Belly button piercing, also known as navel piercing, is a popular form of body modification that involves piercing the skin around the belly button. It can be a fun and stylish way to express your personality and enhance your appearance. But before you decide to get one, there are some things you need to know about belly button piercing, such as the types of jewelry, the pain and healing process, the aftercare and potential risks, and how to change your jewelry. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about belly button piercing, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy your new piercing.

What Is Belly Button Piercing?

Belly button piercing is a type of body piercing that pierces the skin around the navel. The most common placement is on the upper rim of the navel, where the jewelry hangs slightly over the belly button. However, there are other possible placements, such as the lower rim, the sides, or even inside the navel. The choice of placement depends on your anatomy, preference, and piercer’s recommendation.

Belly button piercing is usually done by a professional piercer in a sterile environment. The piercer will first clean and disinfect the area around your navel, and mark the exact spot where the needle will go through. Then, they will use a hollow needle to create the hole, and insert the jewelry of your choice. The whole process takes only a few minutes, but it can vary depending on your piercer’s technique and experience.

What Are The Best Jewelry Materials For Belly Button Piercing?

The choice of jewelry for your belly button piercing is very important, as it can affect the healing process and prevent infections or allergic reactions. According to Healthline, the best jewelry materials for belly button piercing are:

• Implant-grade stainless steel: This is a high-quality metal that is safe for body piercing. It is resistant to corrosion and does not contain any harmful substances that can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. Implant-grade stainless steel is usually the safest type of metal for a piercing due to its biocompatibility https://www.healthline.com/health/belly-button-piercing.

• Titanium: This is another metal that is safe for body piercing. It is lighter than stainless steel, but stronger and more durable. Titanium does not contain any nickel or other allergens that can cause skin reactions. It also comes in different colors and finishes that can suit your style.

• Gold: This is a precious metal that is often used for body jewelry. Gold is hypoallergenic and does not tarnish or corrode easily. However, not all gold jewelry is suitable for belly button piercing. You should avoid gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry, as they can wear off and expose the base metal underneath, which can cause infections or allergies. You should also avoid gold alloys that contain nickel or other metals that can irritate your skin. The best gold jewelry for belly button piercing is 14- or 18-karat solid gold.

You should avoid jewelry materials that are low-quality or unsuitable for body piercing, such as:

• Nickel alloys: These are metals that contain nickel or other metals that can cause allergic reactions or infections. Nickel alloys are often found in cheap or costume jewelry, such as brass, copper, bronze, silver, or white gold. Nickel allergies are very common among people who have body piercings, and they can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, redness, rash, blisters, or pus around the piercing site.
• Plastic: This is a synthetic material that is often used for body jewelry because it is cheap and lightweight. However, plastic is not recommended for belly button piercing, as it can harbor bacteria and cause infections. Plastic can also break easily and damage your skin or internal organs if swallowed accidentally according to https://www.webmd.com/beauty/belly-button-piercing.
• Acrylic: This is another synthetic material that is often used for body jewelry because it comes in different colors and shapes. However, acrylic is not suitable for belly button piercing either, as it can also harbor bacteria and cause infections. Acrylic can also degrade over time and release toxins into your body.

What Are The Types Of Jewelry For Belly Button Piercing?

There are different types of jewelry that you can choose for your belly button piercing, depending on your preference and style. Some of the most common types are:

• Curved barbell: This is a type of jewelry that consists of a curved metal rod with two balls or gems at each end. The curved barbell fits snugly into the hole of your belly button piercing, and allows the balls or gems to hang over or under your navel. Curved barbells are easy to insert and remove, and come in different sizes, colors, and designs.

• Ring: This is a type of jewelry that consists of a metal hoop that goes around your belly button piercing. The ring can be either closed or open, and can have different decorations, such as beads, charms, or dangling pendants. Rings are also easy to insert and remove, and come in different sizes, colors, and styles.

