[ Home | FAQ-Related Q&As | General Q&As | Answered Questions ]

Search the Q&A Archives

Once you have had your belly button pierced and say has...

<< Back to: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 3--Getting a New Piercing

Answer by Sydney Taylor
Submitted on 1/23/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Not that I am in any way trained in the medical or piercing field, but I can say from experience that, YES, you can have it done as many times as you think you need to in order to get it right. I first got my naval pierced when it became "the thing to pierce" and the going rate in South Beach was a "low" $80. If I remember correctly it was around 1997/'98 It was the poorest job yet it was the most expensive. The guy even had to stick me twice because he accidentally pulled it out the first time. After all that, I got home and realized I wasn't just drunk...it really was lopsided and way too high in my belly button. I took the ring out and waited a couple of months to go back again. All together, I have had my naval pierced 4 times. You know about the first and why I had to get the second...and baby makes 3 and 4. Pregnancy and belly rings didn't compliment each other in the least. I think that only one of those times did a girl in Atlanta, Ga. feel the need to try to find the previous hole. I think that was only because I expressed no complaints about the last one had been. Other than that, it seems to me to be able to be placed anywhere in the naval you want them for as many times as you deem fit...until you start looking like Mike...LOL

Answer by Kristina
Submitted on 7/4/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Hey!! well i just got mine pierced on Friday July 2nd and to be honest..i mean I'm a LOW tolerance of pain person but wow i was SO freaked out and i got it and i couldn't believe how much it didn't even hurt me..it felt like wen i got my ears pierced which was nothing. In order to change your belly button ring or barbell my piercing guy told me wait 2 weeks...to swim u can swim as soon as you want. Chlorine is good for your belly button piercing because it cleans it out but DON'T swim in a river or lake or any dirty water for at least 6 months - a year!! and DON'T PIERCE IT YOURSELF!! infections may occur easily and that can go to your heart the soap to use in shower is Dial and use Saline or Bactine to clean it twice a day!! good luck!! * Kristina *

Answer by mandi863
Submitted on 7/17/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
I just got my belly button pierced. It didnt hurt at all. The nervousness was worse than the piercing, haha. The clamp is all i felt. But do not use Bactine or alcohol no matter what anyone says. It will dry your piercing out and cause it to become infected. They are currently trying to get a lawsuit to take bactine off shelves it is so bad. And also, I have a question or two. I got the H2Ocean spray to clean it with. Do i just spray that on it and slide the barbell up and down to clean? And second, you don't use the dial soap to clean it, just to shower, right? And why does dial not irritate it when they tell you not to use other soaps? Thanks guys. <3

Answer by MJ
Submitted on 8/3/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
About 3 months after I got my navel pierced, the area around the top hole began to harden. There was no pain. A couple weeks later it spread around my whole piercing but still wasnt sore. I was cleaning it one day and put a little pressure on it and all this thick yellowish white stuff came out! A couple times a day this would occur. so a week later I went to the doctor because now after the white stuff clear blood like stuff would come out and it hurt a little. The doctor said I had an abcess inside and gave me a perscription even though he said antibiotics wouldnt do any good that I had to take it out. I didnt think that was a good idea if there was an infection inside so I went to see my Piercer she said I didnt have a abcess, that this happens to some people it was ok and it would go away. I took the antibiotics anyway. My navel is ok now 2 months later, I was wondering if this happened to anyone else?

Answer by kim
Submitted on 8/3/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I got my belly button pierced 10 days ago. It didnt hurt at all! i was surprised. The man that pierced it just pierced it. He didnt tell me how to clean it, or how long it took to heal. I asked some of my friends how to clean it and one of them gave me salts to clean it with and another gave me bactine. i was just reading mandi863's postage and she said not to use bactine how bad it is. Ive been using it for a week now and its seeming to heal very good. It is not infected or anything. i clean it 3 times a day. Also 3 days after i got it done i went into a hot tub. Nothing happend to it. It actually made it feel better. So ive been swimming and been in a hot tub many times since ive got it done and its fine. My friend pierced her own belly button and about 12 days later she changed the ring. Hers isnt infected either. Is it alright to change it that early? i baught new rings in the states and i cant wait to change it. How much longer should i wait?

