Imagine a fancy piece of jewelry peeping from that tiny curve on the stomach — that’s just some of the allure of a belly button piercing (also referred to as a navel piercing). This tummy gem doesn’t hurt much and offers a variety of placements and jewelry choices.
Are you intrigued yet?
There’s more! This post discusses the belly button piercing in detail, exploring its cost, pain level, healing time, aftercare, and best jewelry options!
What is a belly button piercing?
A belly button piercing is a body piercing that goes through the skin surrounding the navel, usually the upper skin fold. If the usual placement for your belly button piercing doesn’t appeal to you or isn’t a good fit for your body, you can consider other areas like the lower rim, upper rim, or sides of the navel.
A belly button piercing is also called a navel piercing, belly piercing, tummy piercing, or stomach piercing. Whatever you call it, it refers to a piercing through the skin around the navel.
Best place to get a belly button piercing
Many piercing studios offer belly button piercing services. To find one near you, search “belly button piercings near me.” But don’t visit just any studio; look for a professional piercing studio. How do you know if a studio is qualified?
Check the piercers’ portfolios and read online reviews if you’re searching online. Also, confirm if the piercer is an Association of Professional Piercers (APP) member. You can find APP members here.
If you’re entering a physical shop, check the environment. Is it clean? Do they use sterilized equipment? If they’re APP-certified, you’ll also find a certificate on the studio’s wall.
Types of navel piercings
A navel piercing can be anywhere around your belly button. So, there are different navel piercings depending on the exact location and jewelry type.
Let’s show you some of them!
1. Top belly button piercing
This is the traditional belly button piercing, which goes through the skin immediately above the navel. Although popular, this type of piercing doesn’t work for everyone. You need a pronounced navel shelf, that is, a navel that won’t close up when you sit or bend.
Piercing Experience, an Atlanta studio, says that only 30-40% of people have this type of navel.
Bent barbells are the typical starter jewelry for the top belly button piercing.
2. Bottom belly button piercing
As you can guess, the bottom belly button piercing goes through the skin below the navel. It’s perfect for people with broad belly buttons. You can also opt for it if you’d like your navel piercing to sit below the usual spot.
Curved barbells work for lower belly button piercings, too.
3. Double belly piercing
A double belly piercing combines the top and bottom belly button piercings. It creates a vertical line-up on your navel, and, trust us, few things could be prettier.
Double belly piercings can also be horizontal, featuring two piercings on both sides of the navel. You can wear a combination of different jewelry on a double belly piercing. However, they are more painful and take longer to heal.
4. Floating belly button piercing
The jewelry makes the difference here. While the usual belly button piercing jewelry has big balls or gems on its end, floating navel piercing jewelry features a tiny bead or flat disc.
This makes it ideal for people without a pronounced navel shelf. Even when their navel squishes from bending or sitting, it will still accommodate a tiny bead or flat disc.
5. Microdermal belly piercing
Microdermal (or dermal) belly piercings are special piercings for people who lack the skin flap needed for the standard belly piercing. This piercing has only one hole, where the jewelry post sits.
After inserting the post through the skin, the jewelry top is attached, leaving a pretty stamp on the belly. Microdermal belly piercings can be anywhere around the navel.
6. Fake belly button piercing
Some jewelry types create a belly button piercing illusion without going through any hole. Examples are:
- Clip-on belly button piercing fake: As the name implies, you clip it on top of the navel. It’s usually a ring with separable ends. After opening the ends, you’ll wear it on your navel shelf and adjust it to sit comfortably.
- Magnetic belly ring: This type is made with magnets that attach the jewelry to your skin. Magnetic belly rings stay on well, especially when made by a good manufacturer who uses high-strength magnets.
Fake belly buttons come in really handy for people with “outie” belly buttons, which cannot be pierced. Outie navels protrude with the leftover umbilical cord, so piercing the skin around them may puncture tissues and cause serious complications. If you have an outie belly button but still want a navel piercing, clip-on or magnetic belly rings are your best bet.
Remember, though, that fake belly rings are not meant to be worn permanently. You must remove them after some hours so they don’t become uncomfortable.
Who can get a navel piercing?
You need enough skin flap above or below your belly button to get a navel piercing. Most people will be able to get at least one type of belly button piercing, but you should confirm with a piercer before deciding. They can access your navel anatomy and verify if you can get a navel piercing and which type is best for you.
Remember that outie belly buttons should not be pierced, so we’re talking innies here.
Why shouldn’t you get a belly button piercing?
