Is an Outie Belly Button Piercing Right for You? Here’s What You Need to Know

Outie belly button piercings are a popular way to express yourself and add some extra sparkle to your midsection. Whether you’re looking to show off your style or simply love the look of a belly button piercing, there are a few things you need to know before you take the plunge.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about outie belly button piercings, from the procedure itself to aftercare and maintenance.

We’ll also discuss choosing the right jewelry, potential risks and considerations, and how to reduce your risk of complications. So whether you’re a piercing veteran or a newbie, read on to learn all about outie belly button piercings and make an informed decision about whether this trend is right for you.

It is not recommended to pierce your outie belly button on your own, especially for complex piercings like the true navel piercing. Seeking the service of an experienced professional is crucial to minimize the risk of major health issues and unpleasant results.

While everyone’s pain threshold is different, most people consider belly button piercings to be one of the least painful types of piercing, typically causing only a little pinch and some pain. Piercing shops often compare the pain level to that of an earlobe piercing, so it should be relatively tolerable.

Aftercare for a belly button piercing requires a long-term commitment, with healing usually taking nine months to a year. The true navel piercing may take even longer, requiring up to one year to heal. It’s important to note that although the piercing may appear fully healed after four to six weeks, it still needs daily aftercare to prevent infection.

The cost of an outie belly button piercing can range from $40 to $90 for the piercing alone. While this may seem expensive, it’s not advisable to skimp on quality for this type of piercing. Investing in a skilled piercer ensures a good-looking piercing with minimal risk of infection. Jewelry costs can vary widely, from inexpensive Bioflex pieces costing $10 or less to solid gold piercings costing $200 or more.

The Procedure

While most people have an “innie” belly button with an indentation or small tunnel, about 10% of people have an “outie” where the button part protrudes outwardly. Surprisingly, outie belly buttons can be pierced too! The three types of outie belly button piercings are the vertical/standard piercing, the inverse piercing, and the true navel piercing.

An outie belly button is a type of navel that protrudes outward from the abdominal wall, creating a visible “bump” on the skin’s surface. This type of navel is caused by the way the umbilical cord is cut and healed after birth. While most people have an innie belly button, some have outies due to differences in the way their umbilical cord healed. Outie belly buttons can also be caused by conditions such as umbilical hernias, which occur when a portion of the abdominal wall protrudes through the navel.

If you have an outie belly button, there’s no need to worry as it’s typically not a medical issue. However, if you’re experiencing pain, or signs of infection, or suspect a hernia or granuloma, it’s important to consult your doctor.

During the birthing process, the umbilical cord is cut, leaving behind an umbilical stump. Within a week or two, the stump will fall off, leaving your belly button. As your skin heals, your belly button can either become an innie or outie, depending on how your skin grows and the amount of scar tissue present.

Outies can be caused by an excess of scar tissue or an umbilical hernia, which occurs when the abdominal muscles fail to fuse properly after the umbilical cord falls off, causing a small amount of tissue to protrude through the hole.

In most cases, having an outie belly button is simply a cosmetic difference and does not require medical attention. However, it’s important to monitor any symptoms and seek medical advice if you experience any discomfort or abnormalities.

If you have an outie belly button and are interested in getting it pierced, the piercing options available depend on the amount of skin you have around your belly button. For example, if you have enough skin above your belly button, the vertical/standard piercing is a viable option. Conversely, if you have enough skin below your belly button, the inverse piercing is an option to consider.

For those without enough skin above or below the belly button, the true navel piercing is a viable choice. However, it’s important to take some precautions with this type of piercing. Ultimately, your personal preferences and anatomy will help determine which type of outie belly button piercing is the best fit for you.

