Navel Piercings (Belly)

What Everyone Ought to Know About Navel Piercings

Navel piercings are something that will never go out of style. Navel piercings are the perfect type of piercing to get done if you want to accentuate your stomach, cover up or adorn your belly button, and boost your self-confidence when it comes to showing off your midsection. In fact, navel rings and other jewelry options represent some of the sexiest types of body jewelry out there. And since this piercing is simple, relatively painless, and usually heals nicely, more individuals are taking the plunge. From celebrities to college students, and everyone in-between, this timeless body jewelry is worth considering.

Are Navel Piercings Painful?

Even though navel piercing is popular there are those holding back due to a fear that belly button piercings will be more painful than lip piercings, eyebrow piercings, or any other body piercing that’s not an earlobe. Pain is a hard thing to quantify given that each individual reacts differently. Those with a high pain tolerance say that it doesn’t hurt at all to have their belly pierced, while others will tell you that they were able to tolerate the momentary pain they felt during the blink of an eye it took for the puncture to be made and the jewelry affixed. That said, the most common response to this question from those who’ve had their belly pierced is that getting a navel piercing feels just like getting stung by a bee or getting a vaccination at the doctor’s office, and that the soreness that follows for a few days after is very tolerable. The procedure itself is fairly simple: The piercer will sterilize the area with disinfectant, then use a sharp, hollow needle (which is much more gentle on the skin than a piercing gun) to pierce the area. At the end of the procedure, you’ll be given some aftercare instructions that will help you have an infection-free recovery.

How long do you have to wait to get in the pool after a Navel piercing?

Even though belly piercings sometimes look like they are completely healed after only a few weeks or months, the truth is that it takes anywhere from nine months to a year for this type of piercing to fully heal. As badly as you may want to cool off with a relaxing dip in the pool during those hot summer months, you really should wait it out until the area is fully healed if you want to avoid any chances of infection. Even though chemically treated water may seem safe, it can still harbour germs that cause dangerous infections to piercings and any other type of open wound. If you absolutely cannot fight the urge to jump into that refreshing-looking swimming pool, you can try covering the area with a waterproof dressing that tightly seals over your skin. Just remember to remove the dressing and thoroughly clean the area directly after you’re done swimming. Also, if you only go swimming in the summer months, you might want to schedule your belly piercing for early fall to allow for plenty of healing time before summer. Remember, it’s important to follow your piercer’s instructions to the letter in order to avoid any potential complications.

When can I exercise after a navel piercing?

During the first couple of weeks post-piercing, the area can be painful or sensitive, so keeping the area clean is imperative. If you do decide to workout, make sure you shower right after and immediately dry the area when done. Keep the area clean and moist with a mild disinfectant like a natural saline solution, sea salt solution, or other kind of antibacterial solution. The piece of jewelry you wear will also make a difference in your comfort level during mild to moderate exercise. For example, you might want to opt for a belly ring with a post instead of a traditional belly button ring simply because this type of jewelry can offer more comfort under spandex and tights.

Is the navel Piercing Dangerous?

When carried out by a trained professional who uses the proper type of instruments and jewelry, and who works in a sterile environment, belly button piercings are quite safe. But part of the responsibility of making sure your piercing doesn’t cause any complications is on you. Aftercare is just as important as the act of piercing itself. Hire a professional, follow their instructions and a post care regiment and you’ll reduce your risk of infection while encouraging a quick and painless healing process.

Some common issues that can arise with navel piercings may include:

Allergic reaction to body jewelry Scarring Tearing in the area if the jewelry gets caught on something Jewelry rejection Infection Excessive bleeding For those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, the risks for a bacterial infection are elevated. When in doubt, always discuss the process and any of your concerns with your piercer. You can also talk things over with your regular medical doctor as well if you are concerned about getting your belly button pierced while living with a pre-existing medical condition.

How to clean a navel piercing?

Keeping the area clean should be your top priority after getting your belly pierced. Always check the piercing daily for any signs of irritation, redness, or swelling. Keep in mind that it’s normal to have some oozing and discharge for a couple of days after the piercing is done.

Some other things you can do to reduce infection risks are:

Allow the area to fully heal before swimming or doing anything that could potentially introduce harmful bacteria into the area Be diligent about washing your hands before touching the area Avoid touching the site or the jewelry if you are not cleaning the area Cleaning your piercing is simple and quick to do. First, wash both the jewelry and the piercing twice a day with antibacterial soap and water as well as a saline solution spray, then pat dry with a paper towel. Avoid using washcloths, loofahs, and towels as they can both harbour bacteria and also get caught on jewelry.

How to tell if your navel piercing is infected?

It can sometimes be hard to tell if an area is infected or irritated. Some definite signs of infection include: Burning sensations Fever and/or nausea Severe abdominal pain Intense, growing redness around the piercing Greenish-yellow, brown, grey, or off-white discharge The skin surrounding the piercing feels warm or hot Foul odour from discharge Red lines coming from the pierced area Increased swelling of the area

Ready to Learn More or Schedule a Piercing?

Navel piercings are one of the most attractive and alluring types of piercings that can last a lifetime. From gold belly rings to captive bead rings, the jewelry options and styles available are virtually endless. If you’re ready to learn more, have questions or want to schedule an appointment, reach out to us today, we’ve helped countless individuals in the Toronto, Mississauga area find the perfect piercing and jewelry combo.