Barbells and circle barbells are jewelry types commonly inserted during the belly button piercing process. If you have a circle barbell belly button ring and your piercing has completely healed, you may wish to replace it with another piece of jewelry. While removal should not be difficult, proper hygiene and technique is important. Removing your circle belly button ring in a haphazard manner can result in skin tears, infection or possible scarring.
Step 1
Apply an alcohol-based sanitizer to your hands or wash them with antibacterial soap and warm water. Germs and bacteria on your hands can easily transfer to your piercing, causing infection. Sanitizing before removing your belly button ring can prevent such a scenario.
Step 2
Grip one end of the circle barbell, just above the bead, with the fingers of one of your hands. Hold the bead that attaches to that end in the fingers of your other hand.
Step 3
Turn the bead counter-clockwise or "to the left." The bead will unthread itself as you turn, separating from the ring.
Step 4
Place the bead in a small box or plastic container immediately after removal so that you do not lose it after removal. Depending on size, some beads can be hard to find if dropped on the floor.
Step 5
Grasp the opposite end of the circle bar (the side that still has the bead attached) with the fingers of one hand. Guide the open end of the circle belly button ring out of the piercing hole, pulling gently until the open end of the circle has exited your skin.
Step 6
Reattach the bead to the circle barbell and place it in the container for safekeeping. Replace the circle belly button ring with another jewelry piece.
Tips and Warnings
- Visit your piercer or physician if removal does not go smoothly. He will have the tools required to remove the piercing without skin damage.
- Refrain from tugging at the circle barbell during removal. Safe removal requires only a gentle pulling to release the jewelry from your skin. Vigorous pulling or tugging can result in unsightly damage to your skin. Always make sure that your piercing has healed prior to removal. Belly button piercings can take up to a year to heal fully. Removal prior to this time often leads to infection or the inability to replace the jewelry with another piece. If your belly button piercing is red, painful, swollen or oozing a thick, green pus, seek medical attention immediately. This can be the sign of an infection. Keep in mind that your circle belly button ring must stay intact if you have an infection. Removing a piercing when your skin is infected can actually trap the bacteria inside your body, making the infection worse.
Things You'll Need
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial soap
- Water
- Small box or plastic container
- Replacement jewelry
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