With the return of Y2K fashion trends like low-waisted jeans and Italian charm bracelets comes another throwback: Belly button piercings. Did they ever really leave? Welp, the jury's still out on that, but there's no denying that they're more popular than ever, thanks to the revival of trends from the early noughties.
If you're reading this article, you're probably bored of your ear piercings and want to try something new. If a lip piercing isn't your cup of tea, then a navel one might be—especially if you're fond of wearing crop tops or low-waisted bottoms. A dainty charm hanging on your belly is the perfect *chef's kiss* on top of a winning outfit, in our opinion!
Interested to learn more? Read ahead as we give you the 411 on everything you need to know about belly button piercings—from how it's actually done, the pain level (v v important!), how long it takes to heal, and ofc, aftercare tips!
Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Belly Button Piercing
What is a belly button piercing?
A belly button piercing, also known as a navel piercing, is a perforation made above the—you guessed it—belly button. This allows your chosen piece of jewelry to hang out in front of your navel and make it stand out. While this is the most common kind of belly button piercing, there are other options you can try if you don't like the traditional placement or it doesn't work well with your anatomy. Other options include inverse or bottom navel piercing and the side navel piercing.
How is a belly button piercing done?
After the professional piercer cleans your belly button area, they will clamp the area to keep it taut and then mark the spot where the jewelry will go using a skin-safe marker. After making sure you're happy with the location, they will proceed to pierce it using a hollow needle. While the needle is inside, they will insert the jewelry while simultaneously taking out the needle. After that, they will clean the piercing site with an aftercare solution.
How painful is a belly button piercing?
According to most people on the r/piercing subreddit, a belly button piercing is one of the body piercings that hurt the least—they noted that the clamping of the skin to make it taut hurt more than the actual piercing itself! However, do take note that everyone's pain tolerance is different. What may not hurt for others may hurt like a MF to you, so just keep that in mind and go to your appointment with no expectations!
How much does a belly button piercing cost?
A belly button piercing is *definitely* more expensive than just your regular ear piercing due to its intricacy. Be prepared to shell out P2,000 or more, depending on where you'll get yours pierced. Make sure to go to a reputable piercer.
What type of jewelry can I use in a belly button piercing?
The jewelry your piercer will use after you get pierced is typically a curved barbell that's long enough to give your skin enough space for it to swell and heal properly. Once your piercing is fully healed—that's in nine months to a full year, btdubs!—you now have a ton of jewelry options available to you! Here are some of the most common ones aside from the curved barbell:
1. Twister ring jewelry
If you're looking for something quirky for your jewelry, we recommend getting a twister or spiral ring. It's curved on both ends, making it a fun statement piece.
2. Captive bead jewelry
This kind hugs the navel and lays outward so that the side of the ring is showing. It's another unorthodox jewelry option for your piercing!
3. Dangling jewelry
If you're looking to show off your piercing, getting dangling jewelry is the best way to do it. This style typically features a curved barbell with stones, charms, and adornments hanging on one end.
How long does a belly button piercing take to heal?
According to Healthline, it can take anywhere between nine months to a full year before your belly button piercing fully heals. This is because there is constant movement in the piercing site, making healing a lengthy process.
You'll know it's fully healed when there's no more redness or tenderness in the area, and white fluid and crusties cease to appear. This is also when you can change your jewelry without any pain!
How do I take care of my belly button piercing?
While it may not hurt that bad compared to other body piercings, a belly button piercing is a bitch to take care of, especially since it involves an area that's constantly moving and being touched. However, it's not impossible, especially if you listen to your piercer's aftercare tips. Here are some you should take note of:
- Be diligent with cleaning the area. Cleanse the area twice a day with a saline solution or a piercing solution recommended by your piercer.
- Avoid swimming. You might want to cancel any beach trips while your piercing is still healing as it is essentially an open wound (!) that can get contaminated.
- Be mindful of your clothing choices. While your navel is still healing, wear loose-fitting tops and low-waisted bottoms to avoid snagging on the area.
- Stay away from harsh chemicals. Give your perfumed body oils and lotions a rest—they might irritate the piercing site during the healing process.
- Patience is key. Nine months to a year is definitely a long time to completely heal a piercing, but it will be worth it in the end! Just make sure to be patient and diligent with your aftercare routine.
