The Complete Guide to Belly Button Piercing in 2023

The Complete Guide to Belly Button Piercing

Belly button piercing, also known as navel piercing, has become an increasingly popular type of body piercing over the past few decades. Often referred to simply as a "belly ring", navel piercing involves inserting jewelry through a hole in the navel or belly button.

Navel piercing is an ancient practice that has historical significance across many cultures. These days, it's commonly seen as a decorative body modification and form of self-expression. For many people, a sparkling belly ring can be a stylish accessory that enhances their sense of beauty and confidence.

The History and Culture of Belly Button Piercings

Piercing the navel for decorative purposes has been practiced for thousands of years, dating all the way back to ancient civilizations. The earliest known belly piercings took place during the Neolithic era, with mummies found bearing navel jewelry from as far back as 4000 BCE.

Ancient Egyptians wore navel piercings and jewelry as symbols of courage and romance. Belly rings were also donned by many tribes in Africa to represent adulthood, life stages, and status. Roman centurions wore navel rings as a sign of strength and virility.

In India, navel piercing has been an important cultural and religious tradition for centuries. To this day, it remains a common rite of passage into womanhood. The traditional belly rings worn by Indian woman are called nath and are rich in symbolic meaning.

Considerations Before Getting Your Belly Button Pierced

If you're thinking about getting a navel piercing, there are a few important factors to consider beforehand:

• - Anatomy - The structure of your navel is key. Those with deeper navels and a clear "shelf" of skin at the rim are best suited for piercing.
• - Jewelry - Your piercer will recommend the best starter jewelry shape and size for your body.
• - Pain level - Pain thresholds vary. Many say navel piercing hurts less than earlobe piercing.
• - Healing - Allow 6-9 months for it to fully heal. Keep it clean and avoid irritation.
• - Placement - Consider the location carefully. It will impact visibility when dressed.
• - Employment - Ensure belly rings are allowed in your workplace dress code.

What to Expect During the Piercing Process

Ready to take the plunge? Here's a quick rundown of what to expect when you get your belly button pierced:

1. - Piercing mark - The piercer will first mark the navel, allowing you to approve placement.
2. - Deep breath - Breathe in deep as the needle goes through in one quick motion.
3. - Jewelry insertion - The piercer will slide the sterilized starter belly ring into place.
4. - Payment - Most piercers accept cash. Expect to pay $40-$70 including jewelry.
5. - Aftercare instructions - Follow all aftercare directions to prevent infection.
6. - Initial soreness - Tenderness, swelling, and bruising are normal initially.

Caring for a New Belly Button Piercing

Navel piercings require diligent aftercare during the healing process. Be sure to:

• - Wash hands before touching the area
• - Clean piercing 2-3 times daily with saline spray or soap
• - Rinse thoroughly in shower, allowing water to run over it
• - Pat dry using clean paper towels or gauze
• - Avoid submerging in baths, pools, etc. for 6 weeks
• - Wear clean, breathable fabrics
• - Avoid tanning beds, direct sun exposure
• - Don't change jewelry until fully healed

Consult your piercer promptly about any excessive redness, swelling, pus, or pain. These can indicate infection.

Picking Your Perfect Belly Ring Jewelry

Once healed, the decorating fun really begins! Navel rings come in a dazzling array of styles, including:

• - Dangling belly rings with charms or chains
• - Sparkling gems like opal, garnet, or cubic zirconia
• - Bold, colorful enameled designs
• - Edgy styles like spikes, skull heads, or arrows
• - Creative shapes like stars, hearts, or dolphins

Quality matters, so be selective. Surgical steel, titanium, 14+ karat gold, and niobium are safest. Avoid cheap rings that can irritate or discolor skin. Shop reputable piercing shops or websites.

Body Piercing Safety Tips

While a belly button ring can be a fun way to express yourself, safety should be the priority. To keep risks low:

• - Verify the piercing shop is licensed, clean, and has autoclave sterilization.
• - Ensure needles come sealed straight from the autoclave.
• - Ask to see the piercer's portfolio and licensing.
• - Never pierce yourself or let friends do it.
• - Get pierced only if sober and well-rested.
• - Check for signs of infection and seek medical care if needed.

Frequently Asked Belly Button Piercing Questions

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about navel piercing:

• Does it hurt to get your belly button pierced? Most describe it as a sharp, hot pinch. But pain levels vary greatly. Over quickly.
• Can I go swimming after a new navel piercing? Avoid submerging it until fully healed in 6+ months. Even then, rinse afterward.
• Do belly piercings leave scars? Usually only minor internal scarring. Scarring risk rises if infection occurs.
• How long does a belly ring take to heal? About 6-9 months for full healing. Refrain from changing jewelry during this time.
• Can I get pregnant with a navel ring? Yes, pregnancy is still possible. Consider switching to a flexible plastic pregnancy belly ring.

Display Your Unique Style with a Belly Button Piercing

A sparkling navel ring can be a stylish, expressive addition to your look. If done safely by a licensed professional using proper aftercare, it can be an exciting way to display your personal flair. Just be sure to consider the commitment carefully first.

FAQs

How much does it cost to get your belly button pierced?

The average cost of a belly button piercing ranges from $40 to $70. This includes the piercing service fee and the initial belly ring jewelry. The price can vary based on where you live and the piercing shop.

What gauge is used for belly button piercings?

Most piercers use 14 or 16 gauge needle for an initial navel piercing. The starter belly ring is usually 14 or 16 gauge as well. Once healed, you can replace it with different gauge jewelry if desired.

How long do I have to wait to change my new belly ring?

It's important to not change the initial piercing jewelry until the navel piercing is fully healed, which takes about 6-9 months. Trying to change it too soon risks irritation, setbacks in healing, and potential infection.

Can a belly ring be removed?

Once healed, a navel piercing is permanent but the belly ring jewelry can be removed easily any time. The hole remains open when empty. If left without jewelry too long it may start to close up.

Do belly button piercings reject or migrate?

It's rare but possible for navel piercings to migrate or reject, usually due to poor placement or excessive tension on the skin. Signs include soreness, redness, swelling or the ring shifting position. See your piercer promptly.