Belly button piercings are a popular piercing style especially younger adults and teenagers. They have been in vogue for close to three decades now and for a good reason to – belly button piercings are one of the very few piercing styles that perfectly complement the curves of the female physique, the fact that users can choose when to display or keep them discreet is another big plus.

Types

Depending on the actual location of the piercing in relation to your belly button, Navel piercings can be grouped into the following categories;

  • The upper rim belly button piercing – where the piercing sits atop your belly button at the top margin of your navel. It is the most common variation of the belly button piercing
  • The lower rim belly button – a direct opposite of the upper rim Here the piercing is located just under your belly button
  • The side belly button piercings – side belly button piercings are located anywhere on the flank of your belly

Getting your piercing done

The procedure for getting a belly button piercing is a straightforward one. Like other piercings styles, your piercer commences by sterilizing the navel and its surrounding areas, after which he/she will then mark the actual piercing points. Once this is completed the next step is to thread a hollow piercing needle through the marked points followed by the insertion of a preliminary piercing jewelry. The final step would be to clean up and disinfect the pierced area.

Pain and healing

Despite being located in a sensitive region, belly button piercings are relatively painless. Most people report only a slight tingling sensation followed by little discomfort. This feeling subsides almost immediately.

The only downside to belly button piercings is its significantly longer healing time. On the average, it takes between 6 – 9 months for complete healing. This extended healing time is in part due to reduced blood supply to the navel, the stress impacted on the abdomen as a result of movement and the increased risk of irritation from clothing; however, provided you adhere to the necessary aftercare procedures your belly button piercings should eventually heal.

 

Jewelry options

From rings to curved barbells, captive bead rings, clickers, circular barbells, segment rings and twisters, there’s a huge list of fitting jewelry to pick from for your belly button piercing. What is important is that you select only those made from high-quality materials like surgical grade steel, titanium, Tygon plastic or gold. While these cost more than cheaper alternatives made from materials like Nickel, or electroplated jewelry, they are less likely to discolor or induce an irritation

Aftercare

Aside from the routine after care that involves daily cleaning with a sea salt water solution, to facilitate quicker healing time, these additional aftercare practices come in handy

  • Do your best to avoid alcohol and aspirin intake as the piercing heals
  • Resist the temptation to fiddle and play with your piercing; If you must touch it, make certain to wash your hands thoroughly
  • Try as much as possible to wear loose fitting clothes to prevent irritation
  • Do not change the initial jewelry during the healing period, if at all you must, make sure your piercer does it
  • Sleep on your back or sides
  • And avoid swimming in public pools.

Provided you stick to these rules, your piercing should heal in no time, allowing you to rock even more flamboyant jewelry options that accentuate your curves and physique.