Getting an outie belly button piercing is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to choose an experienced and professional piercer to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

1. Consultation: Your piercer will begin by discussing your expectations, answering any questions you may have, and examining your belly button to determine the best placement for the piercing. They may also ask you about any medical conditions or medications you’re taking to ensure that you’re a good candidate for the piercing.
2. Preparation: Next, your piercer will clean the area around your belly button with a disinfectant and mark the spot where they plan to pierce. They may also apply a numbing agent to the area to help minimize any discomfort during the piercing.
3. Piercing: Using a sterilized needle or a piercing gun, your piercer will make a small hole in your belly button, then insert the jewelry of your choice. They may use a clamp to hold the area steady during the procedure.
4. Aftercare: Once your piercing is in place, your piercer will give you detailed instructions on how to care for it in the days and weeks ahead. This may include using a saline solution to clean the area, avoiding tight clothing that could irritate the piercing, and avoiding swimming or soaking in water for a period of time.

Overall, the piercing process typically takes just a few minutes and is generally considered to be relatively low-risk. However, it’s important to choose an experienced piercer who follows proper hygiene and safety protocols to minimize the risk of complications.

It’s also worth noting that while outie belly button piercings are a popular option, not everyone is a good candidate for this type of piercing. If you have an extremely pronounced outie belly button or have had previous surgery or scarring in the area, you may need to discuss your options with a piercer to determine whether an outie belly button piercing is possible for you.

Choosing the Right Jewelry

There are a few important factors to consider when selecting the appropriate jewelry for your outie belly button piercing.

First and foremost, it’s important to use high-quality materials that won’t irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. This means avoiding low-quality metals like nickel and opting instead for surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, or solid gold.

Next, you’ll want to choose the right type of jewelry for your piercing. Most outie belly button piercings are done with a curved barbell, which is designed to follow the curve of your navel. You can also opt for a captive bead ring or a circular barbell, though these may not be as comfortable or well-suited to the unique shape of an outie belly button.

When choosing the size of your jewelry, it’s important to select a piece that is neither too big nor too small. A piece that is too large can put pressure on your piercing and delay the healing process, while a piece that is too small may not provide enough room for swelling or movement.

Finally, consider the style of your jewelry. Outie belly button piercings are a great opportunity to show off your personal style, so choose a piece that speaks to you. You can opt for a simple and understated barbell, a more elaborate piece with gemstones or other decorations, or even a piece that features a charm or dangling pendant.

But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which type of jewelry is best for you. In this section, we’ll explore the different types of jewelry commonly used for outie belly button piercings and weigh the pros and cons of each.

1. Straight barbells – Though not typically used for outie belly button piercings, straight barbells are often used for true navel piercings. While they heal faster than curved barbells and are easy to clean, they are also more prone to infection and tend to be more painful.
2. Banana Bells – This is the most common type of jewelry used for navel piercings. These specially-designed curved barbells, with one end bead larger than the other, offer a high-end look and come in a variety of metals and stones. However, they can be easily snagged on clothing and are not recommended for wear with tight clothing.
3. Dangles – Dangles are attachments that you can connect to a ring or barbell used in the piercing. They offer a fun and customizable way to dress up your piercing, but can also pull on the piercing and easily snag on clothing and other objects.
4. Circular Barbells – A great compromise between captive bead rings and curved barbells, circular barbells feature a horseshoe-shaped bar with a ball at each end. They are easier to put in and take out than captive bead rings, but also heal more slowly.
5. Captive Bead Rings – With a captive bead ring, a decoration is held in place by the ring, giving the illusion of a seamless look. While they offer a unique and interesting look, they can be difficult to put on and take off and often end up looking asymmetrical.
6. Seamless Hoops – These classic metal hoops create a complete, closed shape that offers a clean and timeless look. However, they can be difficult to insert and may bend easily if they are too thin.

While choosing the right jewelry for your outie belly button piercing is important, it’s also essential to consider the potential risks and complications that can arise. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at these risks and what you can do to minimize them.

Overall, choosing the right jewelry for your outie belly button piercing is an important decision that can impact the healing process, your comfort, and your overall satisfaction with your piercing.

