Lobe Large Gauge Piercing
If you're already dreaming about your end goal stretch size, a large gauge lobe piercing gives you a head start. Rather than beginning at a standard gauge and stretching up over time, this placement starts you at 3mm from day one, so you skip several steps in the journey. It's placed by our SK Certified piercing specialists using a 3mm double flare titanium tunnel, giving your lobe a strong foundation to heal around before you go any bigger.
- Pain level
- 3-4 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 18 years
- Jewellery type:
- Double Flare Internally Threaded Titanium Tunnel View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- NIL
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
* Available from 18 years only. Photo ID is required. Check our ID & consent requirements here.
What Is A Large Gauge Lobe Piercing?
A large gauge lobe piercing is placed at a bigger diameter than a standard lobe piercing from the very start, usually 3mm rather than the typical 16-18g. It sits in the same fleshy part of the lower lobe as a classic first lobe piercing, but it's designed with stretching in mind.
If you already know you want to wear larger jewellery long term, this placement lets you skip the early stages of gradual stretching. Instead of starting small and working your way up over months or years, you begin closer to your goal size straight away. Our piercing specialists will talk you through whether this placement suits your anatomy and goals before going ahead.
What To Expect
Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.
How We Pierce
Your large gauge lobe is pierced with a single-use hollow needle sized for a 3mm gauge, never a piercing gun. Every placement is done by an SK Certified piercing specialist who's nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so you're in safe hands from start to finish. Find out more about how we pierce.
Choosing Your Jewellery
We fit your new piercing with a 3mm double flare internally threaded titanium tunnel, chosen because it's gentle on healing tissue and gives your lobe the structure it needs to support a larger gauge from the start. Browse our titanium range if you'd like to see what else is on offer.
Step By Step: Your Lobe Large Gauge Piercing Experience
- You'll chat with one of our SK Certified piercing specialists about placement, gauge and jewellery before we begin.
- Your lobe will be marked and measured so the placement sits exactly where you want it, then pierced with a sterile needle sized for a 3mm gauge, so you'll feel a firmer pressure than a standard lobe piercing.
- Your 3mm double flare titanium tunnel is fitted immediately, giving your lobe the right support from day one.
- We'll walk you through aftercare and answer any questions before you head off.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Find Your Nearest Studio
Ready to start your stretching journey? Book in at your nearest studio and bring valid photo ID.
Nearest studios
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Aftercare
Healing a large gauge lobe piercing takes time and patience, and that's completely normal. Stick to a simple routine and you'll set your lobe up for healthy long term stretching down the track.
Your Daily Routine
Keep things simple and consistent. Our aftercare range has everything you need, and our post-piercing aftercare guide covers the full routine and troubleshooting tips.
- Clean with sterile saline solution twice daily.
- Avoid swimming for 6-8 weeks while the piercing heals.
- Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing where possible.
- Be mindful of headphones, helmets and hats, as pressure and friction can slow healing.
When Is It Fully Healed?
A large gauge lobe piercing takes a minimum of 6 months to fully heal. It's worth waiting until then before stretching to a larger size, since going bigger too soon can damage the tissue and set your healing back. For more on healing timeframes across different placements, read our guide to the average healing time by piercing type.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- NIL
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Jewellery For Your Large Gauge Lobe
We pierce with a 3mm double flare internally threaded titanium tunnel. It's a premium metal that's gentle on healing tissue and built to support the larger gauge from the very start, so your lobe has a strong foundation to heal around.
Starter Jewellery
Your initial piece is a 3mm double flare internally threaded titanium tunnel, chosen for how well it sits with healing tissue. If you'd prefer another premium option, our 316L surgical steel range is another safe choice for fresh piercings.
Planning Your Next Stretch
Once you're fully healed, browse our lobes collection for styling ideas as you plan your next size up.
Not Sure What Metal Suits You?
If you're torn between silver, rose gold or gold tones, our guide to finding your style can help, and you can always browse everything by finish in our shop by material collection.
FAQs
What is a large gauge lobe piercing?
It's a lobe piercing placed straight away at a larger diameter, typically 3mm, rather than starting small and stretching up later. It's ideal if you know you want to wear larger jewellery long term and want to shortcut the early stages of stretching.
Does a large gauge lobe piercing hurt more than a standard lobe piercing?
It can feel slightly more intense than a standard 16-18g lobe piercing, given the bigger needle and jewellery diameter involved. Most people describe it as a firmer pressure and pinch rather than a sharp pain, and it's over quickly. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
What jewellery is used for the initial piercing?
We pierce with a 3mm double flare internally threaded titanium tunnel. It's a premium metal that's gentle on healing tissue and gives your lobe the structure it needs to support a larger gauge from the start.
Do I need to downsize this piercing later?
No. Downsizing isn't required for a large gauge lobe piercing since it starts at or close to the size most people are aiming for anyway. That's one of the main benefits of choosing this placement if stretching is your goal.
Can I stretch to a bigger size after this piercing?
You can, but only once it's fully healed, which takes a minimum of 6 months. Stretching before your lobe has properly healed can cause damage, so it's worth being patient and letting your piercing specialist guide your next steps.
What's the minimum age for a large gauge lobe piercing?
You must be 18 years or older with no exceptions or parental consent pathway available for this placement. Photo ID is required at the time of your appointment.
How do I look after a large gauge lobe piercing while it heals?
Clean it with sterile saline solution twice daily, avoid swimming for 6-8 weeks and try to avoid sleeping directly on the piercing. Be mindful of headphones, helmets and hats too, since pressure or friction can slow healing.
Can I go straight to a large gauge if I already have a stretched lobe?
This piercing is intended as a fresh initial placement at a larger gauge rather than a stretch of an existing hole. If you already have a stretched lobe and want to go bigger, chat with one of our piercing specialists in studio about your options.
Build Your Ear Stack
Thinking about pairing your large gauge lobe with other placements? Here are a few popular combinations to explore.
