| Once considered unusual, belly button piercing has | | | | You should avoid taking a bath for a few weeks |
| become fashionable. From being novelties, they | | | | after the operation. Ask the piercer for a more |
| are now used by people to express themselves | | | | specific time period. In the meantime, keep |
| artistically. To avoid potential health problems, you | | | | wearing clothing with soft and smooth textures. |
| should only go to a qualified piercer. | | | | Do not let the ring get entangled with clothes; it |
| How to Spot a Qualified Piercer | | | | may hurt. |
| First of all, the piercer will have a clean office. Do | | | | Total healing time varies from 4 to 6 months. Try |
| not get piercings if the workplace is unsanitary. | | | | not to get involved in strenuous activities like |
| Their hollow needles should be all disposable. Check | | | | aerobics. This may prolong the healing process. |
| their tools; they should be sterilized. Unsterilized | | | | The pierced section will appear reddish. Whitish |
| equipment can be very dangerous. | | | | discharges may come up. That is normal after the |
| A professional piercer will always don latex gloves | | | | operation. Go to your doctor if the reddish color |
| during the operation. Also, a professional piercer | | | | does not disappear or if the discharge is yellow. |
| will not rush into the process. They will perform | | | | How to Clean the Piercing |
| an analysis to see if your belly button can handle | | | | Wash your hands with soap first. Clean the |
| piercing. Whenever possible, ask for | | | | piercing with lukewarm water. You can also use |
| recommendations from people you know. | | | | soap with anti-bacterial properties and a saline mix. |
| How Do I Prepare? | | | | If there is dirt on the ring, scrub it off with a |
| Put on loose fitting clothes. Tight apparel will | | | | clean brush. Dry the jewelry with a towel. Avoid |
| irritate the belly button. Take it easy and relax. | | | | scrubbing it too harshly. |
| Often, it is nervousness that causes discomfort. | | | | Tips and Other Information |
| Breathe in a controlled manner. Focus on inhaling | | | | You can also put on some lavender oil during the |
| and exhaling. Concentrating on your breath (or | | | | healing stage. This can help speed up the healing. |
| other objects) will sooth your muscles. This will | | | | Keep contact with the piercing to a minimum at |
| reduce the pain. | | | | this stage. You should only move it when it has to |
| After getting pierced, you will have your choice of | | | | be cleaned. |
| jewelry. For now, you can only select from | | | | There are many types of navel rings you can |
| titanium, niobum or stainless steel. Unlike other | | | | choose from. Among the most widely used |
| precious metals, you will not get infected from | | | | designs are navel barbells with pendants and |
| these metals. | | | | chains. |
| You can try the others later when the piercing is | | | | Provided you go to a qualified belly button |
| fully healed. Needless to say, you should never | | | | piercings expert, there is nothing for you to |
| wear dirty jewelry on your belly button even if it | | | | worry about. You just need to keep yourself |
| is healed. | | | | relaxed during the process. Afterwards, the |
| Taking Care of Your Belly Button Piercings | | | | piercing will heal naturally. |