• Banana bell: This is a type of jewelry that consists of a curved metal rod with a ball or gem at one end, and a larger ball or gem at the other end. The banana bell is similar to the curved barbell, but has a more pronounced curve and a larger bottom ball or gem. The banana bell fits into the hole of your belly button piercing, and allows the bottom ball or gem to hang over your navel. Banana bells are also easy to insert and remove, and come in different sizes, colors, and designs.

How Painful Is Belly Button Piercing?

The pain level of belly button piercing varies from person to person, depending on your pain tolerance, anatomy, and piercer’s skill. However, most people describe the pain as mild to moderate, and comparable to a pinch or a sting. The actual piercing process takes only a few seconds, and the pain usually subsides quickly after the jewelry is inserted. Some people may experience more pain during the healing process, especially if the piercing gets irritated or infected.

How Long Does It Take For Belly Button Piercing To Heal?

The healing time of belly button piercing depends on several factors, such as your health, hygiene, aftercare, and jewelry choice. However, the average healing time for belly button piercing is 6 to 12 months. This means that you should not change your jewelry or expose your piercing to any potential irritants or contaminants until it is fully healed. You should also avoid swimming, tanning, exercising, or wearing tight clothing that can rub against your piercing during the healing process.

How To Care For Your Belly Button Piercing?

Proper aftercare is essential for your belly button piercing to heal well and prevent any complications. You should follow these steps to care for your belly button piercing:

1. Clean your piercing twice a day: You should use a saline solution or a mild soap to gently clean your piercing and remove any crust or debris that may form around it. You can either soak a cotton ball or pad in the solution and apply it to your piercing, or spray the solution directly onto your piercing. You should avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or any other harsh chemicals that can dry out or irritate your skin.
2. Dry your piercing after cleaning: You should use a clean paper towel or tissue to gently pat your piercing dry after cleaning it. You should avoid using a cloth towel or cotton swab that can leave behind lint or fibers that can get stuck in your piercing.
3. Rotate your jewelry gently: You should rotate your jewelry slightly after cleaning it to prevent it from sticking to your skin or forming scar tissue. You should only rotate your jewelry when it is wet and lubricated with the saline solution or soap. You should avoid rotating your jewelry when it is dry or crusty, as this can cause pain or damage to your skin.
4. Avoid touching your piercing unnecessarily: You should only touch your piercing when you are cleaning it or rotating your jewelry. You should always wash your hands before and after touching your piercing. You should avoid playing with your jewelry or picking at your crusts, as this can introduce bacteria or dirt into your piercing and cause infections.
5. Monitor your piercing for signs of infection: You should check your piercing regularly for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, heat, pus, foul odor, fever, or chills. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your piercer or doctor immediately for advice and treatment.

How To Change Your Belly Button Piercing Jewelry?

You should only change your belly button piercing jewelry when it is fully healed and no longer sore or tender. Changing your jewelry too soon can cause trauma or infection to your piercing. You should also make sure that the new jewelry is clean and made of suitable materials for belly button piercing.

To change your belly button piercing jewelry, you should follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands and new jewelry: You should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your piercing or new jewelry. You should also wash your new jewelry with soap and water and rinse it well.
2. Remove the old jewelry: You should unscrew the balls or gems from the ends of the old jewelry and gently slide it out of the hole. You should avoid pulling or twisting the old jewelry too hard, as this can hurt or tear your skin.
3. Insert the new jewelry: You should align the new jewelry with the hole and gently push it through. You should avoid forcing the new jewelry in if it does not fit as this can damage your piercing or jewelry. You should try to find a new jewelry that has the same size and gauge as the old one, or consult your piercer for advice.
4. Secure the new jewelry[: You should screw the balls or gems onto the ends of the new jewelry and make sure they are tight and secure. You should avoid over-tightening them, as this can cause pressure or irritation to your piercing.
5. Clean and dry your piercing[: You should clean your piercing with saline solution or soap and water after changing your jewelry, and dry it with a paper towel or tissue. You should also clean and store your old jewelry in a safe place.

