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Navel piercing: what you need to know before taking the plunge

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Thinking about your belly button piercing but still in doubt? We analyze everything you need to know before you start, from pain to scarring to treatment.

Although the craze for belly button piercings has waned in recent years, it still remains one of the most popular, especially among the youngest of us. Belly button piercings became more popular in the 90s. It all started with supermodel Christy Turlington, who presented herself with a navel ring at a fashion show in London. This trend quickly spread among celebrities: Madonna, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson or even Britney Spears all started wearing belly button piercings. Its success is also associated with the fashion of the years when low-rise jeans and crop tops were in fashion.

What you need to know before you start

1. The navel piercing heals slowly. If the abdomen is very tight, toned and / or very thin, healing may not take place as quickly as expected. This is because the newly pierced navel is constantly energized.

2. When the navel is pierced, it is usually not the navel itself that is pierced, but the fold of skin above the navel. However, there are many varieties that can be pierced around and through the navel.

3. Because your belly button can take many forms, it is important to make an appointment with a professional who will tell you which type of piercing is best for you.

4. In France, professionals from the age of 16 agree to have their navel pierced with the written permission of a parent or legal guardian. Only at the age of 18 can piercing be done without parental consent.

See also: Rook piercings are important as fashionable ear jewelry nowadays.

What is a navel piercing procedure?

The navel piercing is done while lying down. This is done for purely practical reasons for the piercer: this way the stomach relaxes, and if you have problems with blood circulation, then in the supine position this is not a problem.

After thoroughly disinfecting the navel, the piercing indicates the entry and exit points of the piercing with a pen. He will then use a clamp with two flat edges and a hole in the center to hold the skin and pass the cannula through it. The clip is then removed and the jewelry can be inserted.

Is it painful?

As with any piercing, pain varies from person to person. During the piercing, the sensations are not so pleasant, but they remain supportive, because the procedure is quite quick. The pain wakes up much later, as is often the case with piercings. An anesthetic spray or cream can be applied to the area to relieve pain.

How is the healing going?

In terms of healing, navel piercings require patience. Indeed, the navel is located in a part of the body that requires many movements on a regular basis. When you just sit down, the navel is constantly abused. Therefore, the healing of a navel piercing is usually difficult and quite time-consuming. It takes 10 to 12 months for complete healing.

What do you need to do to take care of this?

Here are 7 tips for taking care of your belly button piercing:

1. Only handle your navel piercing with clean hands.

2. Avoid clothing that is too tight to minimize friction.

3. Forget about the sauna and pool for the first few weeks after piercing.

4. Avoid exercising for the first few weeks, as the risk of bacterial infection is too high.

5. Do not take 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. Please note: If this is your first time with a jewelry ring, be sure to rotate it from time to time (always with clean hands!) 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 if you notice any of the following symptoms, then it is very possible that your piercing is infected:

  • Persistent redness of the skin
  • Swelling and hardening of tissues
  • Warming up the skin around the navel
  • Formation and / or discharge of pus or blood
  • Pain in the navel
  • Fever or circulatory problems.

If these symptoms do not go away after a few days, do not delay seeing a doctor.

See also: Infected piercings: everything you need to know to heal them

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 costs between 40 and 60 euros. This price includes the act itself, as well as the first installation of the gem.

Our selection of navel piercings:

Crystal Piercing - Silver Plated

We have not yet found any offers for this product ...

And during pregnancy?

It is quite possible to keep your belly button pierced during pregnancy. However, it is usually recommended to remove it from the 6th month of pregnancy. As the abdomen grows, the jewelry may deform and enlarge the piercing opening, which may not necessarily be very aesthetically pleasing. But keep in mind that there are maternity piercings made of flexible plastic that adapt to skin stretching and limit this deformation.

Of course, if you feel uncomfortable or notice that your belly button is red or inflamed, remove the piercing right away.