You may avoid a navel piercing because of its risks (rejection, migration, allergies, infection, and scarring) and long healing time. It’s up to each person to decide whether it’s worth it.
People with diabetes or other similar illnesses should see a doctor before getting a belly piercing.
Belly button piercing procedure
So, what’s it like getting a belly button piercing? Imagine this:
You lay down in a relaxed atmosphere, and a piercer cleanses your navel area. They mark a spot and ask you to confirm if that’s where you want your piercing. You feel some pain as the piercer inserts a hollow needle in the skin around your navel. The piercer fixes your desired jewelry in the piercing and cleanses the piercing site. And that’s all; you’ve got a belly button piercing!
Tip: Never allow anyone to use a piercing gun for your navel piercing; it makes your piercing more likely to be infected.
Tip: Never allow anyone to use a piercing gun for your navel piercing; it makes your piercing more likely to be infected.
Does a belly button piercing hurt?
A belly button piercing will hurt (cause it’s a piercing, of course), but not much. It goes through flesh and not cartilage, so the pain is bearable for most. Rose, who has a belly button piercing, says that it was quick and painless.
Of course, pain is relative and will differ from person to person. But by most ratings, belly button piercings hurt at a 4 out of 10.
How much does it cost?
Belly button piercings cost between $30 and $100, depending on your jewelry choice, location, and piercer’s experience. Getting high-quality jewelry and visiting an experienced piercer will cost you more, but it’s worth it.
How long does it take to heal?
Now, here’s the real deal. Belly button piercings take about 6 to 12 months to heal. They heal slowly compared to ear, lip, septum, or VCH piercings. That’s because a navel piercing tends to move around a lot (when you walk, sit, or sleep), disturbing the natural healing process.
Navel piercings may appear healed after one or two months, but don’t be deceived; they aren’t fully healed yet. They have to go through these three stages before they’re completely healed.
1. Inflammatory stage
This stage covers the first few days of the piercing, when it swells, reddens, or even bleeds. This is normal and kick-starts the piercing’s healing.
2. Proliferative stage:
Here’s where the major healing takes place. The belly button skin generates tissue, blood vessels, and new cells to heal the piercing site. The piercing stops hurting or bleeding, so you may think it’s healed, but it really isn’t. The proliferative stages can take several months.
3. Final maturity stage
The tissue formed during the proliferative phase becomes stronger in this last stage. At this point, the piercing is fully healed and can be changed. A belly button piercing takes about a year to reach this stage.
What to avoid after getting your belly button pierced
Belly button piercings naturally take a long time to heal. You don’t want to make things longer by complicating your piercing.
To help a navel piercing heal, you must avoid:
- touching the piercing with unwashed hands;
- peeling off crusts on the piercing;
- wearing tight clothing like high-waist jeans or body-con tops and gowns;
- swimming within the first month of the piercing (it is best to wait until after three months);
- entering hot bathtubs or lakes;
- cleaning the piercing with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and;
- changing the piercing before it’s healed.
What does an infected belly button piercing look like?
An infected belly button piercing looks red, swollen, and pus-filled.
How do you know if your belly button piercing is infected?
Looking at it can give you a clue, but here are other signs of infected belly piercings:
- Warmth/hotness around the belly button.
- Yellowish-green pus from the piercing.
- Fever or an upset stomach.
- Bump on belly button piercing.
How to treat infected belly button piercing
Do these if you have an infected belly button piercing:
- Apply warm compresses to the piercing.
- Apply an OTC antibacterial ointment (on prescription only).
- Clean the piercing with saline solution regularly.
You should also see a doctor as soon as possible. They can prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.
How to clean infected belly button piercing
Follow these steps to clean an infected navel piercing:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Use a saline-soaked cotton ball to clean the piercing. Remember to clean the jewelry too.
- Dry the piercing with a disposable paper napkin
How to avoid belly button piercing infection
Dealing with an infected belly button piercing can be stressful. You can avoid all that stress by cleaning the piercing regularly, keeping dirty hands away from it, avoiding tight clothes, and following other aftercare instructions (more on that shortly).
How do you know if your belly piercing is healed?
A healed belly piercing will not hurt, swell, redden, or produce pus. The jewelry will move freely in the hole without any pain.
Types of jewelry used in belly button piercings
Belly button piercings allow room for a good variety of jewelry. Check through the options and see which ones you love!
1. Banana barbells
Banana barbells (or bananabells) are slightly curved barbells, perfect for navel piercings! They are the most common starter jewelry for navel piercings, so you’ll find various styles within the standard belly button piercing gauge. Banana barbells can feature different decorations, from gems and stars to simple balls.
