Belly piercing, also known as navel piercing, is a type of body piercing located in the navel area. In reception years, belly piercings have become a fashionable trend, and famous celebrities are following this trend. But did you know if you don’t take proper care of your navel piercing, you might experience the consequences that can lead to infection? So, if you just got your belly piercing done, read this blog for a smooth piercing experience.

Do’s:

• Always wash your hands before touching the piercing.
• Taking care of your health is essential to the healing phase. Eat well, sleep properly and most importantly, don’t panic.
• Clean your piercing using sterile saline solution and pat it dry after every wash.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes because tight clothes can cause friction near the piercing area, and your clothes may get stuck in your jewellery.
• Cover your body with loose-fitted clothes to avoid sunburns when in the sun.
• If you see swelling on the piercing area, use ice to calm it.
• Choose high-quality jewellery for your new piercing.

Don’ts:

• Avoid sleeping on your stomach as it may hurt your piercing.
• Don’t over-clean.
• Avoid moisture near the piercing area and make sure it is completely.
• Avoid sex during the healing phase as it can cause trauma to the area.
• Don’t pick on your piercing. Sometimes, a yellow fluid develops in the area, making it feel itchy, so it is recommended that you don’t pick at it.
• Don’t apply lotion, perfumes or oils onto the area.
• Avoid hydrogen peroxide and antibacterial cream as it will slow healing.
• Avoid swimming in pools and lakes and keep away from hot tubs because it can leads to some severe infections.
• Don’t change the jewellery until it has completely healed.

Signs of Complications

1. When it comes to the healing process of a piercing, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious or paranoid about any changes you notice. Some level of redness, swelling, and discharge is expected during the initial stages of healing. However, knowing when to be concerned and when not to panic is essential.
2. If you notice that the area around your piercing becomes increasingly red and feels warmer than the surrounding skin, it could indicate an infection. Additionally, if there’s a significant amount of pus or discharge from the piercing, significantly if it changes colour or consistency, it’s a sign that something may be wrong.

In such cases, seeking advice from your piercer or a reputable piercing professional is crucial. They can assess the situation and guide whether further action, such as seeing a doctor, is necessary. It’s always better to address any concerns early on to prevent complications and ensure a smooth healing process for your piercing.

Suitability

Not everyone is anatomically suited for a belly piercing. Factors such as navel shape and size can affect the feasibility of this type of piercing. It’s recommended to consult a professional piercer who can assess your anatomy and provide personalised advice regarding whether a belly piercing is suitable for you.It is important to note that not every belly can be pierced. It all depends on how your navel is configured. The following things will let you know if you are eligible or not eligible for belly piercing.

• If your belly button folds inward and isn’t visible when seated.
• If there’s a horizontal crease at your belly button area when you stand.
• If you have diabetes and carry excess weight around your abdomen, this can reduce blood supply and increase the risk of complications during healing.
• If you have an “outie” belly button, which could indicate a remnant of the umbilical cord or an umbilical hernia. Piercing could spread infections to internal organs or pose a risk of piercing through the intestines.
• If you’ve had abdominoplasty surgery, the area may have reduced blood flow and insufficient tissue for piercing.
• If you’ve had a laparoscopy and the surgical scar hasn’t fully healed, the risk of bacterial infection spreading to the abdomen increases. If you’re not eligible for a standard belly piercing, a surface belly piercing around the navel may be an alternative option

Belly piercing is all about expressing yourself and can be exciting if you have a smooth healing journey. Still, it’s essential to approach it with careful consideration and awareness of the associated factors. By choosing a reputable piercer, following proper aftercare guidelines, and being mindful of potential risks, you can enjoy a safe and successful belly piercing experience. If you have any further questions or experiences regarding this topic, feel free to comment below.