You’ve probably had your belly button pierced before. It isn’t an easy process. Although it is uncomfortable, you will be left with an individual piece of jewelry that can be customized. This article will cover everything you need to know about piercing your belly button. We will provide all the necessary knowledge about cost, healing time, pain, and types of belly button piercings.
Because they are easy to conceal and relatively inexpensive, belly button piercings have been steadily rising in popularity. They are great for weekend warriors and those who need a quick escape from daily life.
You need to be aware of what to expect after a belly button piercing. These guidelines will reduce your chance of getting infected. The piercing process is painless because of the fleshy location and it’s easy to maintain since you don’t need to look in the mirror to see it. They are a solid choice that has stood the test.
It is important to remember that not everyone can have a belly button puncture. Some piercers might deny service due to anatomy limitations. They may also suggest a different style or location than the traditional style.
You can still have a belly button puncture if you are interested. It is best to hire a licensed and experienced piercer to work with you to create the perfect piercing. You can find out more about popular belly piercings by reading the following.
To get a belly button piercing, you must be 16 or older (with an identification card), or 13-16 with parental consent.
Table of Contents
Also known as navel piercings or belly piercings, this is a piece of jewelry that is inserted directly through the skin above the belly button. To highlight the jewelry, it hangs slightly above the belly button.
A professional piercer can pierce the belly button with a tool or by hand. The area will first be cleaned. If there is any hair, your piercer may use a disposable razor. This will ensure a smooth, clean piercing.
If your piercer uses tools, clamp the area with a clamp. You will then mark the location. Although you have already agreed to the exact spot with your piercer, now is the time for double-checking.
The jewelry will then be attached to the hole created by the hollow needle. You should not be alarmed if there is slight bleeding, swelling, or redness right away after the piercing. This is normal and should resolve quickly.
A trained piercer will use a hollow, sterile needle to pass through your navel to give you a piercing. Here are some things to look out for:
- The spot you want to be pierced will be marked by your piercer.
- A sharp pinch will be felt and you can expect to lose a little bit of blood.
- This new opening will allow you to choose the jewelry that you want.
- You will need to pay for the piercing as well as the jewelry.
- This should not be done using a piercing device as it can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of infection.
A video showing the full belly button piercing process
To create individuality, belly piercing can be done in many styles. These are just a few of the many types of belly button piercings that have been discussed. It is important to remember that the actual navel is not actually pierced, but rather the skin surrounding it.
Here are 7 of the many types of belly piercings:
Vertical Inverse Belly Piercing
This is the area where the piercing takes place at the navel’s bottom rim. This is the opposite of upper vertical Belly Piercing. There are situations when both the bottom and upper ridge piercings may be preferred. This is known as a double belly piercing.
Horizontal Belly Piercing
Horizontal piercing is a special type of piercing. It involves horizontally piercing below or above the navel. Horizontal Belly Piercing is not like other surface piercings.
It does not require passing through the belly button edge into the navel. You can perform it on either side of your button to pass through the side edges. To enhance the appearance, a barbell can be placed.
Upper Vertical Belly Piercing
This is the most common and popular of all body piercings. Through the interior, the upper rim of your navel is pierced. This is similar to the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs or Arabic culture. To give it a unique look, a piece of jewelry can be placed inside the piercing.
The type of piercing you choose should depend on your navel and body. Some people’s upper belly button rims are not obvious so they should choose another type.
Multiple piercings are done to the belly button rim. It is usually a combination of several types of piercings. This is the most common type of piercing, and it’s called navel industrial. This is when a solid barbell passes through two piercings.
Multi Belly Button Piercings should be performed with enough space between the underlying piercings to allow for healing.
We will also discuss other types of piercings, including horizontal Belly Piercing and true Belly Piercing. You can find out which one is more attractive, cost-effective, less painful, and quicker to heal.
True belly piercing
The actual navel will not be pierced when performing a Belly Piercing. The piercing is done on the rim, or the ridge that lies below or above the navel. True belly piercing does not require piercing through your navel. This is for people who have an outie button.
Although this type of piercing has become more popular, it is often rejected by those with an outie. You should first look at these Belly Piercing photos and information before you go for real Belly Piercing. This will give you information about the appearance of your piercing and how to care for it.
Fake belly piercing
First, not everyone can endure the pain and suffering of healing. Some people cannot afford to risk infection, while others can’t afford navel piercing. These are not concerns as you can still achieve the same sexual appearance for a reasonable price without needing to have a piercing.
