Dreaming of a belly button piercing, but worried it won't suit your body, will hurt, or will take forever to heal? You're not the only one. The good news: with the right check beforehand, the right jewellery and a bit of patience, a belly piercing can heal beautifully. Here's what you need to know before you go for it.
It seemed to be the biggest trend in the 90's: getting a belly button piercing. Many models, dancers, and actresses would happily flaunt their newly acquired navel jewelry. There are indications that Egyptian Pharaohs used a ring through the navel as a ritual transition from earthly life to eternity, but otherwise, there are no historical indications that the piercing of the navel was common. After the ear piercing, the belly piercing is the most popular piercing among women and men also increasingly opt for this sexy piercing. But before you make a hasty decision, it's good to think about the pros and cons of this piercing.
Do I have a suitable belly/navel?
Scared you'll get pierced and it just grows out? That's exactly why this check matters. Unfortunately, not everyone is a suited candidate for this piercing so it may not be possible for you to get a belly button piercing. If your belly button is too deep or has too much surrounding tissue, it can cause constant pressure on the jewelry, preventing the wound from healing properly. This often causes irritation or can cause infection. When this is the case, it is wise not to have this piercing done. A belly that's too big can also be detrimental to a belly piercing. This, in turn, creates pressure on piercing, which can cause it to grow out. This is the case, for example, if your belly folds over your belly button when you sit or bend over. In general, chances of it growing out are bigger when you have a bigger stomach. The body will reject the piercing and it will fall out over time. In addition, with an outward navel, it is possible that there is not enough room to have it pierced.
Not sure about your navel? Just walk in and let us have a look. We'd rather give you an honest answer before than a piercing that gives you trouble after.
Getting your belly button pierced
Nervous about what actually happens in the chair? Here's how it goes. A belly button piercing is not placed in the navel itself, but through the skin that surrounds it. Therefore, the name is actually a bit misleading. It's most common to have the upper edge pierced, but theoretically, it is possible to have the piercing done on any side you prefer.
When your navel is found to be suitable, you can have the piercing done. Preferably wear a shirt that is not too tight and that you can easily pull up. Your pants should not be too high in the waist. It is important that your clothes do not get in the way during and after piercing.
The belly button piercing is a surface piercing. This means that the jewelry is pierced through a skin fold. This is done in the same way as a cartilage piercing. The skin fold is held with a clamp and a needle is pushed through. When the needle is withdrawn, the piercer pulls the jewel through it.
Worried about infection? We work with sterile single-use tools, and we pierce your navel with titanium, which is best for a fresh piercing. Want that gold glow straight away? Then we usually use a titanium bar with a gold top. Have a look at our first titanium & gold piercings.
Aftercare and healing
Afraid your belly piercing will keep bothering you for months? Honestly, it does need some patience. A belly button will take longer to heal than a piercing in any other part of your body. This may mean that you'll be bothered by the piercing during this period. Sometimes the wound becomes inflamed. This can be painful and annoying.
On average there is a recovery time of about 6 months. The most important thing is that the piercing is kept clean. Due to the large amount of bacteria, it is not recommended to swim in chlorinated water for the first few weeks. Swimming in the sea, however, is good for healing, as long as the water is clean. Just rinse your piercing with fresh water afterwards. Cleaning the piercing with the AphraHeals wipe (our favourite: practical, sterile and safe) or the AphraHeals spray helps too.
Please note: all times mentioned are an indication. Healing is very personal: for some people it goes faster, for others it takes a little longer.
You can clean the piercing as follows:
Clean the piercing twice a day with the AphraHeals wipe (our favourite: practical, sterile and safe) or the AphraHeals spray.
Then pat your belly dry with a clean tissue or paper towel.
No time for a cup soak every day? AphraHeals aftercare spray is an easy alternative to take with you. For the full routine, see our aftercare instructions.
It is also advisable not to wear pants with a high waist. Because of the edge of the trousers, the piercing can get stuck which can lead to unwelcome complications. The jewelry might even get stuck and in the worst case you'll tear out your piercing. A poorly cared for belly piercing can cause considerable scarring, or in the worst case, the infection can lead to serious health problems. If you experience any problems, prevent things from getting worse by contacting your piercer or your doctor immediately. With us you don't have to wait for days: we're open every day of the year, 10:30–22:00, and you can just walk in.
As with any other piercing, don't change the jewelry before your piercing is completely healed. Good to know: your first bar is longer and is later swapped for a shorter one. Just pop back into the studio for that, and we'll check how your piercing is doing at the same time.
Different types of piercing jewelry
Can't wait to style your belly button? This is the fun part. You can decorate your stomach with different types of piercings. In general, rods and rings are the most suitable. Below is a brief overview of the different types of piercing jewelry.
Barbell: In the simplest form, this is a rod with a ball on two sides, but can also have other shapes. One ball falls into the cavity of the belly button and the other ball outside it.
Banana bell: A type of barbell where the rod is slightly bent. This is often used when placing a belly button ring after piercing. The ball that falls into the navel cavity can have an extra decoration, such as a stone or a short chain.
Captive Bead Ring (CBR): This is a ring that's closed by a small ball.
Once your piercing has healed, pick your next piece in the studio or browse our belly piercings and 14K & 18K gold piercings online (our webshop ships to the Netherlands and Belgium only). Our gold pieces have a titanium internal thread, because a gold thread wears out quickly.
Hopefully, we have provided you with enough information about the advantages and disadvantages of belly button piercings, but if you have any questions or doubts, please feel free to visit our store where our team is happy to help you make the right choice.
Your belly piercing without the worries
- No time to plan ahead? We're open every day of the year, 10:30–22:00. Walk in without an appointment.
- Prefer a fixed time? If you want to get a new piercing, it is now possible to schedule your appointment with us! Get pierced when it suits you! You can pay right away, so you don't have to think about it during your appointment.
- Want to ask in your own language? Our team speaks about six languages.
- Want experience? We've been piercing since 1998, at Reguliersbreestraat 46 in Amsterdam.
- Between 12 and 16? Then you come with a parent. From 16 you can come on your own. See our minimum age page.
Worry-free healing, sorted in one go: your piercing, a titanium bar (with a gold top if you like) and Aphraheals - Piercing Aftercare to take home. AphraHeals is made for piercings only, not for tattoos.
From Ira, with love
Ira Lutvica is co-owner of Piercings Works, which she runs together with her husband Mensur Lutvica: since 1998, and 22 years at the same spot on Reguliersbreestraat 46. Ira writes the books herself and runs the piercing course (in Dutch), where she has trained 100+ piercers. Want to know more about this topic? Read her e-book (in Dutch) PW Navelpiercing Gids. Also read Piercings Works in the media.
Walk in without an appointment and leave with a belly piercing that heals beautifully.