Navel Piercing: Should You Get One?

A lady’s belly button is a man’s eye candy. Organically, the belly button was your survival kit when you were in your mother’s womb and the umbilical cord connected through your belly button supplied you with all necessary nourishments. It has some sentimental value. It connects you to your mother and your roots. Embellishing it with navel piercing is a way of celebrating your birth and your mother. 

Sexually, navel piercing is seen as a step ahead into the seduction game as psychologists claim that the arousal quotient of a belly button is higher due to its resemblance to the vagina. These days girls prefer outfits that show off their belly buttons like low-waist jeans and crop tops.

Celebrities like Madonna and Shakira seem to have harnessed the power of attraction a navel piercing brings and made use of it by flaunting it in every performance.

What Is Navel Piercing?

Navel piercing is the process of piercing the belly button to adorn it with jewelry.

A navel piercing meaning and importance might vary depending on the individual. The piercing can be done on the upper flap of the belly button, underneath it, or around it. If it is the upper flap, then you can wear the jewelry in such a way that it stays or dangles over the belly button. 

Navel piercing, unlike ear piercing or nose piercing, takes about a year to heal completely. This is more so due to the non-exposure of the area to sunlight and air, and due to the chances of perspiration sticking around the area. 

Types Of Navel Piercing

Upper Belly Button Piercing

Upper navel piercing is the traditional and most common form of piercing where the upper flap is pierced. The jewelry worn will dangle over the tummy button and look damn stylish.

Lower Belly Button Piercing

Lower navel piercing is done on the lower part of the belly button. It is preferred by those who like to have a lower placement of naval piercing jewelry than usual.

Double Belly Button Piercing

This allows them to create unique looks and effects like cascading effects. Double belly button piercing is done when you do an additional piercing. Vertical double bellybutton piercing or horizontal double bellybutton consists of two piercings vertically on the upper and lower part of the bellybutton or one on each side, respectively.

Dermal Belly Button Piercing

Dermal bellybutton piercing gained popularity with the onset of micro dermals. It is an implant that can be done anywhere on the belly. But if the implant is not done deep enough it may grow out and become difficult to maintain due to the risk of snagging.

Floating Navel Piercing

Floating navel piercing is done for those whose navels change shapes in an obvious way like when standing, sitting, etc. The floating navel piercing is where a curved barbell is used where the upper part will have a gem and the lower part will stay in place. This is ideal for those who do not have pronounced belly buttons or small ones.

How Long Does A Navel Piercing Take To Heal?

The navel piercing healing time will depend on the health condition, general healing pace, genetics, etc. It also depends on the level of hygiene and the efforts put into the whole process of aftercare.

What Is The Pain Level Of Belly Button Piercing?

Belly button piercings are relatively painless as they go through fleshy areas, as opposed to cartilage. The experience of pain depends on the pain threshold of each individual. It is a consensus that it will pain up to 4 to 5 points on a scale from 1-10 where 10 is the highest.

Navel Piercing Procedure

1. Choosing the piercer: The first step is choosing the right piercer who is certified. Make sure that the salon follows standard hygiene procedures. If you are in doubt, do not hesitate to go to a better professional piercer or salon. You have to discuss the procedure, placement you have in mind, its feasibility, aftercare techniques, and any doubts that come into your mind. When you go to get the piercing done, you should ensure that the needle and other equipment are sanitized. The needle to be used should be disposable and will come in a sealed pouch. Insist that they open the package right in front of you.
2. Choosing your jewelry: Choosing the jewelry is an important part of navel piercing. You will need to choose hypoallergenic materials(1) for navel piercing jewelry like titanium, gold (above 14 carats), niobium, etc. Choose navel piercing jewelry without scratches, nicks, and rough edges so that the skin grows around it and won’t result in tears anytime you move the jewelry.
3. Marking and cleaning: Now that you are done with the basics, the piercer will mark the area to be pierced. You should ask the person about the feasibility of piercing and the risks associated with the spot and make the necessary amends before the piercing is done. If there is any hair there, the piercer may remove it with a disposable razor.
4. Piercing: Now the piercing will be done. The artist may go freehand or rely on tools. Avoid piercing guns as they increase the chances of infection and damage the tissues. A sterile hollow needle will be pierced into your skin which is pinched taut. You will feel a sharp pinch and get to see some swelling, redness, and blood as well. The jewelry will be inserted with the stab and fastened then and there.

