Piercing Information Library

Top of the Navel Piercing

Description and Location:
This is commonly referred to as the `belly button` piercing. Located in the upper fold of skin above the navel, this piercing has caught the imagination of many Western females, and is just catching on amongst men. Natural navel designs fall into two main categories: `outies` and `innies`. `Innies` are the most common shape and are so named because the navel forms an inward shaped hole, and is ideally suited to piercing. On the other hand, `outies` are navels which project outwards. They are less common and can`t always be pierced. `Outies` occur most commonly in teenage girls. Later in life most `outies` start to develop into `innies`.

Procedure:
Expect to partially undress. The navel will be cleaned and marked while you are in the standing position, and then you will need to lie flat on your back for the remainder of the procedure. Clamps are gently applied to hold a small fold of skin in position for an accurate piercing to be carried out safely. A small amount of bleeding sometimes occurs for a few minutes. Once the piercing has been checked, an adhesive dressing is applied.

Healing Time:
At least five months. Sometimes as long as a year.

Swelling:
The flesh around the piercing will swell, but this is not usually noticeable and within a week or two it returns back to normal.

Types of Suitable Jewellery:
Any jewellery should be a minimum of 1.6mm gauge, the most popular style being the jewelled navel bar. BCRs are also worn. The initial jewellery will have been selected to allow for swelling. Within 2-6 weeks the jewellery may appear slack, with the barbell projecting outward from the top piercing hole. This is a good indication that you should return to your piercing operative to consider fitting a new down-sizes piece pf jewellery.

Extra Care Considerations:
The navel is the scar resulting from the severing of the umbilical cord after birth. It has a poorer blood supply than normal skin and this can lead to prolonged healing times. Avoid tight fitting clothing around the waistline.