Stomach piercings, especially navel piercings, are a popular form of body modification. They’re trendy, cute, and a fun way to express yourself.
If you’re thinking about getting one, it’s important to know the different types of stomach piercings you can get, where they’re placed, and how to take care of them. That way, you can make the right decision for your body and your personal style.
Navel Piercing Placement
There are a couple of ways to get your navel pierced. The most common is through the top rim of the navel, but some people also get the lower rim pierced.
Not every navel is a good candidate for every type of piercing, though. Some people don’t have enough of a “lip” to safely and effectively pierce. Others may have a navel that’s too deep or too shallow.
The best thing you can do is talk to a professional piercer. They can assess your anatomy and help you decide on the best placement for your piercing.
Types of navel piercings
If you’re considering a navel piercing, it helps to know that there are several different kinds. Here are a few of the most popular:
Standard navel piercing
With a standard navel piercing, the piercer puts the needle through the top rim of your navel. This is the most common type of belly button piercing.
The typical jewelry for this type of piercing is a curved barbell.
Reverse navel piercing
A reverse navel piercing goes through the bottom rim of your navel instead of the top. This type of piercing is less common than the standard piercing.
Not everyone’s belly button anatomy is suited to a reverse navel piercing, so it’s important to consult with a qualified and experienced piercer.
Floating navel piercing
With a floating navel piercing, the bottom part of the piercing sits inside your navel. The jewelry is often a curved barbell with a decorative top.
A floating navel piercing is a good choice for people with shallower navels.
Double navel piercing
A double navel piercing is just what it sounds like: two piercings, typically on the top and bottom rim of the navel.
This type of piercing is more elaborate and eye-catching than a single piercing.
How are navel piercings done?
First, the piercer consults with you and marks the spot where they’ll do the piercing. Then, they clean and disinfect the area. Using a sterile needle, the piercer punctures the skin and inserts the jewelry.
It’s really important to go to a piercing shop that’s licensed and has a good reputation. Make sure they use sterile equipment and follow all the safety rules.
How much does a navel piercing hurt?
Most people rank the pain of a navel piercing as moderate, somewhere around a 5 out of 10.
If you’re worried about the pain, there are a few things you can do:
- Ask your piercer about using a numbing cream with lidocaine.
- Focus on taking slow, deep breaths to help you relax.
Aftercare and healing
Proper aftercare is critical for navel piercings. You’ll need to keep the piercing clean to prevent infection and promote healing.
Cleaning instructions
Here’s how to care for your new piercing:
- Use a saline solution made from 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt dissolved in a cup of warm, distilled or bottled water.
- Clean the piercing two or three times a day.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing.
Healing time and process
Navel piercings can take a long time to heal, usually somewhere between 6 and 12 months.
During the first few weeks, it’s normal to experience some redness, swelling, and discharge. Here’s what not to do during the healing process:
- Don’t twist or turn the jewelry.
- Don’t over-clean the piercing.
- Keep the area dry.
To Conclude
Stomach piercings can be a cool way to express yourself. Whether you’re considering a navel piercing or another type of belly piercing, it’s important to explore your options and understand the aftercare involved.
Before you get pierced, talk with a qualified, experienced piercer. They can help you decide what’s right for you.