You want to have your belly button pierced, but want to do it yourself. Follow the instructions below for a belly button piercing, or find a professional piercer. You can also find out how to properly care for your piercing through this article.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Piercing Your Navel By Yourself
Step 1. Purchase a kit for navel piercing
Make sure the kit includes a size 14 piercing needle and clamps. You will also need sterile gloves, antiseptic, cotton swabs, markers for marking the body, mirrors, and jewelry. The first piece of jewelry to be put on as a piercing should be small and thin.
Step 2. Choose a piercing location
Usually, people pierce the area above the belly button. Point the jewelry at the navel until it finds the right angle and location. Mark the area of entry and exit of jewelry with a special marker to mark body parts.
Step 3. Wash hands with soapy water
Put on sterile gloves.
Step 4. Wet a cotton swab with antiseptic liquid, then wipe it on the area to be pierced
Step 5. Pinch the fold of skin that you want to pierce
Use the clamps included in the kit to secure the leather.
Step 6. Pull on your skin, then press the needle until it penetrates the skin quickly
Pull the needle through the skin, then insert the jewelry immediately after the needle is removed.
Step 7. Secure the tip of the jewelry to ensure it doesn't fall off
Method 2 of 3: Professional Navel Piercing
Step 1. Observe the cleanliness of the piercing
Find a clean piercing site and observe the piercer's work to make sure he or she is wearing sterile gloves and using sterile liquid to clean the skin. Ask if they have their own autoclave. Don't be afraid to walk away from a piercing where the procedure seems unhygienic.
Step 2. Be prepared to show ID to prove you are at least 16 years old
You may be asked to sign for legal purposes. If you are younger than 16, you may need parental approval before getting your body pierced.
Step 3. Choose the jewelry you like
A professional piercer can help you find the right type of jewelry during your healing period.
Step 4. Relax or lean back into a chair
- If asked, show your belly button so the piercer can measure it with a special marker.
- Special surgical clamps may be placed above the belly button to stabilize the skin so that it is easier to puncture.
Step 5. Take a deep breath and make your body as relaxed as possible during the piercing procedure
- The autoclave removes a long, sharp needle to puncture the skin and make a piercing.
- Your jewelry will be placed on the tip of the needle and inserted into the newly made piercing.
- Remember, you must breathe during the procedure for maximum calm and comfort.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Piercings in the Navel to Prevent Infection
Step 1. Turn a cup of warm water and salt over your belly button to create a vacuum
If you don't have a ready-to-use cleaning solution, make your own using a mixture of tablespoon of non-iodized salt and 236 ml of warm water.
Step 2. Hold the liquid in the belly button for 5 to 10 minutes, then dry with a piece of sterile gauze
Rinse off the remaining liquid with cold water.
Step 3. Avoid using rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemical soaps to avoid damaging skin cells
Step 4. Do not wash your piercing more than 2 times a day
Drop a small amount of liquid soap on the piercing, then rub the area gently with your fingers. Rinse the area and dry with sterile gauze. Be sure to use an unscented antimicrobial soap. Soap fragrances can increase the risk of infection.
Step 5. Keep your piercing free from body fluids and moisturizing products
Avoid oral contact to the navel and do not use moisturizers, creams, or cosmetics.
Step 6. Protect the piercing area before you go to a lake, pond, or hot tub
Use a waterproof bandage that is usually sold in pharmacies.
Step 7. Purchase a strong, hollow eye patch at the pharmacy
Attach this object to the piercing area and secure it by placing a bandage around your stomach. An eye patch will help protect the piercing area when you have to wear tight clothing or exercise.
Step 8. Do not remove the jewelry until the piercing is completely healed
Do not replace your jewelry until the healing process is complete.
Tips
- Sweatpants and low-cut jeans are the best for the first few months because the piercing will feel quite soft. Wear soft and comfortable clothing so that the belly button is not irritated.
- Do not use ice to relieve pain before the piercing, as this can make the skin cells feel harder and harder for the needle to penetrate.
- Bring a spare safety ball in case your jewelry gets damaged or you lose the built-in safety ball. Store these balls in a sealed plastic bag to keep them clean.
- Pain, slight bruising, and skin that feels "flabby" are normal after a piercing. You may also notice a white, dry discharge around the piercing.
- If you're having surgery and need to get your piercing removed, talk to your doctor and the piercer about alternatives to non-metallic jewelry.
- Do not remove jewelry if the object can be moved, but it still hurts. However, wait for a month or two. Once the jewelry doesn't hurt to move, you can remove it.
- Get to know the person who pierced you by having a chat beforehand. During the procedure, he may try to calm you down by engaging in a conversation. Make sure you stay calm and feel comfortable!
- Don't wear tight-fitting T-shirts until the piercing heals.
- Don't touch your piercing too often as it can cause irritation and infection, especially if you touch it with unwashed hands.
Warning
- Do not touch the ring at the navel if your hands are dirty.
- Do not pierce your belly button yourself unless you have experience piercing other body parts.
- If your piercing becomes infected (a red rash, is painful, oozes pus, or causes a fever), don't remove it. Otherwise, the wound may dry out and seal the infected area inside. However, contact a doctor immediately.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, buy a special piercing for pregnant women that is a flexible tube. It also sometimes features an O-shaped ring just in case you need to perform a cesarean section. This way, there are no metal objects on your body and the piercing can be adjusted so it doesn't get in the way of the procedure, unlike metal piercings which have to be removed when you are pregnant.