Fake belly piercing is the best option. Fake belly piercing is a method of using glue to attach the piercing to the navel instead of having to punch a hole in the navel. It also includes fake belly button rings and jewelry.
You should ensure you aren’t allergic to glue or some of the metals used to mount the fake belly piercing jewelry.
Reverse belly piercing
Reverse belly piercing is also known as inverse belly piercing. It involves piercing the bottom rim and belly button. The reverse belly piercing is just as impressive as the horizontal belly piercing. To rock the red carpet, you only need to add the right reverse belly piercing jewelry or rings.
Many people are surprised that belly piercing is the preferred method of women and it really is. It involves both the upper and lower parts of the navel. Others fear that the piercing might be rejected or require too much care. These people will often be advised to choose other types of body piercings.
Pain and Healing Time
A piercing can be done by inserting a needle through your skin. There is some pain involved. A belly button piercing may not seem like a big deal because it is on your stomach. However, it will still hurt – just as any other piercing.
It’s possible to expect your stomach skin to be more tender than a cartilage piercing because it is fleshy.
After ear piercings, belly button piercings rank second in pain compared to all other body piercings. The pain from a belly button piercing is approximately 6 to 7 (on a scale of 10), depending on the person, piercer, and instrument (gun, needle).
Because the umbilical cord was cut, thick tissue from that time is fleshy and nerve-dense. The tissue is difficult to penetrate so you may feel some pressure. However, the pain will quickly disappear.
The area may feel sore for several days following piercing. Talk to your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms or persistent pain after the first few days.
Contrary to pierced ears which heal in 4-6 weeks, the healing process for your belly button piercing can take up to a year. It can take six to one year for a belly button piercing to heal completely depending on how it is cared for and your daily lifestyle. However, most people see a six to eight-month average time frame.
Common side effects of piercings include swelling and pain. It is important that you monitor the changes in your symptoms. If the symptoms (such as pain) improve steadily, then the piercing may be healing normally.
However, you should always check with your piercer if the site appears to be healed. It’s possible for the site to become infected if it is still healing.
You should refrain from swimming for 6 months. This will allow your body to heal.
Here are some tips to help you limit the risks of belly piercing.
- Choose a piercer carefully: A piercer’s license does not mean that they are well-trained and experienced in piercing. Ask your piercer how many years they have been practicing this skill and what they learned. Ask them how they learn and improve. Because piercing can lead to infection or the spread of blood-borne diseases, it is important that you ask. A good piercer will be able to discuss their qualifications and details about the piercing that you are interested in. You should not trust them.
- Find a salon that you can trust: Search for a sanitary shop with a license from The Association of Professional Piercers. A sign should be posted on the wall. Your piercer should have good lighting so they can see what they are doing.
- Make sure your needle is sterilized: Sterilized instruments should come in sealed pouches. You should be careful to see if your piercer is using a disposable one-use needle.
- Be careful when choosing jewelry: Medical-grade stainless is less likely to cause allergic reactions. You can also choose gold (14 karats and higher), titanium, or niobium as safe options. You should choose a ring or stud with a shiny finish that is free from nicks, scratches, or rough edges.
Your skin will fill in any areas where the jewelry has an irregular surface. Your skin can be damaged if the jewelry is moved. You may get scarring if this happens often. It might take longer for it to heal and will increase your risk of infection.
The cost of belly button piercings varies depending on where you live, how experienced your piercer is, the material of jewelry, and how complex your piercing is.
However, the average cost of a belly button piercing is between $30 and $75 at most piercing shops. This price usually includes a basic jewelry option, if any. You will most likely have to pay more if you choose to buy a different or better piece of jewelry. It could be as low as $50 USD for a basic titanium internal threaded perforation.
Some studios might charge a separate fee for the piercing and the jewelry. It is acceptable to tip your piercer an additional 5-20% on top of the regular fee (if you are satisfied and willing to pay).
Aftercare
You need to be familiar with the aftercare instructions if you have had your belly button pierced at a tattoo parlor. There is a chance of infection if you don’t properly care for your belly button piercings. That is something that no one wants to have to deal with.
Although they can be healed quickly, belly button piercings can be difficult. This aftercare guide will help you ensure that your piercing remains healthy and fresh.
It is vital to follow the right aftercare procedures during healing. This will ensure that the piercing heals properly and could cause a slowdown in the healing process.
