Thinking of getting your belly button pierced, but still in doubt? From the pain to the scarring through the care to be carried out, we take stock of everything you need to know before you start.
Even though the navel piercing craze has waned in recent years, it is still one of the most popular, especially among the youngest of us. The navel piercing became more popular during the 90s. It all started with the supermodel Christy Turlington who, during a fashion show in London, presented herself with a navel ring. This trend quickly spread among celebrities: Madonna, Beyonce, Janet Jackson or even Britney Spears they all started to wear a navel piercing. Its success is also linked to the fashion of those years, when low-rise jeans and crop-tops were particularly trendy.
What you need to know before you start
1. The navel piercing is slow to heal. If the stomach is very tight, toned and / or very thin, healing may not occur as quickly as expected. This is because a freshly pierced navel is constantly under tension.
2. When piercing the navel, it is usually not the navel itself that is pierced, but the fold of skin above the navel. However, there are all kinds of variations, one can pierce around the navel and also through it.
3. Due to the many different shapes that a belly button can naturally take, it is essential to make an appointment with a professional who will tell you what type of piercing will suit you best.
4. In France, it is from the age of 16 that professionals agree to perform a navel piercing with the written authorization of a parent or legal guardian. It is only at the age of 18 that you can get pierced without the consent of your parents.
Read also : The rook piercing is essential as the trendy ear jewelry of the moment.
What is the procedure for navel piercing?
The navel piercing is done while lying down. This is for purely practical reasons for the piercer: the abdomen is thus relaxed and if you have circulatory problems it is much less of a problem when lying down.
After carefully disinfecting the navel, the piercer indicates the entry and exit points of the piercing using a pen. He will then use a clamp that comes with two flat edges and has a hole in its center to hold the skin and pass the hollow needle through. The clip is then removed and the jewelry can be inserted.
Is it painful?
As with any piercing, the pain differs from person to person. At the time of piercing, the sensation is not so pleasant, but remains supportable because the procedure is quite fast. The pain wakes up rather later, as very often with a piercing. A numbing spray or cream may be applied to the area to reduce the pain.
How is the healing going?
In terms of healing, navel piercing requires some patience. Indeed, the navel is located in a region of the body which is regularly requested by many movements. Just by sitting down, the navel is constantly being abused. Therefore, the healing of the navel piercing is usually difficult and quite long. It takes 10 to 12 months for complete healing.
What should be done to take care of it?
Here are 7 tips to take care of your navel piercing:
1. Only handle your navel piercing with clean hands.
2. Avoid clothes that are too tight to reduce friction as much as possible.
3. Forget the sauna and the swimming pool for the first few weeks after the piercing.
4. Avoid playing sports for the first few weeks, as the risk of bacterial infection is too high.
5. No hot baths for the first few weeks.
6. Do not sleep on your stomach for the first week.
7. Do not change jewelry until the piercing is completely healed. Note that if you have a first-time jewel ring, consider rotating it from time to time (with clean hands, always!) To improve the healing process.
What if, despite all these precautions, he gets infected?
When the piercing has just been done, it is quite normal to have some pain, but if you notice any of the following symptoms then it is very possible that your piercing is becoming infected:
- Persistent redness of the skin,
- Swelling and hardening of the tissues,
- Warming of the skin around the navel,
- Formation and / or discharge of pus or blood,
- Pain in the navel,
- Fever or circulation problems.
If these symptoms do not go away after a few days, do not delay in seeing a doctor.
Read also : Infected piercing: everything you need to know to treat it
How much does a navel piercing cost?
The cost of a belly button piercing of course varies depending on the piercing studio. But on average, it takes between 40 and 60 euros. This price includes the act itself as well as the first installation jewel.
Our selection of navel piercings:
What about during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it is quite possible to keep your navel piercing. However, it is generally recommended to remove it from the 6th month of pregnancy. As your belly grows, the jewel may deform and enlarge the hole of your piercing, which will not necessarily be very aesthetic. But be aware that there are special pregnancy piercings, made of a flexible plastic material, they adapt to the stretching of the skin and limit this deformation.
Of course if you feel any discomfort or notice that your belly button is turning red or inflamed, remove your piercing right away.