Every summer, tattoo shops experience a spike in the number of customers they see wanting to get a belly button piercing. Women have spent months in the gym and eating right and want to show off their summer bodies. Belly button (or navel) piercings are a great way to do that. As with any decision in life, there are pros and cons. In this article we’ll cover some of the things you will want to consider before you make your final decision.
Belly Button Piercing Pros
Great piercing that you can hide easily, if needed.
Belly button rings are adorable, but let’s face it: Not everyone approves. Thankfully, if you feel that it’s necessary, you can easily conceal the piercing. Simply wear a long shirt or a dress, and your piercing will be your little secret for the time being. It’s pretty much the most “discreet” piercing there is!
It is less painful than some other piercings.
You may be concerned about how much it hurts to get your belly button pierced. While it might be uncomfortable for a few seconds, it is actually one of the least painful piercings you can get. Most people report that it feels like getting a quick shot at the doctor’s office.
It is less painful than many other piercings because of the dense tissue that was left behind from your umbilical cord. There are fewer nerves in this fleshy area of the body. Fewer nerves=Less pain!
Adds flare and style to your summer wardrobe.
Belly button piercings really add dazzle to those cute summer outfits. You’ll add extra charm to your bikini when heading to the beach. And, not to mention, most guys find a belly button ring attractive. You’ll enjoy that extra confidence boost that a sparkling navel ring gives you!
There are so many awesome jewelry choices.
You will be able to express your personality and uniqueness with your piercing because there is an abundance of ring choices! It’ll be so much fun deciding which fashionable accessory is right for you.
You can go for a curved barbell, which is one of the most popular choices. You may decide to go with a captive bead ring, which is a circular ring that closes with a bead. The top-down belly button ring is a little more decorative, and most of the time the jewels dangle over the navel. There are many other trendy options that you’ll find at your piercing shop, in the store, or online.
And you’re not limited to just one type of ring. Once your piercing is fully healed, feel free to change out your ring to coordinate with each outfit if you want!
The process is relatively quick and easy, and it is usually inexpensive.
The piercing process is usually only about 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll more than likely take more time paying for your piercing and filling out consent forms than getting the piercing itself. Most body piercers are very familiar with the procedure, so you should be in and out in no time.
Also, getting your belly button pierced is relatively inexpensive. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $75, depending on the area you live in and the shop you visit. For under $100, you can totally reinvent the way you look in a crop top or swimsuit- That’s pretty cool!
Belly Button Piercing Cons
There is a risk of infection.
A belly button piercing is an open wound. And anytime you’re dealing with an open wound, there is risk of it getting infected, potentially with Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. If you notice any signs of infection, you’ll need to visit your doctor. Signs to watch out for are swelling, pain, redness, and/or discharge.
If you have an immune system disorder or uncontrolled diabetes, you’ll be at a greater risk for infection. You’ll want to take special care of your piercing as it heals.
Also, if you decide to go ahead with the piercing, make especially sure that you’re using a reputable body piercer with good sanitation practices. If the instruments used aren’t clean, there is a risk of Hepatitis C and other bloodborne diseases. So, make sure to do your research, and choose your body piercer and shop wisely.
Belly button piercings are usually slow to heal.
Getting your belly button pierced is somewhat of a long-term commitment. It will take anywhere from 9 to 12 months for your piercing to fully heal.
Your piercer will instruct you on the aftercare routine that you should follow. It is super important to follow his or her instructions. It is vital that you clean the site very thoroughly and regularly to ensure that it heals properly.
There is a chance of the ring being rejected by your body.
Your body is used to protecting you from foreign objects, and sometimes, it unfortunately views a belly button ring as a foreign object. Occasionally, because your body might see the piercing as a threat or an invader, it will work to push the jewelry out of your body.
If the jewelry has migrated from its original location, the ring starts to droop, or the distance between the entrance and exit holes of the piercing becomes shorter, the belly button ring may be getting rejected by your body. You’ll also need to watch for inflammation and other changes in your piercing holes.
There is no exact timetable for when a rejection happens, either. It can be weeks, months, or even years after the initial piercing. There is no specific cause of rejection, but weight gain, lack of tissue strength, incorrect placement, metal allergies, and size/shape of your jewelry can all play a part.
If you feel that your body may be rejecting your piercing, it is best to consult with your piercer on what you should do next.
It’s easy to snag, which can be painful.
Because of the location of the piercing, it is easy to snag a belly button ring on your clothing. Also, it can get pulled and ripped as you roll over in bed at night, which is not pleasant.
You probably won’t be able to wear tight clothing on top of the piercing for a long time after getting it done, either. Lots of friction from jeans or a belt can cause irritation and piercing migration. So, you’ll need to choose your outfits wisely after you get your piercing.
You’ll have to restrict certain activities, like swimming, for a few weeks.
Because your body needs time to start forming scar tissue around your piercing, you’ll need to avoid swimming for approximately three weeks after getting your belly button pierced. Exposure to chlorinated water or unclean lake water can delay healing and could cause irritation or infection at the site. Hot tubs are out of the question, too.
You’ll also probably need to avoid using creams and other products around your piercing. Because some lotions contain chemicals, you’ll once again be putting yourself at risk for irritation, allergic reactions, and possibly even infection.
Lastly, make sure to avoid being out in the sun for very long. The last thing your piercing needs is a sunburn and skin peeling.
Judgment from others.
Lastly, we’ll address judgment and from others. No matter how cute your belly button ring may be, you still may encounter rude remarks or snarky looks from some people.
Generally, people are respectful enough to not ridicule you on your body jewelry, but just know that if you get a belly button ring, it is a possibility.
Now that you’ve gone over the pros and cons of getting your belly button pierced, you should be ready to make an informed decision soon. There are many pros, such as the attractiveness of navel jewelry, but also some cons to watch out for, like the risk of infection. Whatever the choice, just make sure that it’s the right one for you and your circumstances.