The Belly Button Piercing

Belly button piercings, also known as navel piercings, remain a top accessory trend in 2025, especially among young adults. Beyond their fashionable appeal, they represent individuality and personal expression. Whether you’re exploring the piercing process, considering risks like keloids or pregnancy-related issues, or seeking summer style inspiration, this guide covers it all. From jewelry choices to aftercare essentials, you’ll find the confidence to decide if a navel piercing fits your vibe.

For a real-life look at navel piercings, watch this inspiring video:

What Is a Belly Button Piercing?

A belly button piercing involves a professional creating an opening through or around the navel to insert jewelry. Seen as both stylish and alluring, this piercing continues to captivate fashion lovers. Knowing its unique aspects can help you determine if it’s the right fit for your body and lifestyle.

Belly Button Piercing Anatomy and Placement

Your navel’s anatomy dictates whether you’re a candidate and where the jewelry can go. The standard placement is the upper rim, but alternatives exist based on your body:

• Upper Rim Piercing: The classic spot at the navel’s top.
• Lower Rim Piercing: Goes through the navel’s bottom edge.
• Floating Piercing: Sits above or around the navel, ideal for non-standard anatomy.
• Inverse Piercing: Pierces from the bottom up, gaining traction in 2025.

Shallow navels might not suit standard placements, but a skilled piercer can suggest options like floating piercings. Consult a pro to assess your anatomy.

Why Belly Button Piercings Are Popular

Why do navel piercings stay in vogue? Here’s what keeps them trending in 2025:

1. Visual Appeal: They enhance crop tops and swimwear with an edgy or sensual flair.
2. Cultural Symbolism: Linked to beauty and status in various cultures.
3. 2025 Fashion: Low-rise pants and belly-baring looks make them a summer must-have.
4. Celebrity Influence: Pop stars and influencers drive the trend on social media.

Thinking of getting one? Prep with our 9 Tips for Your First Body Piercing.

Types of Belly Button Piercings

Explore more styles in our Tragus Piercing Guide.

Getting a Belly Button Piercing: What to Expect

Preparing for Your Piercing

Good prep sets the stage for a smooth experience. Here’s how to get ready:

1. Hygiene First: Shower with unscented soap to keep your navel clean.
2. Pick a Studio: Choose a certified spot with great reviews.
3. Anatomy Check: Confirm your navel works for piercing.
4. Ask Questions: How experienced are they? What materials do they use? What’s the aftercare?

The Piercing Procedure

Here’s what happens during the piercing:

• Sterilization: The area is cleaned to kill bacteria.
• Marking: Placement is marked for your okay.
• Needle Piercing: A hollow needle (not a gun) creates the hole.
• Jewelry Insertion: A curved barbell is added to start healing.

Does It Hurt?

Pain varies but is usually mild to moderate. Factors like skin thickness and your piercer’s skill play a role. To ease it:

• Eat a light meal an hour before.
• Skip alcohol and caffeine.
• Stay calm with deep breaths.

Immediate Aftercare Tips

Start strong with these aftercare steps:

1. Clean It: Use saline twice daily—no alcohol or peroxide.
2. Loose Clothing: Avoid tight fits to prevent rubbing.
3. Reduce Swelling: Apply a cold compress if puffy.
4. Monitor: Watch for excessive redness or smelly discharge.

Learn more in our Aftercare Tips Guide.

Belly Button Piercing Healing and Aftercare

Healing Stages

Healing takes 3-6 months, depending on your health and care. Here’s the timeline:

1. Weeks 1-4: Swelling and redness are normal, with some clear discharge.
2. Months 1-3: Swelling fades, but the piercing is still delicate.
3. Months 3-6: It stabilizes, though internal healing continues.

Patience is key—rush it, and you risk issues. See our Smiley Piercing Guide for more healing tips.

Daily Aftercare Routine

Stick to this routine for a healthy piercing:

1. Wash hands before touching it.
2. Clean with saline (1/4 tsp sea salt in 8 oz water).
3. Rinse with warm water.
4. Pat dry with a paper towel.
5. Avoid irritants like alcohol or scented soaps.
6. Wear breathable clothing.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Swelling: Normal early on; use a cold compress if it lingers.
• Bumps: Often from irritation—stick to saline cleaning.
• Infection: Redness or pus? See a pro.
• Rejection: Jewelry moving out? Consult your piercer.

Signs of Infection

Watch for these red flags:

• Increasing pain
• Severe swelling or redness
• Smelly, colored discharge
• Hot skin
• Tight jewelry

Prevention Tip: Skip pools and hot tubs until healed.

Belly Button Piercing Jewelry Guide

Best Materials

Choose wisely to avoid irritation:

• Surgical Steel: Durable and affordable.
• Titanium: Lightweight and hypoallergenic.
• 14K+ Gold: Luxe, but only for healed piercings.

More on this in our Body Jewelry Materials Guide.

Popular Styles

• Barbells: Comfy for healing.
• Hoops: Bold for healed piercings.
• Dangles: Glam but delicate.
• Floating Designs: Unique and modern.

Check out Navel Jewelry Ideas.

Jewelry Sizes

Standard is 14-gauge, 8-12 mm long. Consult your piercer for the right fit.

Changing Jewelry Safely

1. Wait 3-6 months.
2. Wash hands and sanitize jewelry.
3. Clean the piercing.
4. Swap gently and secure it.

See Piercing Aftercare Essentials.

Risks and Safety Tips

Possible Complications

• Infection: Clean daily to prevent.
• Rejection: Use quality materials.
• Keloids: Check your risk with a pro.
• Pregnancy: Switch to flexible retainers.

More in our Aftercare Guide.

Choosing a Studio

1. Verify certifications.
2. Check cleanliness.
3. Read reviews.
4. Ask about experience.

Lifestyle Considerations

Wear loose clothes, avoid swimming, and plan for pregnancy or travel. See Body Piercing Tips.

Costs and Studio Selection

Cost Breakdown

$30-$70, based on location, quality, and jewelry. See Tragus Piercing Factors.

Finding a Studio

1. Look for licenses.
2. Read reviews.
3. Inspect hygiene.
4. Ask questions.

More at Tongue Web Piercing Guide.

Trends and Inspiration

2025 Trends

• Minimalist Rings: Subtle and chic.
• Gem Accents: Sparkly and personal.
• Floating Designs: Lightweight and fresh.

See Navel Jewelry Ideas.

Celebrity Inspiration

Stars like Dua Lipa and Rihanna keep navel piercings trending.

Summer Styling

1. Pair minimalist jewelry with swimwear.
2. Use dangles with crop tops.
3. Wear sundresses during healing.

More at Piercing Healing Tips.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost?

$30-$70, depending on studio and jewelry.

Are They Permanent?

No, they can close if jewelry is removed.

Can Anyone Get One?

Most can, but anatomy and health matter.

What If I Remove It?

It may close; scarring varies.

Can I Swim or Exercise?

Wait 4-6 weeks for swimming, 1-2 for exercise.

Conclusion

Navel piercings blend style and self-expression, but they need care and planning. Consult a pro, prioritize aftercare, and enjoy 2025’s minimalist and gem-accented trends. Explore Body Jewelry Materials Guide and Piercing Aftercare Tips. Share your thoughts below!