2. Captive beads
These are rings with a small bead within the circumference. Because they are round and closed, captive bead rings are less likely to get caught on clothing and pull your navel piercing. Add that to the variety of designs available, and you’ll have good reasons to wear captive beads on your navel piercing.
3. Dangle belly rings
Keep this until your belly piercing is fully healed. Dangle belly rings feature a small circle that enters the piercing and a long, dropping design (can be anything from love, flowers, or butterflies to moon-shaped designs). They’re best for fully-healed belly piercings because their length can pull a fresh piercing and disrupt healing.
Usually, this style comes with a curved barbell and offers many choices for decorations such as stones, jewels, or charms hanging from the end of the ring.
4. Belly button hoop
Belly button hoops or studs are great if you want something dainty for your navel piercing. If you lock them in properly, they stay on well without falling out. Some belly hoops feature a small gem, adding style to your piercing.
Belly hoops are great if you want something dainty for your navel piercing. If you lock them in properly, they stay on well without falling out. Some belly hoops feature a small gem, adding style to your piercing.
5. Belly button stud
Stud lover? No problem! You can wear a belly stud on your navel piercing. Check out our lovely collection of belly studs and pick your favorite.
6. Twister spiral/twister ring
Twister spiral jewelry, which is a curved barbell in both directions, is not only fun to wear but also makes a statement. This type of piercing design is known for putting less pressure on the navel area.
7. Non-Dangle
For people who like an active lifestyle or prefer not to display their belly button piercing all the time, smaller jewelry pieces are ideal. Non-dangle jewelry styles, such as drop, hinge, or curved barbells, fit snugly around the belly button.
8. Reverse/Top-Down
The reverse or top-down style of wearing jewelry involves placing the larger portion of the jewelry above the navel and the smaller portion inside the navel.
Usually, the heavier design elements are on the upper part of the body, but this style allows you to wear the jewelry in any way you prefer, hence its name.
What gauge is a belly button piercing?
The standard belly button ring size is 14G, which your piercer will likely insert when you get your piercing. However, you can try other sizes after healing, such as 12G, 16G, and 18G. Note that any jewelry above 18G will be too thin for a belly piercing.
The standard length for belly button rings is 10mm to 11mm, and most belly piercing jewelry is within this range.
Best jewelry materials for belly button piercings
An allergic reaction is another annoying complication of navel piercings. You can avoid it by using jewelry made from safe and various materials like:
1. Medical-grade titanium
A metal used for medical implants is definitely safe for your piercing, and that’s titanium. It doesn’t cause irritations or allergies. It’s also lightweight and won’t drag your belly button piercing.
2. Implant-grade stainless steel
While some stainless steel jewelry may contain nickel (making them allergenic), implant-grade stainless steel is hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive piercings like belly piercings. Buying from a trustworthy body jewelry manufacturer will help you get the exact steel grade you want.
3. Niobium
Niobium is another hypoallergenic metal for belly button rings. It is also tarnish-resistant and lightweight.
4. Gold
If you prefer a gold aesthetic and you’re not allergic to it, gold is a good choice for your new piercing. Just ensure it’s at least 14 karats because anything less is too soft and not safe for a healing piercing.
5. Acrylic
Acrylic piercing jewelry has some benefits, like being lightweight and durable, and it doesn’t have any nickel, making it a great option for those sensitive to metals.
Acrylic piercings cost less than ones made of 316L surgical steel and even pricier materials like Titanium.
Aftercare for belly button piercings
Belly button piercings require aftercare throughout their long healing period. They are prone to complications like migration and rejection, so you must follow these aftercare instructions:
- Always wash your hands before cleaning or touching the piercing.
- Because of its location, this piercing already has enough movement, so keep your hands away as much as possible.
- Keep harsh soaps, perfumes, and body creams away from the piercing.
- Keep your bed sheets clean.
- If you must enter a public bathtub, Jacuzzi, or pool (it’s much better to avoid them), wear a waterproof bandage on your piercing.
- Clean your piercing regularly, but don’t over-clean it. Twice daily is fine.
- Keep your body healthy by eating and sleeping well.
- Avoid sleeping on your piercing; you don’t want to put that much pressure on the piercing.
The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) says you can exercise while your piercing heals but warns you to “listen to your body.” If your piercing starts hurting or bleeding while exercising, you should stop.
How to clean a belly button piercing
Cleaning your belly button piercing will free it from germs and prevent infections. Here’s how to clean the piercing properly:
- Once a day, use a mild, unscented soap to rub the piercing site gently.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry the piercing with a paper towel.
Follow the above steps every day.
Then, twice daily (morning and night), use a saline-soaked paper napkin to pat-clean the piercing. Make sure the piercing dries before you wear your clothes. Following up cleaning with saline solution is the best way to clean a tummy piercing.
What to clean belly button piercing with
Use gentle, unscented soap and saline solution to clean your belly piercing. You can buy a bottled saline solution or prepare one at home by mixing ⅛ teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water.
Can you have a belly button piercing while pregnant?
No, you should not get a belly button piercing while pregnant. Your immunity is usually low during pregnancy, so getting a piercing and risking infections is a bad idea. In fact, if you get pregnant after getting a new belly piercing, it’s best to remove it. However, you can leave a fully healed belly piercing during pregnancy.
What happens to belly button piercing during pregnancy?
If you leave in a belly button piercing during pregnancy, it will pull and stretch as the baby grows bigger. This can make the piercing sore or even tear it up. Piercing tears can be painful and lead to infections.
How to Prevent Belly Button from Stretching During Pregnancy
Wearing “pregnancy belly rings” made of stretchable PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) can prevent your piercing from stretching and tearing during pregnancy. Instead of the piercing site stretching, the jewelry flexes and adapts. Pregnancy belly rings are usually comfortable and skin-friendly.
Potential risks of belly button piercings
Getting a belly button piercing puts you at risk of:
- Rejection and migration: Belly piercings are likely to reject or migrate because they are surface piercings. Rejection occurs when the skin pushes out the jewelry, while migration shifts the piercing’s original position. The solution to both is to remove the jewelry.
- Allergic reactions: If you use nickel-containing jewelry, your piercing may react. The reaction is usually itchiness, redness, and soreness. You’ll need to replace the jewelry with a hypoallergenic one.
- Infection: We’ve talked about this. Dirty hands or equipment can introduce germs into your piercing and cause an infection.
- Scarring: A rejected belly piercing can leave a scar if it isn’t removed quickly. Hypertrophic scars or keloids may also form if you are prone to them.
How to change a belly button piercing
You can change a belly button piercing after it has fully healed, which usually takes about a year. To do so:
- Wash your hands and clean the piercing site with saline solution.
- Holding the jewelry firmly, unscrew it, and pull it out.
- Slot the new jewelry from bottom to top and secure it with its ball.
My belly button piercing experience
I got my belly button piercing about two years ago, and it’s been fun. At first, I wasn’t sure my anatomy was right for a belly piercing (I didn’t even know what to check), so I had my piercer examine me. After getting the good news that I could get a top belly piercing, I went back home to “mentally prepare myself” for the pain.
I thought it would hurt a lot, but it was just a quick, sharp pinch. I remember leaving the studio laughing at how worried I was on my way in. Healing, however, wasn’t so easy. The piercing often snagged my clothing, and it hurt each time. It also seemed to take forever to heal.
I went back to my piercer after six months, thinking my piercing had healed and I could change my jewelry, but he told me to wait a few more months. I changed the jewelry after one full year, and that was when the best part started! I’ve worn various belly button jewelry (captive bead, belly hoop, and, currently, belly dangle ring), and it’s been exciting! My favorite moments have been showing off my piercings to someone who didn’t know I had them!
Where to buy belly button rings
Are you looking for a reliable belly button ring manufacturer? We’ve got you!
We’re experts at designing, producing, and packaging different types of body jewelry. Whether you want custom jewelry or private-label packages using OEM/ODM, we provide everything you need to start.
We work with both small and large orders, so feel free to contact us with your jewelry design!
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FAQs
Let’s leave you with answers to common questions about tummy piercings.
Getting a belly button piercing has no weight limit. You can get one, no matter your weight or size.
It’s normal for a new belly button piercing to hurt for the first few days. But if the pain worsens, the piercing may be infected.
If you remove a belly piercing after two years, it will take weeks or months to close up.
Belly button piercings are not entirely safe, as they can lead to infection, rejection, migration, and scarring. However, they don’t hurt much and will heal when you follow aftercare instructions.
Age requirements vary from place to place, but most states allow a belly button piercing from age 18 upwards. Some areas allow younger ones to get a piercing as long as they have parental consent.
A belly button piercing may not heal if it lacks proper aftercare. For example, if you wear tight clothing, touch the piercing with dirty hands, or don’t sleep or eat well, it won’t heal properly.
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