The spot may feel warm to the touch, too. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic qualities and will help moisturize your skin. Also to be watched are the cleansing materials you are using. In my studio, we usually charge 40 euros [or $40 USD] with a basic titanium internal threaded piercing, says Claudia Valentini, a Barcelona-based body piercer. Once you have had your piercing, the piercing may with time start oozing white stuff that crusts around the jewelry. You could also be allergic to material it is made from. With old piercings, swellings could occur if the piercing is subjected to trauma and one side is scarred and hard as a result of formation of scar tissue. Considering the piercing is fairly painless due to a fleshy placement and easy to take care of since you dont have to look in a mirror to see it, theyre a great choice that has endured the test of time. Since belly button piercing is certainly here to stay, were happy to provide you with this comprehensive overview all about navel piercing. It may heal fast, similar to those in the ear, or it may take quite a while longer. You need to be pierced just far enough back from the lip of the belly button, and you should start off with at least a 14g belly button ring. To remove your old jewelry, unscrew the top ball of your belly button ring and pull down gently on the bottom ball until the barbell slides out through the bottom of the piercing. With this being the case, how do you know when your belly piercing is healed? 1. And, as mentioned, while six to eight months is the typical healing period, it could take up to a full year. In case they do not subside or occur past this initial stage, this may suggest an infection. Placement: Pierced through the skin right above the naval, with a true belly button piercing centered directly above the navel, Healing time: 6-8 months, fully healed by 12 months. Heres what to expect: Unlike pierced ears, which take 4-6 weeks to heal, your belly button may not fully heal for up to 1 year. This will facilitate smooth transition within the healing stages. A belly button piercing is when you have a ring or other ornament through the skin around your belly button. The healing process absolutely depends on how careful you are with your newly pierced navel. By the end of this phase, the piercing is considered almost healed. All Rights Reserved. If your navel appears healed after a month or two, chances are your piercing is going through a good stage of the healing period. As with any piercing, you can expect to experience a brief, sharp pinch as the needle punctures the skin, as well as the feeling of pressure as the needle passes through the flesh and when jewelry is first installed. If youre really concerned about pain, you can ask your piercer to apply a. beforehand. : Opal is a beautiful accent to any jewelry, and with our opal belly rings you can click a style you like, then customize it by choosing your favorite opal color. Belly button piercings tend to take longer to heal and are prone to infection or injury because of the constant movement of the area and rubbing from jeans and other clothing. We hope this guide answered your questions and helped you better understand belly button piercings, the belly button piercing healing process, and the types of jewelry you can wear with a belly button piercing. The bottom ball of your belly ring should still rest overtop your belly button when the piercing is done. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. This could be as a result of increased sensitivity in the skin. : Our comfortable pregnancy belly rings will bend and flex as your belly grows. How much will it cost? Be sure to check out our full online store for even more body jewelry options, and the PainfulPleasures community page for more information about piercings, body jewelry, and body modification. Your piercing should be cleaned twice a day. Alternatively, you can fill a small glass or container with the sea salt solution, then bend over, pressing the rim of the container to your stomach so that it completely covers your belly button piercing. We picked a number of pictures two further illustrate the three stages of the healing process. Required fields are marked with *. However, the healing time can vary depending on factors such as the individual's body, the aftercare routine, and the jewelry used. Although you may think a belly button piercing wouldnt hurt that much due to being on your stomach, it will hurt slightlyjust like any other piercing. I highly recommend going here for first timers and anyone who wants . Keloids present as smooth-surfaced, bulbous, and reddish scars that grow excessively past the area immediately surrounding a piercing. Here's What to Know, The Complete Guide to Getting a Vertical Labret Piercing, How to Treat Infected Ear Piercings, According to Derms, The Complete Guide to Getting a Septum Piercing. To get rid of the swelling and red coloration, apply ice on the piercing. These