Belly Button Piercing Types and Aftercare
Short answer: A belly button piercing passes through the skin at the upper rim of the navel and is usually worn with a curved barbell. It has one of the longest healing times of any piercing, typically anywhere from a few months to a year. The navel area is prone to irritation from friction and moisture, so the right jewelry, a hygienic procedure and regular aftercare are essential.
Belly button piercings are a very popular choice, especially in summer and among women. But for it to look good, you need to manage the healing process patiently.
Types of belly button piercing
Classic navel (upper rim)
The most common type, passing through the upper rim of the navel. It's worn with a curved barbell whose lower end holds a stone or a dangling charm.
Reverse navel (reverse belly)
Placed at the lower rim of the navel. The main ornament of the jewelry sits below the belly button.
Double navel
A piercing at both the upper and lower rim, with two pieces of jewelry worn together.
Floating navel
A piercing that passes right beside the navel rather than through it. It requires suitable anatomy and doesn't work for everyone.
Side navel and jewelry styles
Jewelry comes with stones, dangles, rings or custom figures.
Is every navel suitable for piercing?
Not every navel shape is suitable for piercing. There needs to be enough soft fold of skin at the upper rim of the belly button. An experienced piercer will assess this and tell you whether you're a good candidate. Forcing a piercing on unsuitable anatomy raises the risk of rejection and scarring.
Belly button piercing jewelry
- Curved barbell: The most common and most suitable jewelry for the navel.
- Material: Implant-grade titanium or quality gold is good for sensitive skin; low-quality metals cause irritation.
- Length: The first piece is usually a bit longer to leave room for swelling; it can be swapped for a shorter one after healing.
- Dangling charms: Don't wear them before you've fully healed; they can snag and cause irritation.
Does a belly button piercing hurt?
Navel skin is thick, so during the procedure you'll feel some pressure and a sharp pinch; most people describe it as moderate pain. During healing there may be sensitivity to friction and touch. For details, see Do Piercings Hurt? .
Belly button piercing healing time
Belly button piercings heal slowly: the outside heals in a few months, while full healing usually takes 6–12 months, sometimes longer. Even if the piercing "looks healed" in the first months, the tissue inside may still be regenerating.
Belly button piercing aftercare
Do
- Touch it only with clean hands.
- Clean gently: With the sterile solution your piercer recommends (for example, sterile saline).
- Dry: Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Wear loose, soft clothing: Reduce friction.
- Clean after showering: Don't leave soap or shampoo residue.
- Use clean sheets and clothes.
Don't
- Twist or play with the jewelry.
- Avoid tight pants, belts and waistbands.
- Stay out of pools, the sea and long baths (while it heals).
- Don't use dangling jewelry, thick creams or harsh antiseptics.
- Don't sleep on your stomach.
- Don't change the jewelry too early.
For general aftercare, see How to Take Care of a New Piercing .
Infected belly button piercing
The navel area is prone to infection because of moisture, sweat and friction. See a health professional if you notice:
- Increasing redness, swelling and warmth
- Foul-smelling, yellow-green or pus-like discharge
- Severe pain
- Fever
Don't self-medicate with antibiotics or strong creams. For details, see What to Do If Your Piercing Gets Infected .
Belly button piercings and pregnancy
During pregnancy, a belly button piercing can get irritated and uncomfortable as the belly grows. The jewelry is usually taken out or swapped for flexible jewelry designed for pregnancy. Talk to your doctor and your piercer.
Finding the right piercer
For a belly button piercing, the piercer should be able to assess your anatomy, use sterile needles and recommend the right jewelry. In the TattooVerseCo Artists section you can find artists who do piercings, and in the Studios section, studios offering piercing services, filtered by city and district. To understand pricing, see How Are Piercing Prices Determined? .
Frequently asked questions
How long does a belly button piercing take to heal?
Usually 6–12 months, sometimes longer. It varies by person and aftercare.
Can a belly button piercing close up?
It can close if you leave the jewelry out for a long time. A new piercing closes faster.
How much does a belly button piercing cost?
It depends on the jewelry material, the piercer's experience and the studio. Ask whether the jewelry is included.
Can I work out with a belly button piercing?
During healing, intense exercise and friction can cause irritation. Ask your piercer.
Can anyone get a belly button piercing?
It depends on your anatomy. The piercer will assess your navel and tell you whether it's suitable.
The right jewelry, the right aftercare, patient healing. Find places that do piercings on TattooVerseCo.