Answer by kim
Submitted on 8/3/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I got my belly button pierced 10 days ago. It didnt hurt at all! i was surprised. The man that pierced it just pierced it. He didnt tell me how to clean it, or how long it took to heal. I asked some of my friends how to clean it and one of them gave me salts to clean it with and another gave me bactine. i was just reading mandi863's postage and she said not to use bactine how bad it is. Ive been using it for a week now and its seeming to heal very good. It is not infected or anything. i clean it 3 times a day. Also 3 days after i got it done i went into a hot tub. Nothing happend to it. It actually made it feel better. So ive been swimming and been in a hot tub many times since ive got it done and its fine. My friend pierced her own belly button and about 12 days later she changed the ring. Hers isnt infected either. Is it alright to change it that early? i baught new rings in the states and i cant wait to change it. How much longer should i wait?

Answer by Aly
Submitted on 9/5/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Okay, heres the deal. It all depends on the person, some may think piercing your belly button is the worst pain experienced. Some think its no big deal. In my opinion, its a painless procedure. Theres no way to say if it hurts or not because everybodys body reacts differently to certain things. For the first three weks, if you're belly button is a little red or irritated, ITS NORMAL! Its a fresh, new piercing. What do you expect!? Just remember to wash it properly and often. At least 2 to 3 times a day. If you have a purple ball next to you're piercing, its called a Kelo, I believe. My friend hadone and I had to go myself over to her house to help her clean it and treat it. I would guanrantee not only cleaning it regularly but buying this healing salt called "Epsom salt" You just mix it with a little bit of water, spread it on you're belly button, and you're good to go! (You must put it on twice a day though) You shouldnt have a purple ball if your cleaning it properly or on a regular basis though. The only way your going to form a kelo is if your being disgusting with your belly button and you're not washing it, if you're playing with it (etc.) Before you tell anyone how long to wait before you can swim with it, get you're facts straight. Remember that just because it may take one person 6 months to heal, it may take another person a year. Some need more healing time than others. Once YOU feel you're belly button is ready you should be able to change it or swim with it. Make sure its FULLY healed though, and that there's no puss coming from it. Okay, now lets get some things straight: Chlorine water is good for you're piercing= FALSE! This isnt true! Why do you think you're piercer tells you to wash it after usage of the pool!? Salt Water is good for you're piercing= TRUE! Salt water is good healing water for many types of wounds also. River water is good for you're piercing= FALSE! Although its fresh water, you're taking a chance. Ever stopped to think about the bacteria crawling around in that river? The way to know if you're piercing is rejecting is simple. Is more of the barbell visible since the first day youvehad it pierced? Is there a small- barely visible scar showing you that the piercing is "traveling"? If you said yes, its rejecting. Sometimes, you take out the jewelery, and replace it wiht cheap jewelery, and this might cause it to reject. Other times, when its rejecting, and you put some good quality jewelery in, it will stop rejecting and continue to heal, but of course, more of the barbell is going to be visible. It wont go back to the way it was unless you get it re-pierced. Wait until you dont see puss coming out of you're jewelery to change it. You dont want to take a rish at having it get infected or reject. Oh yeah, and Stormi, if you keep piercing your belly button by yourself, what do you expect!? Go to a professional. I hope Ive been able to help anyone whos lsot and confused. I myself, have had my top belly button done going on two years. I recently got my bottom belly button done 3 months ago and I just changed the captive ball Ring to a barbelly ring. It looks so cute! Be careful, and I saw, you're only young once. Expierence new things before you turn old. Life is too short. If you want a piericng, go for it. Youc an always take it out once you decide you dont want it anymore. And you expierenced something new, and didnt loose much. Be very careful, and Happy Piercing!

Answer by Shelley
Submitted on 10/1/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey, Just wanted to add a couple things that might help out. I have both the top of my navel and the bottom of the navel pierced. Currently I am pregnant and have had my top piercing out for approx 4 months now, but I keep poking my barbell through just to make sure it doesn't close up on me, so far all is well...the bottom i have left in because the skin in that area didn't stretch so I have had no problems with it. Second, when I got my navel pierced it started to get infected and a keloid started to form (a red bump) but I used epsom salts to soak it in and within a couple days it was back to normal again. I went swimming right after and nothing happened just make sure you clean it really good with a saline solution afterwards and if you can get some, tea tree or lavender pure essential oils work WONDERS on piercings, I have an industrial in my ear and never got infected once and i used tea tree oil on it the entire healing process. Hope that helps out...just as long as you take proper care of your piercings, there should be no problems, its when you neglect them is when it will become very sore and infected!

