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Published Saturday, August 5, 2023

Navel Piercings & Belly Button Piercings: Your Complete Guide

Thinking about getting a belly button piercing? You're not alone! Navel piercings are a popular choice for adding a stylish touch to your look. You might be wondering, "how much does it cost for a navel piercing?" or "how long does a belly buttom piercing take to heal?". In this post, we’ll dive into the belly button piercing healing timeline, and aftercare tips to help you prevent a scar belly button piercing. Let’s get started!

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What Is A Navel Piercing?

The popularity of this piercing has never faded and the options for navel jewelry have only expanded over the years. However, the type of navel piercing that will work best for you will depend on your anatomy. Let's go over the different types of belly button piercings.

First things first, the navel piercing is a piercing around your navel! The most popular placement is the upper rim, a fleshy bit of skin at the top of the navel.

The inverse navel, also known as a lower navel piercing, bottom navel piercing or lower belly button piercing, is where the lower rim is pierced. While less common, this area can be pierced if enough skin is available.

Another option is to pierce the sides of your belly button, though this is less common, and is usually only done as part of a larger belly piercing project.

Lastly, A double navel piercing, also referred to a navel piercing double, is when you get two piercings on your belly button instead of just one. Usually, one is placed above the navel and the other below, giving it a unique, stacked look.

Navel piercing Double navel piercing

 

Getting the Piercing

As with all body piercing modification, there are some things you should know before getting a belly button piercing. First off, everyone’s anatomy is different, and not every belly button can accommodate a piercing.

Once you're ready, a piercer will take a look at your anatomy to see if it supports the type of belly button piercing you want. If it doesn't, your piercer will let you know of the alternatives.

During the piercing process, the piercer will clean the area and mark where the piercing will go. Then, they’ll use a sterilized 14g hollow needle to create the hole and insert the jewelry, usually a curved barbell with a longer post to make room for swelling. Make sure to choose high-quality initial jewelry like implant-grade titanium for a smoother navel piercing recovery.

A word of caution: never get pierced with a piercing gun. It can cause complications, trauma and lead to infections. Always do your research and go to reputable piercer who uses a hollow piercing needle.

 

Do Belly Button Piercings Hurt?

Many people wonder if belly button piercings hurt, but the truth is that everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Most people describe it as a quick pinch or a bit of pressure. The good news is that the pain usually lasts only a few seconds. After that, it's important to be careful while healing.

You might feel a little soreness or tenderness for a few days, but it’s usually not too bad. Just remember to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions to help with healing and minimize any discomfort.

 

How Much Does a Belly Button Piercing Cost?

So, how much is a belly button piercing? The belly button piercing price can vary depending on the location, the piercer's experience and the jewelry. Navel piercings can cost between $30 and $100, not including the jewelry. Consider getting high-quality jewelry, like implant-grade titanium, for a better healing proces.

If you’re wondering, how much are belly button piercings at your local shop? Calling ahead to ask for pricing details before your appointment is always a good idea.

As with any piercing, you'll also need aftercare products. Don't forget to budget for this as well.

 

How Long Does a Belly Button Piercing Take to Heal?

Healing a navel piercing takes time, and it’s important to be patient. Navel piercing healing timeline can vary, but on average, it takes about 6 to 12 months to fully heal. During the early healing navel piercing stages, you might notice redness, swelling, or tenderness, which is normal. As the piercing heals, these symptoms should fade. When it comes to healing a belly button piercing, proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. Once your navel piercing heals, you’ll be able to enjoy it with less worry about infections or irritation.

 

Belly Button Piercing Aftercare

Navels are delicate and are prone to migration and rejection. Taking care of your fresh piercing is key to making sure it heals properly. After getting pierced, you'll need to clean the area twice a day with a saline spray or saline solution. Make sure to wash your hands before cleaning the piercing. Spray the piercing and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterwards, let it air dry or use a clean paper towel to pat around the area.

Other aftercare tips:

  • Don't touch your piercing and avoid bumping it.
  • Steer clear of tight clothing that could irritate or snag the piercing.
  • Avoid swimming in bodies of water like pools, lakes, beaches or hot tubs until your piercing heals. These places are full of bacteria that increase the risk of an infection.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and cleansers like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, sunscreen and lotions.