Take the time to select high-quality materials, the right size, and style of jewelry, and you’ll be on your way to a beautiful and well-healed outie belly button piercing.

Piercings for Outie Belly Buttons: Which Type is Right for You?

The type of outie belly button piercing you can get will largely depend on your belly button’s anatomy. Experienced piercers can determine which of the three main piercing types will be suitable for you, depending on the type of outie you have.

The first and most common piercing type is the vertical or stand piercing, which is ideal for those with innie belly buttons, and may also be suitable for some outies. If you can pinch a small flap of skin above the protruding part of your belly button, it may be big enough to accommodate the piercing jewel, without putting too much pressure on the belly button.

The second piercing type is the inverse or lower navel piercing, which is suitable for people with outies that have a flap of skin below the belly button. In this case, the piercing is done below the button part of the navel.

The third piercing type is the true navel piercing, which involves piercing the protruding part of the belly button, unlike other navel piercings that only involve the skin around it. For this type of piercing, you have the option of choosing different types of jewelry such as banana bells, hoops, straight or horseshoe barbells.

If you don’t have enough skin above or below the belly button to comfortably pierce, a true navel piercing may be a good option for you. However, as we’ll discuss later, there are some precautions to take with this type of piercing.

Risks and Considerations

Since infections in outie piercings can be more serious than those in piercings above the navel, it’s vital to follow aftercare instructions precisely. Maintaining scrupulous cleanliness is imperative, which includes frequent rinsing with saline solution and using an antiseptic rinse as directed by your piercer.

Moreover, as outie piercings protrude farther than average navel piercings, it’s even more essential to avoid snagging jewelry on clothing. Wearing low-rise clothing, bikini bottoms, and crop tops can help.

While it’s possible to get an outie piercing, it’s crucial to consider whether it’s worth the increased risk. Although you may initially be disappointed about foregoing a traditional belly button piercing, a navel tattoo can be a beautiful alternative.

However, tattooing carries its own risks, so be sure to consider all options before making a decision. Ultimately, the potential consequences of a serious infection from an outie piercing are not worth the risk, even if the procedure goes smoothly. It’s important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before proceeding.

Outie belly button piercings are generally considered safe, but like any piercing, they come with some potential risks and considerations. Understanding these risks and how to minimize them is essential before you get an outie belly button piercing.

1. Infection: Infection is the most common risk associated with outie belly button piercings. If the piercing is not done in a clean and sterile environment or if proper aftercare is not followed, bacteria can enter the piercing site and cause infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. To reduce your risk of infection, choose a reputable piercer who uses sterile equipment, follow their aftercare instructions carefully, and avoid touching your piercing with dirty hands. If you’re experiencing an infected outie belly button piercing, check out our comprehensive guide on how to treat an infected belly button piercing to learn the steps you can take to get back to a healthy, healed piercing.
2. Rejection: Rejection occurs when your body sees the piercing as a foreign object and tries to push it out. This can happen if the jewelry is not the right size or if the piercing is done too shallowly. Signs of rejection include the jewelry moving or migrating, and the skin around the piercing becoming thin or stretched. To reduce your risk of rejection, choose high-quality jewelry that fits well and make sure the piercing is done at the proper depth.
3. Keloids: Keloids are raised, thickened areas of skin that form around the piercing site. Some people are more prone to keloid scarring than others, and keloids can be difficult to treat. To reduce your risk of keloid scarring, choose a reputable piercer who uses appropriate techniques and materials, and follow their aftercare instructions carefully.
4. Nerve Damage: Nerve damage is a rare but possible complication of outie belly button piercings. If the piercing is done too deeply or if the jewelry is too large or heavy, it can put pressure on nerves in the surrounding area. Signs of nerve damage include numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation around the piercing site. To reduce your risk of nerve damage, choose an experienced piercer who knows how to place the piercing safely and avoid putting pressure on nerves.
5. Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to piercing jewelry can occur if you are sensitive to certain metals. Nickel is a common allergen, so it’s important to choose jewelry made from high-quality materials that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, such as titanium or surgical steel.