Answer by Maria &Ashleigh
Submitted on 11/10/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey everyone, we both have our belly button peirced. I've had mine done since october of 2003 and ashleigh just got hers done this past october. i think when i got mine done, the guy that did it peirced it to far out. Now i have an ugly scar from where the ring just ripped out because my skin wasn't able to heal correctly because there wasn't enough skin to hold it in place. My problem is i wanna get it peirced again and i don't know if i am able to do so over top of the original scar. it's really embarrasing and i'd like to cover it up. please someone help!if anyone knows the answer to this please write back in here or email me at lilhottie31312@aol.com

Answer by gabco04
Submitted on 11/18/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hi, I had my belly button pierced at the end of May. All was well. About 3 weeks ago I had the bar changed. I went back to the place where I had it done and they changed it for me. I put in a gold ring. Well the last three weeks, it's been funky. I don't think the ring was for me. I went back today and asked them to change it back to the original bar and the guy suggested I take it out alltogether because it "migrated". It's all red and a bit hard. I was so bummed. He told me to wait until it clears up and I could possibly have it done again. I'm 46 by the way, and it made me feel so good. Has this happened to anyone else? What are my chances of having a successful second piercing. Thanks.

Answer by kim-bo
Submitted on 12/28/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
i got my bely button pierced about a week and like 3 4 days ago... it does not hurt ne more.... but it did for the first week... about... i did find out that you have to be a certain age to get it done even if u do have a parent or gardian present... im only 15... but the first 2 places i went to u have to be 16 even with a perent... because it has something to do with that is called "body alteration" and if it gets infected... your parent can be charged with child abuse because you are under age... then i found a place where you only have to be 14... so i got it done there.... just make sure you look around... dont get bummed out if you cant get it done in one place... well... good luck.... ~~kim-bo~~ o and... how long do you have to waia before you can change it???

Answer by missk
Submitted on 1/6/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
1. Don't ever ever EVER pierce it yourself. You asking for a bad infection. 2. Yes you have to kinda move it up and down to clean it. Spectro Jel is best. Hot sea salt water is good for it also.(not the ocean......buy some sea salt and put a pinch in a cup of hot water) I was told to use bactine but I've heard some bad things about it too. I used it but not for every single cleaning. Just before bed and if I touched it when I wasn't supposed to. Other soaps are loaded with perfume and other bad crap. Dial and Spectro jel and antibacterial. Thats why they tell you to use them 3. You have to be 18 in most places to get it done unless your with a parent. I've had mine done twice. First time I had it in for maybe two days but didn't like how it was crooked. So I took it out. It closed up in about a day. I read somewhere that pinching it after its closed up will help reduce the scar tissue. It seemed to work for mine. I got mine done a second time and had it for over a year before I got an infection and it migrated a lot. My skin was only taking up about 1/3 of the bar. So I've taken it out again hoping its going to close up soon so I can redo it. Hopefully third times a charm. I'm going to go talk to my piercer though and see what he says.

Answer by loserchick0209
Submitted on 2/11/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
OK i have a question, im 13, and i really want to get my belly button pierced, my sister says it doesnt hurt and she has liek abuncha piercing, ok well my sis is...23 and if i could get her to take me wuold that be ok, because my rents are TOTALLY against it..also, i gotl ike the top of m ear pierced, uh does it hurt more then that, cuzi put up wit that pain, also i was thinkin about getting it done just before i go to bootcamp which is 2 weeks, uh if i did it then is ther any possible chance i could take it out wen my rents are around..? thanks uh email me with answers please vikidehart@hotmail.com , oo and also, if you play with it will it like bother the healignmn process, cuz my fridnd just got hers done and she is always playing with it...lol so yah ..bye then

Answer by bm
Submitted on 2/21/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey everyone im 16 n had my belly button pierced over christmas break...although it bleed alot it didnt hurt and the little red ring around the top went way now but now i have a problem. It seems tha around my upper belly button hole maybe a couple milimeters around it(the hardness extends pretty far), it is hard as a rock. I cant really move my belly button ring up and down as i used to and when i touch it, it seems sore. IT is so hard. Im worried that the barbell is comming to close to the skin?? i have no idea wat to do. It isnt red or bleeding or pussing its just super hard all over like there something under my skin, beside were the barbel is. So if any has any idea wat is happening, or has been in the same situaton pleaase leve a post telling me wat to do n wat is happening.PLEASE! thanks a bunch

