All About Belly Piercing

By Daniel Newton


As with tattoos, body piercings are more prevalent today than ever before. They are part of popular culture. The ears, nose and naval areas are the most common parts of the body to pierce. Belly piercing is more popular with girls and young women. Perforating on the rim just above or just below the naval is more prevalent. Some people may also pierce around the sides or through the actual belly button or naval, but this is less common.

As with any type of skin perforation, belly piercing carries a certain risk of infection that could cause cysts or scars. Rejection is less likely to occur in the naval area than other body areas, but it has a somewhat higher chance of rejection than the lobes of the ear. Much friction exists in the waist area due to frequent bending motions and clothing. Due to these factors, build-up of sweat and bacteria may occur. Thus, scrupulous cleansing is required through the healing process, which may consume six months or more.

Things to Consider Beforehand

Anyone who has a medical condition such as heart problems, diabetes, or immune disorders should consult with a doctor first about any special precautions. In addition, it is important to be up to date with hepatitis B and tetanus immunizations beforehand. Any person who is prone to keloid scarring should not perforate the skin under any circumstances. More importantly, only receive piercings from a professional.

It is helpful to do research ahead of time. Visit several places first to find a clean, reputable shop and clarify what procedures they have in place. They should have an autoclave to sterilize clamps and other equipment, and should use new disposable needles as well as a fresh set of sterile gloves for each customer. If necessary, verify at what age parental consent is necessary. If available, look at the piercer's portfolio. If you feel uncomfortable in any way or you feel the shop is not clean, choose a different shop.

What to Expect

On the day of your appointment, it is important to be healthy and well hydrated. If possible, eat something light before the appointment and wear loose fitting clothes. Take someone with you to provide support in case of fainting. The piercer should explain how they are going to proceed. The piercer will clean the area with a germicidal soap, puncture the skin with a sterile needle and place the curved barbell in the hole. After that, the piercer will dispose of the used needle in a proper container and clean and check the pierced area again. The professional will then give instructions on how to care for it. This is a good time to ask any questions.

The area will be red, sore, and warm to the touch for the first few days. Touch it only with clean hands when it is time to wash it twice a day. If you keep it clean, the area will generally heal within six months. There may be some residual soreness for a few weeks. It is essential to ensure that the outer clothing or towel does not "catch" on the jewelry. If possible, have the piercing done during the winter or fall months, so that the belly piercing will have healed in time for summer, as swimming during the healing process is not allowed.

Be aware of the signs of infection, which are green pus, bleeding, excessive crusting, swelling, hot to the touch, discoloration and pain. If signs of infection start to appear, promptly treat it with warm salt water soaked in a cotton ball several times a day. Seek medical advice if necessary. Do not remove the belly ring as the holes could close quickly and form an abscess under the skin. Continue to clean it even after it appears healed and do not play with the belling ring or barbell. Take proper care of it throughout the duration of the healing period.

Once healed, it is time to have some fun with it and change out the jewelry to suit your mood or match your outfits. Try out some of the ancient Bali jewelry designs, a typical barbell, barbells with gems or dangling pendants, hoops or captive bead rings. If you are not yet ready for a piercing, wear a magnetic belly button ring to make a fashion statement.




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