Piercings are a fashion accessory, body art, rite of passage and way to mark a life change, make a statement or stand out from the crowd. Belly button rings, in particular, combine style and sex appeal and are easy to conceal while at work or school. There are a few important things to know when choosing a piercing, especially a belly button ring.
Healing
According to the Center for Young Women's Health, navel piercings can take four months to one year to heal. If you're considering a navel piercing, be prepared to spend time and energy caring for it for up to a year. A belly button ring is probably not ideal if you have a hectic schedule or have trouble remembering routine tasks. If you can't seem to find time to floss regularly, you might find it hard to care for your piercing!
Risks
The main risks associated with piercing are infections, allergic reactions and excessive scarring called keloids, according to the National Institutes of Health. A good piercer ensures the piercing is done safely, reducing bleeding and swelling, and gives thorough aftercare instructions to avoid infections. Don't get a piercing if you have hemophilia, diabetes or other health problems that might impede healing. Don't get a piercing if you have a rash, moles or skin irritation around your navel.
Pregnancy Belly Button Rings
Women with healed belly button piercings might not want to remove them if they become pregnant. However, a growing belly can push a standard metal piercing out. The best alternative is a flexible belly button ring. There are several options, including rings made out of PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon, bioplastic or surgical plastic. Like ordinary belly button rings, they come in a variety of styles.
Choosing a Piercer
The best way to ensure a safe, healthy, trouble-free belly button ring is a good piercer. The American Association of Piercing Professionals advises the following when choosing a piercer: view the sterilizing equipment, look at the overall setup, check that the needle always comes out of a sterile package and is disposed of in a sharps container after use, read the aftercare guidelines before you get pierced, look at the portfolio, check for health and safety certificates and/or licensing information. Take identification as proof of age. If you are under 18, check the rules in your state--most require parental permission.
Aftercare
The American Association of Piercing Professionals says you should soak the piercing area in saline solution for five minutes, at least once a day, and gently clean with mild soap, rinsing thoroughly, once or twice a day. Never use cleaners such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. You can tape a hard eye patch, available at pharmacies, over the piercing to protect it during contact sports.
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