Belly button piercing is one of the most popular kinds of body piercing today, most especially among women. It has been considered fashionable since at least the 1990’s, coming to prominence from being adopted by several well-known celebrities. Young girls from 12 to 15 years of age particularly favor this mode of piercing, perhaps because it is easier to conceal under clothing. Of course, licensed body piercers are likely to refuse service to anyone below the age of 18 without parental consent.
The term “belly button piercing” is really more of a common name for the form of body piercing more properly known as navel piercing. However, even this proper name is not quite accurate as usually the navel itself isn’t actually pierced (except in rare instances), but rather the piercing occurs in close proximity to it. While other types of piercing are done on flaps of tissue (as is the case with ear, lip and nose piercing), belly button piercing is done on a comparatively flat surface of the skin.
Belly button piercings come in an assortment of styles, though some of these may not be suitable for everyone. The most typical style is the insertion of a curved barbell-shaped ornament through the skin right above the navel. There are those who prefer to enhance its look by further adorning it with trinkets that dangle over the belly button itself. Piercings could also be made through the skin below the belly button or even on the skin around it. Aside from the usual “barbell” jewelry, rings can also be used in the piercing, but it is important that the measurement and positioning of the rings should be precise in order to avoid possible complications that might crop up during the healing process.
Navel piercings tend to heal much slower, with the shortest period at less than 6 months and the longest at around 9 months. Also, as is the case with other types of surface piercing, it actually carries a much bigger risk of getting infected in comparison to the usual kinds such as ear piercing. A belly button piercing must be given extra special care and attention, especially during its early weeks, or else it might lead to continual infection. During the piercing’s healing period, it requires a routine aftercare treatment that includes cleaning it regularly with sea salt solution and using a mild anti-bacterial soap. Another concern is that the area of skin around a piercing is inclined to be tender for a number of months, carrying the likelihood of rejection, which might cause the ring or barbell to move away from its original position and possibly leave a very nasty scar.
With all the potential risks involved, it would seem to be enough to scare one away from getting a belly button piercing. But the fact is, professional body piercers are mandated by law to undergo health-related training, such as taking up courses in basic anatomy and physiology, as well as how to prevent viruses and diseases from being transmitted through the blood. Also, a body piercing studio must to be a sterile environment in order to be certified and is required to employ sanitized equipment. So if one gets their navel pierced by a reputable piercer, they should have little to worry about. Indeed, once the piercing is done, how well it would turn out in the long run would depend more on how well the recipient takes care of it.
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