Outie belly button piercings come with some potential risks and considerations, but with proper care and attention, these risks can be minimized.

Before getting an outie belly button piercing, make sure you choose a reputable piercer, follow their aftercare instructions carefully, and understand the potential risks and how to reduce them.

With the right preparation and care, an outie belly button piercing can be a beautiful and unique addition to your personal style.

Aftercare and Maintenance

After getting an outie belly button piercing, it’s important to take good care of it to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection or other complications.

Taking care of your outie belly button piercing is crucial for proper healing and preventing infection. These tips will keep your piercing clean and healthy:

• Avoid contaminating the piercing by keeping it away from makeup and dirty water.
• Don’t touch the piercing or pull on it before it heals to avoid irritation or damage.
• Avoid snagging the piercing on clothes or towels.
• Clean your piercing twice a day using a saline/salt solution or a piercing aftercare spray. To make a salt solution, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with one cup of water until it dissolves. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab it around the piercing site, then pat dry with clean gauze or tissue.
• Leave any crust that forms on its own to avoid bleeding or further irritation.

If you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, you can use antiseptic solutions like betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Your piercer should provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your piercing once it’s been placed.

Here are some tips for aftercare and maintenance:

1. Keep it clean: Your piercing will need to be cleaned regularly to keep it free of dirt, bacteria, and other debris that can cause infection. Use a saline solution or sea salt soak to clean your piercing twice a day, or as directed by your piercer. Avoid using harsh soaps, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol, as these can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
2. Avoid touching it: As tempting as it may be to touch or play with your new piercing, it’s important to avoid this as much as possible. Not only can touching it introduce bacteria to the piercing site, but it can also cause irritation and delay the healing process.
3. Wear loose clothing: Tight clothing or fabrics that rub against your piercing can cause irritation or even snag your jewelry. Opt for loose, breathable clothing that won’t put pressure on your piercing.
4. Be careful during physical activity: Activities that involve twisting or turning, such as yoga or contact sports, can be particularly challenging when you have a fresh piercing. Try to avoid these activities until your piercing has fully healed. If you do need to participate in physical activity, consider wearing a protective covering over your piercing to minimize the risk of injury.
5. Watch for signs of infection: While some tenderness and redness are normal after getting a piercing, it’s important to watch for signs of infection, such as pus, severe redness or swelling, fever, or chills. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional right away.
6. Change your jewelry only when necessary: While it can be tempting to change out your jewelry soon after getting a new piercing, it’s important to wait until your piercing has fully healed before doing so. Changing your jewelry too soon can cause irritation and even infection. If you do decide to change your jewelry, make sure you use high-quality, hypoallergenic materials and clean your new jewelry thoroughly before inserting it.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your outie belly button piercing heals properly and stays healthy. Remember to be patient, as the healing process can take several months. With proper aftercare and maintenance, you can enjoy your new piercing for years to come!

Conclusion

In conclusion, outie belly button piercings are a popular way to add some extra style to your midsection. However, it’s important to approach this trend with caution and make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about outie belly button piercings, from the procedure itself to aftercare and maintenance.

We’ve discussed the importance of choosing the right jewelry, reducing your risk of complications, and seeking medical attention if necessary. We’ve also covered potential risks and considerations, such as infection and scarring so that you can make an informed decision about whether an outie belly button piercing is the right choice for you.

Ultimately, the decision to get an outie belly button piercing is a personal one that should be based on your own preferences and comfort level. If you do decide to go ahead with a piercing, be sure to choose a reputable piercer who follows proper safety protocols and to follow aftercare instructions carefully to ensure a smooth healing process.

Whether you’re a piercing veteran or a newbie, we hope this guide has been informative and helpful in your decision-making process. So go ahead and rock that outie belly button piercing with confidence, knowing that you have all the information you need to make it a success.

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