Following these steps will help keep your piercing healthy and on track for healing. If you notice any signs of an infection, talk to your piercer or doctor.

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Different Types Of Belly Jewelry

When can you change your belly button piercing jewelry? Until the piercing is fully healed! If you're unsure, have your piercer check it out before you switch out the jewelry.

Before you start shopping, let's cover the names for the jewelry. The jewelry for these piercings can be called navel jewelry, navel rings, belly rings, belly button jewelry or navel piercing jewelry.

Now for the size. The average gauge size for navels is going to be around 14g, and the standard length of the jewelry will be between 5/16” and 7/16” (the most common size being 3/8" or 10mm). If you're not sure, have your piercer measure you.

So, what kind of jewelry do you need? Well, the most popular style is the navel barbell. This is a type of curved barbell specifically designed with navels in mind, available in a wide array of materials and styles. The non-dangle navel usually includes a smaller top and larger bottom ball.

Navel barbell


Another variation of this is the dangle belly button ring, which features a dangling design element.

Navel barbell with dangle design

Next, you have top-down navels, also known as floating navels. These are another type of curved barbell made for navels, where the larger dangle design is at the top of the barbell and hangs down over the piercing and the bottom has a small disc or ball.

Floating navel


Sleek, navel clickers or rail clickers are also a growing trend and make for easy insertion and removal, but they are most comfortable and safe in a fully healed piercing.

Rail clicker

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Other types of jewelry you can wear in belly rings like clickers or captive bead rings, CBR's or captives, for short.

Something else to consider is that belly jewelry is in a high friction, high movement area, and you will have to be careful not to snag the jewelry on your clothes, and clean it regularly. A simple curved barbell or navel retainer might be a good option for days when you’re not showing off your piercing.

 

Pregnancy and Belly Piercings

Pregnant women should wait until after their baby is born and they have fully recovered before getting a navel piercing. This allows your body to heal properly and reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy.

While pregnancy navels do exist - those are navels made from long, flexible, body safe materials like PTFE meant to accommodate a pregnant stomach - however they don’t work for everyone. Many people end up simply removing their belly piercing when pregnant, and either putting it back in, or getting re-pierced after the baby is born if the hole closed up.


Belly Button Piercing After Pregnancy

After pregnancy, your belly button area can change a lot due to the skin stretching and it might not go back to how it was before. This means your belly button might look different or have loose skin around it.

If your belly button has significantly changed after pregnancy, it might affect how well a new piercing heals or how the jewelry fits. In such cases, it’s best to consult with a piercer who has experience with these situations to ensure a successful piercing process.

 

Who Shouldn't Get This Piercing

If you have certain health problems, like diabetes or issues with healing, it’s best to talk to your doctor first. People who have a history of keloid scars, which are thick, raised scars, should also think carefully.

If you have an active lifestyle and play sports or engage in activities that put stress on your abdomen, a navel piercing might get in the way or become irritated. Something else to consider is the long healing process. If you’re not comfortable with it or the possibility of complications, you might want to reconsider getting a belly piercing.

 

Frequently asked questions:

Do navel piercings scars go away?

Belly button piercing scars are something to keep in mind when you get a belly button piercing. Sometimes, after a piercing heals, a small scar might be left behind. This can happen if the piercing gets infected or if you have a tendency to form keloid scars.

To help prevent scarring, make sure to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions carefully and avoid touching or irritating the area.wouldn't Most scars from belly piercings are small and not very noticeable, but taking good care of your piercing can help keep them to a minimum.


When Is The Best Time To Get A Belly Piercing?

Let's dive into a question many of us have pondered: When's the ideal time to get a piercing? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all, but if you're looking to flaunt some cool new piercings, it's worth considering the timing. So, should you opt for summer vibes or winter chill?

If you're itching to enjoy sun-soaked days and water-based escapades during the summer, there's something you need to consider. Piercings, especially fresh ones, don't always play well with bodies of water. Whether it's a dip in the pool, a day at the beach, or a refreshing lake swim, these activities can potentially disrupt the healing process.

So, if your summer plans involve aquatic fun, it might be wise to plan ahead. Getting pierced during the fall, winter, or even early spring would give your body time to heal and get ready for those vibrant summer days.


