The ‘90s beauty and fashion redux is still going strong, so it's little surprise that Y2K belly button piercings are also enjoying a revival.
Of all the piercings out there, it was somehow the belly button piercing that became an unofficial rite of passage for many back then. So, what is there to know about belly button piercings in 2023? Well, quite a lot, actually.
First off, there are different placements you may not know about; belly buttons that aren't actually suited to the piercing, and jewellery types you may not of heard of. Plus, there are some key things you'll need to know if you want to avoid infection and get your new belly button embellishment healed as soon as possible.
We've quizzed Niki Yeadon, piercing expert and founder of Crystal Point Piercing on everything you need to know about belly button piercings…
What is a belly button piercing?
Professionally known as a navel piercing — but often referred to as a belly button piercing — it features “a piece of jewellery that sits through the skin fold, most commonly above the belly button but also around the navel,” explains Niki.
What types of belly button piercings can you get?
“The most common belly button piercing is through the top fold of skin,” explains Niki. That said, you can also get the belly button pierced in the slides and lower navel if the piercer thinks your anatomy allows it.
“For some anatomy shapes, a floating navel can help it heal better. The M&M disc (which are flat discs) on the bar allows for the client to sit comfortably, avoiding the bottom of the bar getting caught in the skin and delaying healing,” says Niki.
What jewellery material is used for a belly button piercing?
A curved barbell is most common for belly button piercings. The material of the jewellery you are initially pierced with tends to be either implant-grade stainless steel or medical-grade titanium. The latter is approved by the APP (association of professional piercers) as it is nickel-free (ideal for those with metal allergies). 14K gold is another option.
A non-reactive material is especially important during the healing process. Cheap jewellery with low-grade polishing on the surface, says Niki, can contain small traces of lead, cadmium and nickel – meaning the surface has small irregularities where the body fluid collects, which can cause complications.
What happens during the procedure?
So, you've plucked up the courage to make an appointment for a belly button piercing, now what should you expect? Niki reassures that “the piercing is very quick and what you feel is minimal if done well and in a calming environment."
Niki explains that the consultation before any piercing begins is important. Your age is discussed, as is your navel shape. “The maturity of the body is important. For example, the female body still grows and matures into later teens, so each person is looked at individually,” she adds. “Once we have established if the anatomy is suitable, we then move on to choosing a bar that works.”
You'll be asked to fill in a form of your details and will be shown to the piercing room where your piercer will scrub up and prepare.
“Clothing has to be loosened or folded away from the stomach so we can prep the skin with an anti-microbial cleanser and then mark out where we are going to pierce on the skin,” Niki explains. “We ask the client to take a long good look as there is always time to move the mark if the client has a preference.”
Once you're happy, you'll be asked to lay down comfortably on the bed. “Some piercings are clamped [where your skin is held in a clamp to keep it taught] and others are done free hand — it all depends on the skin type,” she adds.
While the idea of a clamp can be intimidating, "it sounds far worse than it is,” reassures Niki. “The clamp gives a grip that allows the piercer precision and free hand technique has the benefits of avoiding bruising, but both are acceptable in capable hands.”
Niki then uses a needle specifically created for piercing, rather than a cannula needle because they create more trauma than necessary. “Once the piercing is done the jewellery is installed gently and the top is screwed on — et voilà! It's done!” says Niki.
“I like to finish off with a gentle cooling compress of sterile saline while explaining the next steps, aftercare and allowing the client to get up and see their new shiny jewellery.”
Pain and healing time?
According to Niki, most people rate navel piercings as a four or five out of 10 on the pain scale. Pain is, of course, subjective and it really does depend on how well trained your piercer is. So it's always worth doing your research prior to your appointment to make sure you're in experienced hands.
As far as healing time goes, “it can take up to a year to fully heal but most belly button piercings can heal within six to eight months,” says Niki. “It heals from the outside in, so if you have signs of fluid or crusties then you have a while yet to go.”
Aftercare for belly button piercings?
Cleaning
First and foremost, cleaning your new piercing is vital. Niki recommends saline soaks using ½ teaspoon of sea salt with a pint boiled water (waiting for it to cool down before using it, of course). If you aren't keen on making your own, you can use Stericlens or Neilmed sprays, which are a super easy way to take care of your piercing.
You should soak your piercing once daily and avoid poking it with a cotton bud — a common mistake people make — which can cause irritation and delay healing. “Most complications are from clients over cleaning it and picking scabs and touching it too much," Niki warns.
Things to avoid
Niki says you need to be careful with clothing, including zips and buttons putting pressure on the area as this can irritate it. You should also avoid swimming and hot tubs, fake tan, sun bathing and excessive lotions to the area.
For these reasons, Niki recommends being smart with the timing of your piercing to ensure you're not going to be tempted to jump in a pool on a hot summer day. “This is why it is perfect timing to have the piercing done in winter when you cover it up, then it will be ready to show off in the summer,” says Niki.
Potential side effects
It's completely normally to experience a little soreness and see some clear or white-ish fluid for the first couple of days post-piercing. However, as with all piercings, signs of infection include swelling, heat, redness and foul-smelling yellow discharge, at which point it's important that you contact your GP.
How to change your piercing
You can effectively change out a belly button piercing yourself, but you have to be completely sure that your piercing is fully healed before doing so. Most piercers recommend waiting the full year-long period before switching it out, but if you really can’t wait, your best bet is to go back to your piercer.
It's also advisable to visit the piercing studio for that first change of jewellery so that they can ensure the measurement is correct. “We use either a 12 or 14 gauge and 12mm long bar when someone is first pierced," says Niki. “When the belly button piercing has healed, it may shrink a little.”
What type of jewellery is typically used for a belly button piercing?
Curved barbell — This is the most common type of jewellery used for a belly piercing and features a curved bar with two balls on either end.
Non-dangle bar — Similar to a curved barbell but with jewels on either end instead of plain balls.
Dangle belly bar — This is similar to the above but with an extra piece dangling down.
Other options include a captive bead — aka a hoop that doesn't fully close with two balls on either end – and the twister ring, which is a spiral shaped bar with two balls on either end.
Can everyone get their belly button pierced?
What about people with outie belly buttons – can they get pierced? Niki says no, unfortunately. “It takes a certain shape for the piercing to be successful,” Niki explains.
Sadly, you can be turned away from getting a navel piercing if your belly button isn't quite right for the piercing. It's important to listen to the piercers advice and not go to another studio less reputable to get it done. Doing so and getting a piercing where you anatomy doesn't allow can lead to migration. “In a lot of cases, if the shape doesn't allow for the bar to sit comfortably, it will grow out,” Niki explains.
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