To avoid spreading bacteria, it is important to wash your hands after touching any piercings.
It is recommended that you clean your piercing at least twice per day using sterile saline solutions. You should dry the area with a paper towel, as your hands or bath towels could harbor bacteria.
Avoid using antibiotic ointments during healing. This can cause further complications and suffocate your piercing site. To avoid irritation and further complications, wear loose-fitting clothing and pants with low waistbands.
Wash your hands with soapy water and then rinse the area off with warm water. Do not pick at the area as this can lead to further irritation and bleeding.
You should also avoid immersing your new belly button in any other than a sterile solution until it heals. Anybody of water, big or small, such as a bath, the ocean, or a swimming pool, may harbor bacteria and cause infections.
- Before you touch the piercing, wash your hands: You should also wash your hands after you have healed the area.
- Use saline to clean the area: Wipe it with clean gauze or a towel with saline solution. A ready-made brand is available. Or, you can dissolve 1/8 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm, distilled, or bottled. Your piercer may suggest that you use mild soap. Make sure to rinse well so that you don’t get any soapy residue.
- Do not clean too often: Too much or too little cleaning can slow down healing.
- Use a soft, absorbent paper product to dry the area.
- Don’t touch any crust: It is normal for white-colored fluids (not puss) to ooze out of your new piercing. It may cause a crust that can feel tight or itchy. It is best to not pick at the crust as it can cause bleeding. As your piercing heals, this crust will fall off by itself.
- If you are not told by your doctor to, don’t place anything on your belly button. This includes oil, lotions, and perfume. Antibacterial creams and hydrogen Peroxide can slow down healing or trap bacteria in your new opening. You should also not wear strings or other jewelry around the navel or waist to avoid disturbing the piercing. If you are wearing waist beads, you may need to temporarily remove them until the belly button is completely healed before you can put them back on.
- Wear loose, comfortable, and clean clothes: This can cause your piercing to take longer to heal. To protect your area, you may use a stretchy elastic bandage.
- Avoid hot tubs, pools, and lakes: Although a waterproof bandage might be helpful, it is best to stay clear of any water that could infect your skin.
- You should not wear any charms or dangly jewels in your piercing: You can be pulled by hanging or dangly jewelry or charms.
- Look out for signs of infection: You can feel the site’s redness and swelling. Feel pain. A fever could also be a possibility. You should immediately call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Are you considering having your belly button pierced? It is possible that you have heard that belly button piercing has no side effects. There are always risks associated with any surgery.
Those with a history of skin conditions or blood clotting should be aware of the possible health consequences. These may include skin infections, allergic reactions, or serious complications like staph infection, liver disease, or even sepsis.
You might feel tempted to choose more colorful and exotic jewelry when you have your belly button pierced. Remember that this is your body.
Many people have no problems with a belly piercing. But before thinking about beauty, we must be careful with our health first. Before you go under the needle, there are many side effects of belly button piercing to think about.
Before you proceed with your piercing, here are some side effects of belly button piercing. Here are some possible dangers to watch out for.
Infection
One of the most common risks associated with a piercing is infection. This can be caused by poor care at home, but also by an inexperienced or untrained piercer. An infection could manifest as a reddish hue, swelling, hot skin, or pain.
Because of its shape, a piercing at your belly button is more susceptible to infection than other parts of the body. It is easy for bacteria to get inside. There is a possibility of serious infections such as hepatitis and tetanus if the needle was not sterilized.
Therefore, when you suspect that the belly button piercing is infected or allergic, you need to take appropriate treatment measures to make the navel piercing heal quickly.
Tearing
Your skin could be damaged if your jewelry gets caught on other things. You may need stitches if this happens.
Allergic reaction
Allergic reactions to navel piercings are very rare but can happen. It is usually due to the nickel in the jewelry.
Scarring
Keloids are thick, lumpy scars that may develop around your piercing site. The navel is no exception, if not treated and cared for well, belly piercings can cause keloids.
Rejection or migration
Sometimes, a piercing can be moved from its original location or your body may reject it. This is most common when the piercing was not done in a safe place, or if the jewelry is of poor quality or too small.
Rash
While the piercing site should look normal throughout the healing process, it is possible for a rash to develop from irritation of jewelry or skin around the area. You should seek medical attention immediately if you notice a new rash.
Discharge
Your piercing will leak some fluid in the first few days. This is normal. This is normal and a protective measure for the area.
