Third Holes Piercing FAQ Info by APP Certified Piercers in NYC
A 3rd lobe piercing refers to an additional piercing in your earlobe beyond the first two. It’s usually placed in the lower portion or near the crease, allowing for layered jewelry and a unique style that complements your other piercings.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
Clementine Piercing offers 3rd lobe piercings in NYC. Johnny Pearce, one of the world's top rated and most trusted piercing professionals, holds tenure at Clementine Piercing in NYC—making it an excellent option for trusted piercing services.
Look for professional, APP-certified piercing studios with:
- Experienced piercers familiar with technical piercings
- Strict hygiene and sterilization protocols
- Positive client reviews and portfolio examples
Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
Companies like Claire’s, Studs, and Piercing Pagoda may offer 3rd hole piercings, but it would NEVER be advised or considered a safe choice for piercing. Professional studios with experienced piercers using aseptic technique and a sterile field are always recommended over those using piercing guns or minimally trained staff.
- Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
The procedure is similar to other lobe piercings and involves:
- Prepping the area thoroughly with alcohol or povidone iodine.
- Marking the entry and exit points using a single-use sterile surgical marker.
- Piercing the earlobe with a sterile, single-use, disposable needle (sometimes aided by instruments like an NRT).
- Inserting a sterile, implant‑certified titanium or solid gold barbell through the channel.
- Maintaining extreme precision to ensure proper placement and minimal trauma.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
Proper aftercare is essential. Follow these guidelines:
- Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with the piercing site or jewelry.
- Gently rinse the area with water during your shower and use a sterile saline solution or wound wash spray as needed.
- Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptics.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
Healing for a 3rd lobe piercing typically takes 8-12+ weeks, though individual healing times may vary.
- Consistent aftercare with sterile saline is essential.
- High-quality jewelry (implant‑grade titanium, niobium, or 14k+ solid gold) helps reduce irritation.
- Avoid sleeping on the piercing to promote proper healing.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
It is best to wait until the piercing is fully healed—typically 8-12+ weeks—before changing jewelry. Changing too early can lead to irritation or infection.
- If you’re unsure about your healing progress, consult a professional piercer.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
3rd lobe piercings are generally low on the pain scale. Most people experience a quick pinch followed by brief, mild discomfort.
- Pain levels are typically around 1-3 out of 10.
- Soreness usually subsides within a few days.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
The best earrings for a 3rd lobe piercing are lightweight, hypoallergenic, and appropriately fitted for your ear.
- Recommended materials: 14k+ solid gold, implant‑grade titanium, or niobium.
- Ideal styles during healing include flat‑back labret studs or small, seamless hoops (only after full healing).
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
Earring size depends on your individual ear anatomy. It’s important to choose a size that fits comfortably without crowding your other piercings. Consult your professional piercer for personalized sizing recommendations.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
Yes, diamond studs can be worn in a 3rd lobe piercing once it is fully healed.
- Opt for flat‑back diamond studs for a sleek, comfortable fit.
- Choose settings made of high‑quality materials such as 14k+ solid gold or platinum to minimize allergic reactions.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
A 3rd lobe piercing typically costs between $40 and $100 for the piercing service fee. The cost of jewelry is determined by the material (such as solid gold or implant‑grade titanium) and may vary by studio and piercer expertise.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
Discomfort may result from several factors:
- Irritation from touching or rotating the jewelry.
- Pressure from sleeping on the piercing.
- Jewelry that is too tight or poorly fitted, leading to friction.
- Possible reactions to lower‑quality jewelry.
Maintaining proper aftercare and using high‑quality, implant‑certified jewelry can help minimize irritation.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
It depends on the condition of the previous piercing site:
- If the old hole is fully closed, it can often be re‑pierced in the same spot.
- If the previous hole is still open but shrunken, ask your piercer about a recovery service to avoid re‑piercing.
- If tremendous scar tissue is present, a piercer may recommend a new placement next to the original site.
- If the previous piercing rejected or migrated, consult a piercer before re‑piercing.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare
A professional piercer will assess your earlobe to ensure there’s enough space for a third piercing without crowding your existing holes.
- Key factors include the spacing between current piercings, lobe thickness, and the distance from both the dense cartilage and the lobe edge.
For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare