What is Belly Button Piercing? 4 Things to Remember Before Deciding on a Belly Button Piercing

What is Belly Button Piercing? Belly button piercing is one of the ways to express oneself, which is especially loved by women nowadays. Shimmering belly rings peeking out from under a youthful crop top or a sexy bikini accentuate your femininity and help you feel more confident and attractive. No specific body standard is needed to confidently get a belly button piercing; all you need is enough self-love.

If you want to, don’t hesitate to try this beauty method. How long does a belly button piercing take to heal? What should you avoid after getting a belly button piercing? Now, let’s explore some things you need to keep in mind before getting a belly button piercing to ensure the best outcome with Sorella Beauty & Spa.

What is Belly Button Piercing?

Belly button piercing involves placing or inserting a piece of jewelry into the belly button area. The jewelry is usually placed in the middle of the belly button, creating a diagonal line when viewed from the front.

The belly button piercing process includes using a needle or piercing tool to create a small hole in the skin at the belly button area, then inserting a piece of jewelry into the hole. This piercing is typically done at professional body care shops by experienced and trained personnel.

Belly button jewelry can be made from various materials, including gold, silver, stainless steel, or hypoallergenic materials. The choice of jewelry and material usually depends on personal preference and care capability.

However, like any type of piercing, belly button piercing involves hygiene and post-piercing wound care. This helps reduce the risk of infection and speeds up the healing process.

How long does a belly button piercing take to heal? How long until you need to change the jewelry?

How long does a belly button piercing take to heal? Although belly button piercing is not typically very painful, it is one of the piercings that takes the longest time to heal. This extended healing period is primarily because the belly button is a sensitive area with relatively thin skin and is frequently exposed to movement, friction, and potential irritation.

For most people, it generally takes about six months to a year for the belly button piercing to fully stabilize. However, healing times can vary significantly depending on individual factors. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Skin sensitivity: Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies may experience a longer healing process. Sensitive skin can react more intensely to the piercing and the jewelry, potentially causing prolonged inflammation and slower healing.
2. Hygiene practices: Proper hygiene and care are crucial for faster healing. Regular cleaning with saline solution or a recommended cleaning solution, avoiding contact with unclean hands, and preventing exposure to bacteria can significantly influence healing times. Inadequate or inconsistent care can lead to infections and extended healing periods.
3. Lifestyle and activities: Physical activities that involve significant movement of the abdominal area, such as sports, heavy lifting, or exercises like sit-ups, can delay the healing process. These activities may cause irritation, friction, or accidental pulling of the piercing, leading to prolonged healing times.
4. Diet and overall health: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those that support skin health and wound healing, can contribute to faster recovery. Additionally, maintaining overall good health, staying hydrated, and avoiding substances that can impede healing, like tobacco and excessive alcohol, are beneficial.

When should you change the jewelry?

When should you change the jewelry? After about six months from the date of piercing, you may be eager to change to different jewelry. However, it’s important to approach this carefully:

1. Initial stabilization period: During the first six months, your body is still adapting to the piercing, and the site is highly susceptible to irritation and infection. Changing the jewelry too soon can disrupt the healing process, introduce bacteria, and cause complications.
2. Professional assistance: When you decide to change the jewelry, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional piercer. Experienced piercers can ensure that the new jewelry is inserted correctly and hygienically, minimizing the risk of infection or tearing the piercing due to inexperience.
3. Choosing suitable jewelry: When changing jewelry, opt for pieces made from high-quality, hypoallergenic materials like surgical stainless steel, titanium, or 14-karat gold. These materials are less likely to cause adverse reactions and promote a healthier healing environment.
4. Signs of Healing: Ensure that there are no signs of infection or irritation, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, before attempting to change the jewelry. If any of these symptoms are present, consult a professional for advice and treatment.

>> See more:What is Nose Piercing? 5+ Things You Need to Know Before Piercing Your Nose

Does belly button piercing hurt? Is belly button piercing dangerous?

Does belly button piercing hurt? Many people, despite wanting to try this stylish beauty trend, are afraid of the pain. In reality, any piercing on the body has a certain level of pain, which increases if you tense up due to stress or anxiety. You should keep yourself relaxed and prepare mentally, as this is also a way to reduce pain during belly button piercing.

If you choose reputable establishments with professional and skilled piercers, belly button piercing is not as painful as many think and ensures the safety of your piercing.

Is belly button piercing dangerous? Belly button piercing, like any other form of body adornment, carries some risks and dangers. Specifically, there are a few important points to remember:

• Risk of infection: Piercing opens a gateway for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Using unclean tools or performing the piercing unsafely can heighten this risk.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to the metals in the belly button ring or the piercing material.
• Swelling and pain: In some cases, belly button piercing can cause swelling and pain in the initial stages.
• Risk of underlying tissue damage: The piercing process can damage underlying tissues, especially if not done correctly.

To minimize risks, it’s most important to:

• Choose a reputable and clean place: Select a well-known piercing establishment that ensures hygiene and safety.
• Choose skin-friendly jewelry: Ensure the belly button ring and piercing material are made from hypoallergenic materials.
• Properly care for and maintain the piercing: This helps prevent infection and prolong the life of the jewelry.
• Opt for an experienced piercer: This ensures the process is safe and professional.

Safety of Belly Button Piercing

The safety of belly button piercing can be controversial. Here are some key points to consider:

• Risk of infection: The belly button area is moist, harboring bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it prone to infection if the piercing isn’t done properly. Therefore, choose a reputable and professional place for the piercing.
• Risk of injury: The piercing process can damage surrounding tissues and organs, but this risk is minimal if performed by experienced professionals.
• Aftercare: Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the wound heals and to avoid infection. Follow the piercer’s instructions and regularly clean and disinfect the wound.
• Choosing the right jewelry and material: Opting for the right jewelry and material can reduce the risk of infection, so discuss the best options with your piercer.

>> See more: 7+ Tips for Bikini Waxing that You Should Know

CHOOSING SUITABLE JEWELRY (TYPE OF JEWELRY, MATERIAL)

Choose jewelry made from safe materials like stainless steel or titanium for initial piercings. In the early stages after getting a belly button piercing, you should wear jewelry made from stainless steel or, if you can afford it, titanium.

While jewelry with flashy designs and elaborate details is always tempting, save them for when the piercing has fully healed. Simple, lightweight jewelry helps you easily clean and care for your piercing to speed up the healing process.

Avoid choosing jewelry made from plastic or cheap alloys prone to rusting when getting a belly button piercing, as this can affect the piercing and your health.

Important notes when getting a Belly Button Piercing

Belly button piercing is a personal decision and must be done carefully to avoid infection and speed up the healing process. Here are some important notes when getting a belly button piercing:

• Choose a reputable place: Choose a licensed and reputable piercing shop that follows hygiene rules to reduce the risk of infection.
• Select safe materials: Ensure the jewelry and piercing material are body-safe and hypoallergenic. Ask your piercer about the materials and type of needle used.
• Avoid self-piercing: Self-piercing increases the risk of infection and injury. Let experienced and trained individuals perform the piercing.
• Limit touching the piercing area: Avoid touching the piercing area excessively to prevent irritation and the risk of infection.
• Proper wound care: Clean the wound daily with saline solution or a recommended cleaning solution by your piercer. Ensure your hands are clean before touching the wound.
• Avoid rotating the jewelry: Do not rotate the jewelry too early after piercing to reduce the risk of wound injury and maintain the wound structure.
• Regularly check the wound: Monitor the wound for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, or pus.
• Avoid exposure to dirty water: Avoid exposure to dirty water, saltwater, or chemicals that can irritate and damage the piercing area.
• Limit consumption of irritating foods and drinks: Reduce consumption of spicy, salty foods and drinks to minimize irritation.
• Avoid clothing friction: Avoid tight or rough clothing rubbing against the piercing area to prevent injury.

Remember, if you experience symptoms like swelling, redness, pain, or signs of infection, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately for advice and appropriate treatment.

>> See more: What is Tongue Piercing? 5+ Things to Consider Before Getting a Tongue Piercing

What to avoid after getting a Belly Button Piercing

What to avoid after getting a belly button piercing? Similar to caring for ear piercings, belly button piercings require thorough and frequent cleaning with saline solution and small-tip cotton swabs. Avoid getting water, soap, or chemicals in the piercing.

Here are additional things to avoid after getting a belly button piercing:

• Limit vigorous activities: Avoid intense physical activities, sports, swimming, and exercises that affect the abdomen and belly button area for the first 3-4 months after piercing.
• Wear loose clothing: Opt for loose, comfortable clothing; avoid high-waisted pants or clothes that rub against the piercing.
• Balanced diet: No need to restrict your diet after getting a belly button piercing, but eat a balanced diet to promote healing. If you have sensitivities to certain foods, limit consumption of those items.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and safe healing process for your belly button piercing.