pocket-sized and travel-friendly wet wipes will safely cleanse ear & nose bumps, nipple, navel, helix, tragus . In this second stage, you should continue with the regular aftercare and ensure the wound is cleaned regularly. Symptoms of infection: 2. in our online store, youre sure to find the navel jewelry you want. The body produces new cells and proteins to replace the damaged cells. Refrain from playing around with it, scratching or poking it if you want it to stay healthy. In extreme cases, your bodys response to the infection could lead to sepsis and a need for urgent medical attention. Because of that, most piercers recommend waiting the full year-long period before switching it out, but if you cant wait, your best bet is to go back to your piercer to get it changed out. Belly Button Piercing Aftercare It's important that you follow proper aftercare during the healing process. Infections or some other icky complication can affect nearly 1 of 4 body piercings away from the earlobe, research shows. These are: The Inflammatory Stage This is the first stage of the healing process. Be consistent with the aftercare for quick healing. In general, an allergic reaction to jewelry metal will more closely resemble hives or dry, itchy eczema patches. To make sure that the belly button piercing healing is smooth, you need to pay attention to the aftercare procedures. We get into the details of these as well as how to rid the piercing off itch, pussing and swelling. i've heard about people doing it at the 6-month mark and others at 9 months or even a little over a year because that's when theirs healed. On average, belly button piercings take between 6 and 12 weeks to fully heal. So, good hygiene and belly ring care are essential from Day 1 to reduce the risks of problems., (On that note, think carefully about getting a belly button piercing if youre considering a pregnancy in the next 18 months, says Dr. Hodes. If that doesnt calm it down, consult a healthcare professional.. A rejecting navel piercing may look red and irritated, and may also experience swelling and discharge. The belly button piercing healing process takes between six and twelve months. To remove your old jewelry, unscrew the top ball of your belly button ring and pull down gently on the bottom ball until the barbell slides out through the bottom of the piercing. A belly button piercing will cost anywhere between $30 and $70. Some people are more sensitive to certain body jewelry materials than others, and a lot of cheap body jewelry contains a high percentage of nickel, which is a common metal allergen. To make your own soak, boil water for at least 5 minutes to sterilize it, measure out 1 cup into a heat-safe container, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt (not table salt, which contains iodinewe recommend using. The typical and most popular jewelry choice for belly button piercings is a curved barbell, which slightly curves outward to pop against your belly button and generally fits better with the natural shape of your body. If youre really concerned about pain, you can ask your piercer to apply a topical anesthetic beforehand. Keeping your new belly piercing clean and leaving it alone is the best way to make sure your new piercing heals as fast as possible. You must wash your piercing twice daily with a salt solution and clean cotton swab to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Go with a barbell rather than a ring because there's less risk of the barbell getting caught on stuff in the healing process. While for some it may take a few days to close up and a few more to toughen and heal completely, for others it may take months. This is because of the constant movement associated with the location. This is determined by the skins healing ability and what stage of healing it was at during removal. However, with time the symptoms should reduce. With piercings, healing occurs from the outside in. In some instances, you may be faced by circumstances that force you to remove your belly button piercing ring. It can take a belly button piercing a year or longer to fully heal. To get to this, the piercing undergoes the following stages of healing. Carefully! Step 2: Pick a Belly Button Placement. : Flip fashion upside-down with our reverse belly button rings! If you keep the piercing clean, odds are youll have no issues and will just be able to enjoy your new bling.. 2015 Jan; 11(1):142-43. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2014.10.004, The 9 Piercings That Heal the Fastest (and How to Care for Them), The Crusty, Dry Skin Around Your Piercing Is NormalHere's Why, What to Know Before Getting a Forward Helix Piercing, Want to Get a Smiley Piercing? Use a mild soap to wash the area once in a day and soak it in a saline solution twice each day. Infections are usually minor. The navel piercing should also be given saline soak treatments twice each day. Belly button piercings come with a great look. As always, make sure youre getting pierced by a reputable and knowledgeable piercer. Policy. Make a point of seeing the doctor as if there is an infection it will need to be treated immediately. To install your new jewelry using a taper, unscrew its top ball and screw the taper on in its place. They however can be too much trouble if not well looked after. Belly buttons also tend to trap lint and dirt, making dedicated navel piercing aftercare extremely important. Because they are very anatomy dependent, some piercers may deny you service or suggest a different type of belly button piercing (like a floating navel piercing) or location over the traditional style and placement. Body Piercing GuideSites, Styles, What to Expect, Healing, and Care, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Commit to cleaning the piercing at least twice a day, too. A belly button piercing will most likely take anywhere from six months to a year to fully heal depending on how you care for it and your day-to-day lifestyle; however, the most common time frame is between six and eight months Regardless, its important to check with your piercer when you believe its healed before stopping aftercareif it's still healing, the site could become infected. In the past, piercers used to tell people to turn their jewelry a couple of times a day to loosen up crusties, but thats no longer considered a healthy practice. Swelling, reddening and bleeding slightly are also normal in the first days. It is also possible for it to swell and there could be production of a mild white discharge. Once done with cleaning the area, it is advisable to use paper towels to pat the area dry. Finish up by patting the area dry using paper towels. With so many. ), If you suspect an infection in your belly button piercing, its time to up your cleaning game. The body essentially hinges at your waist, and that can keep your new navel piercing in a perpetual state of irritation. Lather your hand and gently rub the pierced area. You could pay anywhere from $35 to $60 for a belly button piercing, depending on where you go, but $45-$50 is the average. Belly buttons are . It is recommended that you heal the infection without taking it out because when you remove it, the piercing will close and trap in the infection. Salt water can help to soothe and clean a healing piercing, but only if the salt water is mixed properly. Directions. "An infection can flare up a long time after the initial piercing is done. Pat the area dry with a paper towel. ", Association of Professional Piercers: "Aftercare: Suggested Aftercare for Body Piercing," Safe Piercing FAQ, Picking Your Piercer, Suggested Aftercare Guidelines for Body Piercings., HealthyChildren.org: "Body Piercings, Teens & Potential Health Risks: AAP Report Explained. Although rare from a piercing, an infection that takes root and rages could leave you with a fever and chills. Remove any crust or discharge that has formed on the piercing. First, the area will be cleaned, and if you have some hair there, your piercer will most likely shave the area with a disposable razor to allow for a smooth and clean piercing site. Avoid swimming as well as pools and water bodies contain microorganisms that could cause infections. Belly buttons are typically pierced with 12 gauge jewelry, which is around 2 mm in diameter. These though should subside with time and should be minimal after two months.Past the initial stage of the healing process, the presence of pus on the piercing may indicate an infection. Wearing low rise trousers and a loose-fitting top will help your navel piercing to heal. Symptoms can include pain, redness, and. This is caused by increased perspiration resulting from friction and lack of aeration on the area. However, with proper aftercare, the healing process is usually 6 to 8 months. This may be accompanied by the piercing getting sore swelling, itching, redness and formation of pus. This means that once you get your belly button piercing, new skin cells will form around the outside of the pierced hole. Initial Body Jewelry: Choosing a type of belly ring to get pierced with is one thing and shopping for a new belly ring to wear is another. These tend to reduce with time. The signs of a healed piercing include the absence of redness, soreness and lymph and the replacement of these with a smooth doughnut shaped hole on the rim. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Infections can take root in your belly button piercing even with the best of care. , 2 more days til preorder ends for the new FK, The Cheyenne Sol Nova Unlimited 5.0 is on the, Artist and Owner @yetitears debunks a common a. Weve got news for you PMU artists out there!!! Repeat this process at least twice a day but no more than three times a day until the piercing is fully healed. A belly button piercing is when you have a ring or other ornament through the skin around your belly button. That's why using initial body jewelry to get pierced with is the best way to speed up the healing process while reducing the risk of irritation and infection. Also, a bent barbell or traditional. Appropriate after care will result in fast and effective healing. After washing your hands with soap and water, rinse the area with warm water. You can use a sanitizer to be certain. If you notice any of these symptoms or a combination of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as they may indicate an infection or other issues. You'll go home with tips on how to keep your new piercing clean and prevent infection. Talk to your doctor first if you have: If you are pregnant or overweight, a belly button ring could move around under your skin, which can lead to scarring. @fkirons was in the building at the God of Inks Ta, Artist @betsy.ebsen.tattoos protects her work + cl, Get into the Mamba Magic on this @apoundoffle, Lets go over some tips with PP Proteam @tattoos, The @peakneedles Dotwork cartridges are the hottes, We got our hands on the new Remember to clean the piercing regularly, avoid touching it with dirty hands, and be patient while it fully heals. You need to be pierced just far enough back from the lip of the belly button, and you should start off with at least a. . i just got the piercing and i'm aware that it needs to be cleaned 2-3x/day with saline solution, but i'm wondering about the months ahead. All rights reserved. In case you feel like looking at it use a mirror. The information is also backed up with photos and pictures. While getting pierced, talk to your piercer on what to expect day by day so you can watch out for red flags indicating infections, migration and rejection. Its a super quick process which makes it very manageable.. After all, you did just put a hole through your skin and into your body. available, it can be tempting to change your starter jewelry soon after having your navel pierced. Metals regarded as safe for body piercings include stainless steel, titanium or gold (14- or 18-karat). These forms of discharge should not be taken lightly. This phase tends to be a short one and the piercee is advised to be very careful when handling the piercing. These are most common in new piercings. Belly button piercings have been popular for a long timeand for good reason. You'll feel a sharp pinch and can expect a small amount of. ", American Family Physician: "Complications of Body Piercing. Belly Button Piercing Procedure If you go to a salon to get your piercing, a trained piercer will pass a sterile, hollow needle through the loose skin of your navel. It can take up to a year or longer for the wound from a belly button piercing to fully heal, explains Dr. Hodes. Youll need to wait 20 to 30 minutes after application to experience the full benefits of a topical anesthetic, but once youre numb, youll experience more pressure than pain during the navel piercing process. This includes both the procedure and the cost of the jewelry. Some are more serious than others, but as long as you know how to identify and address them, your belly button piercing shouldnt be at risk. Once the healing is over, the area gets covered with scar tissue. While cleaning, use sea salt solution and avoid hydrogen peroxide and alcohol as these tend to delay the healing process. The aftercare instruction listed below will help your belly button piercing heal more quickly and protect it. These cells then travel down the tunnel formed by the piercing until it all gets covered. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. Heres how to avoid it. The belly button healing process takes time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here are four telltale signs that dirt or bacteria may have entered your pierced navel and caused an infection. For some, this may be as long as 12 months. Since at this point the wound is still fresh, expect some pain as well. Using sea salt soak. Reducing the pressure on the healing fistula will increase your chances of having a successful belly button piercing that doesnt slowly migrate out. Following the correct aftercare during the healing process is super important, both because it will help the piercing heal properly and because not doing so could slow down the process. This will help in draining the pus and reduce swelling fast. The belly button is located in an area that is easy to gather sweat and remain wet and dark. Its also less likely to ooze. You can soak a sterile wash cloth in a saline solution, warm it and place it on the piercing. If the ooze is smelly, then its more suggestive of an infection, says Dr. Hodes. You can then insert the taper into your piercing and use it to pull the rest of the jewelry through. If you want to keep your piercing for the long term, put jewelry in it all the time. If when you sit down your stomach folds and you are likely to feel a pinch after the piercing, opt for curved barbells as your initial jewelry. Do not use a cotton ball to clean your piercing because a loose fiber can accidently get caught inside your belly piercing and cause a delay or interfere with the healing process.