Navel Piercing Risk Factors

• Infections: The navel piercing could get infected. If you see unusual yellow or green discharge along with swelling, redness, and pain around the area accompanied by a fever you should seek medical assistance and rule out a case of infected navel piercing. Infections could even lead to brain and heart abscesses leading to fatality. Infections entering the bloodstream can become life-threatening and you should watch out for signs like nausea, breathlessness, changing of skin color, dizziness, confusion, chills, etc., and address them as quickly as possible.
• Bloodborne diseases: Another risk is contracting blood-borne diseases(2) like AIDS, hepatitis, tetanus, etc. that can come with an infected needle.
• Allergic reaction: Allergic reactions can ensue if you are allergic to the metal that composes the piercing jewelry.
• Migration or Rejection: The jewelry could move from its spot causing migration. This can happen if the spot chosen is not right and if the jewelry is small. This could lead to navel-piercing rejection.
• Tearing: The navel piercing jewelry could tug at clothing and cause micro tears or tears. Hence it is advised to avoid accessories or tight clothing around your belly button.
• Keloids: Keloids and scar tissues are also potential risk factors when it comes to navel piercing.
• Itching and rash: Mild itching and an uncomfortable feeling will anyway be present for the first couple of weeks. Rashes may also develop when the jewelry irritates the skin it is in contact with.

You have to consult your healthcare practitioner if you have conditions like diabetes, hemophilia, autoimmune disorder, propensity to develop skin infections, heart problems, etc. If you are overweight or pregnant also the jewelry may move around under the skin causing scarring.

Navel Piercing Aftercare

Due to the longer healing time, it’s pertinent to take care of the piercing diligently. 

• Cleaning: Cleaning it with a readymade saline solution or a homemade mix of ⅛ teaspoon of rock salt in one cup of warm distilled or bottled water is a must daily. If your piercer says okay to using soap you can use an antibacterial soap or a mild one. But make sure that you clean it thoroughly so that no trace of soap remains. Dry the area gently with disposable paper towels. Always make sure that you avoid overcleaning and undercleaning, as both can delay healing.
• Avoid playing with the jewelry: You should not fiddle with your navel-piercing jewelry. You should always touch the area with clean hands. 
• Avoid risky environments: Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, and lakes so that you do not come into contact with contaminated water that may lead to infections. Do not apply lotions, oils, or perfumes on or around your navel piercing without medical advice.
• Do not pick at the crust: You may notice yellow color fluid oozing out of the navel piercing. Rest assured. It is perfectly normal. It may itch and form a crust. Do not pick at the crust as it will cause bleeding. In the normal course, it will come off on its own.
• Do not attempt to change jewelry: Desist from the temptation to wear charms or dangling jewelry before actual healing sets in as it can lead to tearing of skin which can cause scarring. It will delay the healing process as well.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing: You should also make sure that you do not wear tight-fitting clothes like tights, leggings, etc. Accessories like belts and waist-lets are also best avoided as they may tug at the piercing jewelry. If in doubt, you can use an eye patch held in place by a stretchable bandage. Make sure you wear comfy clean and loose clothing.

Types Of Navel Piercing Jewelry 

Curved Barbell

The initial piercing will be a curved barbell piercing only. It is a banana-shaped jewelry with two beads at both ends. It could have gems on both ends as well which can be removed easily.

Non-Dangle Jewelry

They are typically a drop, hinge, or curved barbell that stays close to the skin and are the most appropriate choice for those who lead an active lifestyle or those who do not show off their belly button piercing always.

Twister Spiral Belly Rings

This jewelry is supposed to make a statement and is fun to wear. It will be curved in both directions and puts less stress on the pierced area.

Captive Bead Rings

This one hugs the navel and shows off the side of the ring. There are 14 and 16-gauge available for this style.

Dangle Belly Button Rings

This is for the chic and happening among you. Dangling jewelry is the best option if you want to show off your navel piercing. There is a cornucopia of choices with charms, gems, and motifs dangling.

Signing Off

It’s okay to spice it up. But always self-assess when it comes to your responsibility and self-care quotient as it will take some serious effort to get your navel piercing healed completely. If you can’t, go faux and flaunt it. Cheers to happy bodies and happy minds!!

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