What Are The Benefits Of Belly Button Piercing?

Belly button piercing can have some benefits for you, such as:

• Enhancing your appearance: Belly button piercing can add some sparkle and flair to your navel area, and make you feel more confident and attractive. You can choose from a variety of jewelry styles and colors that suit your taste and mood. You can also show off your piercing with different outfits, such as crop tops, bikinis, or low-rise jeans.
• Expressing your personality: Belly button piercing can be a way to express your individuality and creativity. You can choose a jewelry that reflects your interests, hobbies, beliefs, or values. You can also change your jewelry according to different occasions, seasons, or moods.
• Having fun: Belly button piercing can be a fun and exciting experience for you. You can enjoy the process of choosing your jewelry, getting pierced, and caring for your piercing. You can also share your experience with your friends or family, or join online communities of other people who have belly button piercings.

What Are The Risks Of Belly Button Piercing?

Belly button piercing can also have some risks for you, such as:

Infection

This is the most common complication of belly button piercing. Infection can occur if the piercing is done in an unhygienic environment, if the jewelry is dirty or unsuitable, if the aftercare is poor, or if the piercing is exposed to bacteria or dirt. Infection can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, heat, pus, foul odor, fever, or chills. Infection can also lead to scarring, abscesses, or blood poisoning if left untreated.

Allergic reaction 

This can occur if you are allergic to the material of the jewelry or the cleaning solution. Allergic reaction can cause symptoms such as itching, rash, blisters, or hives around the piercing site. Allergic reaction can also lead to inflammation, infection, or rejection of the jewelry if left untreated.

Rejection 

This can occur if your body does not accept the foreign object of the jewelry and tries to push it out of the skin. Rejection can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or migration of the jewelry. Rejection can also lead to scarring, infection, or loss of the piercing if left untreated.

Migration 

This can occur if the jewelry moves from its original position due to pressure, trauma, weight loss, pregnancy, or poor placement. Migration can cause symptoms such as change in appearance, asymmetry, pain, bleeding, or infection. Migration can also lead to rejection, scarring, or loss of the piercing if left untreated.

Nerve damage 

This can occur if the needle or jewelry damages the nerves around the navel area. Nerve damage can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected area. Nerve damage can also affect the movement and control of the abdominal muscles.

Hernia 

This can occur if the piercing weakens the abdominal wall and causes a part of the intestine to protrude through it. Hernia can cause symptoms such as bulging, pain, or discomfort in the navel area. Hernia can also lead to serious complications such as obstruction, strangulation, or infection if left untreated.

How To Choose A Good Piercer For Your Belly Button Piercing?

Choosing a good piercer for your belly button piercing is very important, as it can affect the quality and safety of your piercing. You should look for a piercer who:

• Has a license and certification: You should check if the piercer has a valid license and certification from a reputable organization, such as the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) or the International Body Piercing Association (IBPA). These organizations have strict standards and guidelines for piercers to follow, such as hygiene, sterilization, equipment, jewelry, and aftercare .
• Has experience and expertise: You should ask the piercer how long they have been piercing, how many belly button piercings they have done, and what types of jewelry and techniques they use. You should also ask to see their portfolio of previous work and customer reviews. You should look for a piercer who has a lot of experience and positive feedback from their clients.
• Has a clean and comfortable environment: You should visit the piercing studio and inspect the cleanliness and safety of the place. You should look for a studio that has a separate and private room for piercing, a sterilization machine for the equipment, disposable needles and gloves, and high-quality jewelry. You should also look for a studio that has a friendly and professional staff, a comfortable atmosphere, and a reasonable price.

Conclusion

Belly button piercing is a popular form of body modification that can be fun and stylish. However, it also involves some risks and responsibilities that you need to be aware of before you get one. You need to know about the types of jewelry, the pain and healing process, the aftercare and potential complications, and how to change your jewelry. You also need to choose a good piercer who can provide you with a safe and satisfying experience. By following these tips, you can enjoy your belly button piercing and avoid any problems.

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