmer cartilage, and is a nice way to extend a lobe stack upward.

Does a upper lobe piercing hurt?

Usually 2–3 out of 10. Slightly more than a standard lobe because the tissue is firmer.

Upper Lobe piercing healing time and aftercare

About 2–3 months, longer than a standard lobe because of the firmer tissue.

Upper Lobe piercing jewelry and size

Flat-back studs in 18g–16g (1.0–1.2 mm). Small huggies after healing.

Typical starting gauge: 18g-16g (1.0-1.2 mm). Common jewelry: Flat-back studs.

Who can get a upper lobe piercing?

Most people with a medium or large lobe.

What to pair it with

Upper lobe and a lobe stack together create a gradual line of studs up the ear. You can test combinations in the ear piercing planner and save the result to show your piercer.

Upper Lobe piercing FAQ

Is an upper lobe piercing cartilage?

It sits at the border between the lobe and cartilage, so it's firmer than the standard lobe.

How long does an upper lobe piercing take to heal?

Usually about 2–3 months.

Does an upper lobe piercing hurt?

Usually around 2–3 out of 10, slightly more than a standard lobe.

Pain is a commonly reported range and varies by person. Healing times follow general guidance from the Association of Professional Piercers. This page is general information, not medical advice — always talk to a professional piercer.

Other ear piercings

Helix Forward Helix Flat Rook Daith Tragus Conch Snug Anti-Tragus Auricle Lobe