This article is from the Piercing FAQ, by Anne Greenblatt with numerous contributions by others.
4 to 8 months
The vertical earlobe piercing is placed vertically or close to
vertically through the earlobe and anti-tragus.
Initial jewelry: Straight barbells in 14 to 12 gauge and 1/8" longer
than the width of the piercing to allow for swelling and
cleaning. Most earlobes are not thick enough to support jewelry larger
than 14 or 12 gauge.
 
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