In the grand debate of summer versus winter navel piercing, there's no clear winner. It all boils down to your individual preferences and lifestyle. Whether you're a summer sun seeker or a winter cozy enthusiast, remember that healing should be your top priority.


Can You Wear Belly Jewelry with High Waisted Jeans?

Got a navel piercing and wondering if it's a good match with those trendy high waisted jeans?

The basic answer? Absolutely, you can rock high waist jeans and show off your navel piercing in style. But here are some things to consider:

If your navel piercing is fresh, you'll want to be a little cautious. High waisted clothes are totally doable, but you don't want anything rubbing, snagging, or irritating your piercing. Trust me, you don't want to slow down that healing process!

Imagine this: you're strutting your stuff in those cute high waisted shorts, and suddenly your piercing gets caught in the fabric. Ouch, right? So, keep an eye out for clothes that could brush up against your piercing and choose softer fabrics to avoid any unwanted tugging.


What about dangle belly jewelry?

Now, let's talk about those fabulous dangle navel piercings. While they look stunning, they might pose a tiny challenge when paired with high waisted clothes.

Don't worry, though! It's not a deal-breaker. If you're a fan of dangle piercings, just be mindful of what you're wearing. Opt for bottoms with a snugger waistband or choose dangle jewelry that's less likely to snag on your clothes.


Does Weight Determine Whether You Can Get a Navel Piercing?

The short answer is no. Your weight or body size does not determine whether you can get a navel piercing. What really matters is your navel anatomy.

People of all shapes and sizes successfully heal navel piercings every day. The key is having the right anatomy, choosing quality jewelry, and following proper aftercare instructions.

When evaluating someone for a navel piercing, a professional piercer focuses on the structure of the belly button itself—not the number on the scale.

Your piercer will examine how your navel looks when you're both standing and sitting. This helps them determine whether a traditional navel piercing will have enough room to heal properly.

One of the most important things they look for is a well-defined upper lip or ridge of tissue at the top of the navel. This tissue provides the area where the jewelry can safely sit during healing.

Because anatomy varies so much from person to person, two people with completely different body types may both be excellent candidates for a navel piercing. Likewise, two people with similar body types may have very different piercing options.

If your anatomy isn't ideal for a traditional navel piercing, your piercer may recommend a floating navel piercing.

This style is designed for navels that collapse, fold, or put pressure on traditional jewelry when sitting. Floating navel piercings use a different jewelry style and placement that can help reduce irritation and support healing.

An experienced piercer can determine whether a floating navel piercing is a better option for your anatomy.

 

Is It Possible to Pierce an Outie Belly Button for a Navel Piercing?

Thinking about getting a belly button piercing but have an outie? You're definitely not alone. This is a super common question, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It really depends on your body.

 

Can You Pierce an Outie Belly Button?

In most cases, it’s not recommended to pierce directly through an outie belly button. Why? Because outies are usually made of scar tissue or herniated tissue, which isn’t safe or stable for piercing.

Trying to pierce through that kind of tissue can cause a lot of problems, like:

  • Long healing times
  • High risk of infection
  • Rejection or migration of the jewelry
  • Permanent scarring

 

But Don’t Lose Hope Yet

Just because you have an outie doesn't mean you're totally out of luck. Sometimes, people with outies still have enough skin above or around the navel for a safe and successful piercing. This is where anatomy comes in.


What a Piercer Looks For

A professional piercer will examine your belly button to check for things like:

  • If there's a defined ridge or flap of skin above the navel
  • Whether your tissue is healthy and suitable for healing
  • How deep or shallow the area is for placing jewelry

Basically, your piercer needs to see if there's a spot that can hold the jewelry securely without putting you at risk.

 

Set Up a Consultation

If you're seriously thinking about getting a navel piercing and you have an outie, the best thing to do is book a consultation with an experienced piercer. They'll let you know if it’s safe and possible based on your individual anatomy.

Remember, no two belly buttons are the same—what works for one person might not work for another.

 

 

So, is it possible to pierce an outie belly button for a navel piercing? Maybe—but only if your anatomy allows it and a piercer gives you the green light. Don’t try to figure it out on your own. Always get a professional opinion first.

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