Navel piercing is done on the belly using a ring or an ornament inserted onto the skin directly above the navel button. The process ensures the jewellery hangs slightly above the belly button to highlight itself effectively. Belly button piercings can also be placed on the upper rim, sides of the navel, and lower rim.
Navel piercing is usually performed by a professional using freehand or requisite tools. The area to be pierced should be cleaned and shaved using a disposable razor to ensure the piercing site is clean and smooth. Also, if the piercer is using tools, a clamp can be used to hold/taut the area.
A mark is placed on the agreed location to ensure the correct spot. Afterwards, a hollow needle will be inserted to create a hole in the marked spot so that the jewellery can be inserted. You will instantly experience slight swelling, bleeding, and redness after the piercing, which is quite normal and will subside.
Since navel piercing jewellery can be inserted at different angles, the piercings come in unique styles and types. The piercings can be on the upper rim, sides, and lower rim, depending on your choice. The various kinds of navel piercings include:
- Belly button ring: designed to hang with ornaments, coming in handy in different sizes and styles.
- Curved barbell: essentially used for 4-12 months to heal fully. After recovery, they are swapped out and replenished with J-bars and captive bead rings.
- Bottom navel piercing: also called inverse navel piercing, since the piercing starts from the bottom to the inside of the belly. This piercing is done concurrently with other kinds of piercing, making it appear double.
- Navel button dermal piercing: involves an anchor that is fixed inside the puncturing hole. Mostly, dermal piercings are placed on the bottom or the top of your belly; however, they can be placed on any given flat surface of your body and look clean.
- Standard navel piercing: a common piercing involving a vertical piercing going straightly through the skin to the side of your belly button.
The navel piercing healing takes several months, typically 6 – 8 months to heal completely. Although your piercing may appear to have healed after some weeks by looking at the exterior, it can take up to a year to fully heal internally. During this period, you will need to keep up with aftercare practices such as avoiding swimming to prevent infections and injuries and optimize the healing process.
