Piercing through scar tissue is possible, though it may be a bit uncomfortable. Scars are quite tough, which means pushing a needle through them can be difficult. However, a professional certified by the Association of Professional Piercers has the skill and training to minimize discomfort and make the jewelry sit properly in a re-pierced navel.
Navel Piercing Procedure
Marking the location of your navel piercing takes up most of the time in the piercing room.Your piercer will use calipers to measure your navel for the appropriate jewelry. He will make a mark above and below your navel to indicate the entry and exit points of the needle. You will lie down on an exam table like the one in your doctor's office, and your piercer will pinch the flap of skin to be pierced between a pair of clamps called Pennington forceps. He will ask you to inhale, and on the exhale will push the needle through, which takes only a few seconds. As he pulls the needle out, he pushes the jewelry in.
Appropriate Navel Jewelry
A curved barbell is the most common jewelry worn in a navel piercing. Curved barbells consist of a bar with beads that unscrew at both ends. The length of the bar may be up to 1/2 inch, determined by individual anatomy. Your piercer will insert a bar that is slightly too long into the initial piercing to allow for swelling. Once the piercing is healed, you can insert a shorter bar to allow for a snug fit. The most common material is surgical stainless steel, although titanium and niobium can also be used. The most common gauge is 12 or 14; 12 gauge is slightly thicker. According to BMEzine.com, when piercing through scar tissue, a thicker gauge may help prevent rejection.
Aftercare and Healing Time
Healing time for navel piercings varies widely, and may take longer if you are pierced through a scar. It generally takes between four months and one year for a new piercing to heal completely. Diligent aftercare and cleaning can significantly speed healing time. The Association of Professional Piercers recommends soaking body piercings daily in a solution of 1/4 tsp. of non-iodized sea salt and 1 cup of warm bottled water. Lean forward and lay your navel in a disposable medicine cup filled with solution; then lie back for 10 minutes. After a saline soak, wash the piercing with unscented antimicrobial or antibacterial soap, and dry with a clean paper towel.
Softening a Scar
It is possible to soften a scar with a commercial scar healing cream or vitamin E oil. For a month before re-piercing your navel, use one of these products, massaging it into the scar for two minutes or according to package directions. This can help break down the bound collagen fibers from your old piercing, making it easier to push the needle through when you go in to be re-pierced.
Possible Body Piercing Issues
A piercing is a puncture wound, and any puncture wound can become infected. The most common source of infection is dirty hands. Keep your hands off your piercing unless you are cleaning it, and always wash your hands first with antibacterial soap. While some irritation, redness and swelling are normal, a red and swollen piercing that is hot to the touch or oozing pus may be infected. If you think you have an infection, visit your piercer or physician immediately. If you are experiencing fever and chills, go straight to the emergency room.
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