The discharge may continue to occur or the color changes to a murkier, yellowish hue. This could indicate that there is something wrong with your piercing.
Rejections from belly button piercings can occur at any time, even months or years later than you had the procedure. They can occur so slowly that you may think you are out of luck. These are signs that your piercing may be migrating or being rejected
- You can see more of the jewelry on the outside of your piercing
- After a few days, the piercing may remain red, itchy, irritated, and/or dry.
- Under the skin, jewelry is visible
- It appears that the piercing hole is getting bigger
- It looks as if the jewelry is hanging differently
- Jewelry moves more freely than it should
You can take your ring out or stud if you have any problems. New belly piercings are more likely to close quickly. It can close quickly if you have one for a while, but it may take longer for some.
Keep the area clean until it heals completely. You can keep your piercings looking great for a long time by wearing jewelry.
What to know more about belly piercings
High-waisted jeans are not recommended for piercing appointments. They will obstruct the site if they are not pulled down to a certain degree. High-waisted jeans can compress your new belly button and possibly snag your jewelry.
Your workout routine shouldn’t cause any harm to your piercings as long as it’s kept clean. After a new piercing, you don’t have to stop exercising. You just need to exercise with care.
Once you have it pierced, don’t touch the skin. It should be cleaned with an anti-bacterial soap and saltwater solution after two days. Do not move or play with it as this can cause irritation to the piercing.
If the piercing is fully healed, it’s safe to keep it throughout pregnancy. If the piercing is causing discomfort or pain, your doctor may recommend that you remove it before you go to the hospital for delivery.
We recommend that your belly button piercing bars are removed by your piercing salon or you can remove it yourself if necessary. Do not delay, as poor implant grade piercings could cause damage to your body and lead to rejection.
Because of its shape, a piercing at your belly button is more susceptible to infection than other parts of the body. It is easy for bacteria to get inside. There is a possibility of serious infections such as hepatitis and tetanus if the needle was not sterilized.
It doesn’t matter if you are overweight or not. It all comes down to the anatomy of the area you are piercing. This is more important than someone’s overall body.
Implant-Grade Stainless Steel, Titanium, or BioFlex will work best for sensitive skin. Titanium is the best option of all the metal options. Because titanium belly button rings are the most inert, they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Keep your belly button clean. Warm water can be run over your piercing during a shower. However, you shouldn’t scrub it with soap. You can use a saline solution to spritz your navel piercing.
It’s not surprising that a dancer also chooses to have their pierced. The days of the traditional nose and ear piercings have passed. Body piercing is now much more common than they were. Many dancers now have a piercing on their belly button, eyebrow, lips, tongue, chin, and nipples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Should Not Get a Belly Button Piercing?
You may experience a reaction or difficulty healing from a piercing if you have any health conditions. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, consult your doctor before deciding to have a belly piercing.
- Diabetes
- Hemophilia
- An autoimmune disorder
- Heart problems
What Jewelry Material Is Used for a Belly Button Piercing?
Implant-Grade Stainless Steel: Implant-grade stainless steel is the safest type of metal to use for a piercing because it has a low irritant and allergic potential.
Titanium: Medical-grade titanium is the best option if you want to avoid potential side effects from surgical steel, or if you have a nickel allergy.
Gold: You can choose gold if you prefer the overall aesthetic and appearance of your new piercing. It should be at least 14 karats. Anything less is unsafe and too soft for your body.
What Type of Jewelry Is Used for a Belly Button Piercing?
A curved barbell is the best choice for belly piercings. It curves slightly outward to push against your belly button. This will fit better with your natural body shape. The jewelry comes with a small bead at each end. One of the beads can be adjusted/removed to let you change it out as you wish.
How to Change Out a Belly Button Piercing?
Most piercers recommend that you wait at least three months before changing your belly band for the first time. It can take longer depending on how your skin reacts to aftercare and hygiene. If you allow your skin to heal, changing jewelry will be painless and quick.
Although you can change a belly button piercing by yourself, it is important to make sure your piercing has fully healed. Although six to eight months is the most common healing time, it can take as long as a year.
You should make sure it is the right time and have quality jewelry to replace it.
The top of the jewelry is usually unscrewed. This allows for jewelry to be easily removed and replaced in the same way. To avoid irritation or spreading bacteria, it is important to wash your hands after touching any piercing. A reputable piercer will be happy to assist you if you have any questions or need assistance.