Answer by Emmy
Submitted on 5/3/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I've had my belly button pierced for just over a month now.. and I've gone swimming and it never got infected it hurts now and then but nothing serious.. i was told that as long as the puss that comes out of it is a creamy to yellowy color it's normal but if its bright green or yellow it's infected.. anyways.. i hope that helped some of you.. and i have a question how long b4 i can change it? I've heard so many answers I don't know which one is right.. ohh and your belly button does heal it takes 6 weeks for the inside to heal so whoever told you your belly button doesn't heal is full of bologne.. anyways im going to go now.. my email address is sweet_pea27@hotmail.com if neone has any questions or answers for me Thanks! <3

Answer by laloo
Submitted on 5/5/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hello All, I am a body piercer and I am worried at some of your lack of knowledge after you have had your navels pierced. You should not go swimming until about three weeks to a month after you have had your navel pierced for the first couple of times you should cover it up with a waterproof band aid but take it off instantly after swimming so you don't starve it from air. YOU SHOULD NOT PIERCE YOUR OWN BELLY BUTTONS OR YOUR FRIENDS! This can lead to very very very serious consequences maybe not now but in the future, such as tummy ulcers, cancer, bad infection, tissue scarring and if you do it yourself and it gets infected this will scar your belly for life. If anyone is worried about changing it themselves they should go back to where they got it done and they should change it for you.

Answer by Riley
Submitted on 6/10/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I dont have any answers but im thinkin about gettinmy belly pierced by a doctor with a bunch of my friends but do they know where to pierce it and everything? Also, is it worth getting it pierced if im gonna be pregnant in like 10 years or so? should i consider losing weight before or should i get it done now? cause my mom already made my oppt. and im supposed to have it done on june 15 but im still kinda unsure...also i do cheerleading and i am afraid that it will rip out but half of my team already has it done...what are the chances of it leaving a scar once its out and will it be just and fade that will go out of style in the next tear or two?...my appt. is right before a cheer camp whitch involves a lot with the belly but my coach wont let me sit out cause he is stricked .. should i try to ditch a mandatory cheer camp or should i tell him i need to sit out because i feel "sick" , and just not let him know i got my belly button pierced? Please help before june 11th <3<3<3

Answer by Pats Lil Girly Girl
Submitted on 6/11/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Ok ive been doin alot of research and i couldnt find any thing that seemed to be correct so i had gone to the place i got my belly done at and just asked all the questions i needed answered ... 1.u can go swimming right after u get it pierced if u like ... the thing is that once u get out take dial antibacteral soap and wash it 2. to change it i agree with Girlie Girl "u should wait about a month b4 u take it out n for ur first time u should go bak to the place u got it done n they will change it 4 u after that u r on ur own wit changing..." 3.Use Dial Anti-bacterial and Sea salt to clean it for 8 weeks and do not take it out for more than 5 mins for the first 12 weeks 4. If a white to clear liquid seems to come from the piercing dont be alarmed it is just merly the process of healing .. and if a white ring forms that again is just the healing process ... Good Luck everyone i hope that this helped ~~Jessica~~

Answer by shaunagh
Submitted on 6/21/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hey hey peeps... it seems yourr all sayin completely different things like i had mine done a month ago and to all those sscared dont bee i was really hiped up and prepared for tha absoloud worst and i shouldnt have been tha woman was lovely and you cant even feel the needle it just fells like someone poking you because the clamp is pinching you your concentrating more on that then the needle and tha piercer told me you can bath in a week when its healed a little..but you MUST wait a month or two before swimming in dirty water because of germs and PLEEZZ dont pierce it yourself i had mine donr proffesionally but my (silly lil) mate done it herself and ended up in hopital for 3 weeks and nearly died of septicemia (or however you spell it) but you must realise hoe dangerous and dtupid it is. umm....mines stil really red at tha moment but its going to go soon hope all your piercings are ok bi bi x x x and if any of you are worring if your piercing is swollen or so on go to your doctor and he'll give you antibiotics or cream because mine was infected and it started healing it straight away neway!.. bi bi x x x

Answer by piercingaddict
Submitted on 6/29/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hey u guys everyone who wants 2 get their belly pierced and is under the age of 14 is not a good idea!!! when u grow the piercing will most likely migrate and thats not a good deal. cleaning your new piercing more than 2x's a day is also NOT a good idea because it deminishes your bodies natural ability to ward off infections on its own and not only that but it will dry it out delaying the healing process. yes! outie bellies CAN be pierced, it is a lil more difficult for the piercer but it duz work. i have a half innie half outtie and i wuznt sure at first either. DO NOT EVER TRY TO PIERCE YOUR BELLY YOURSELF!!! go on the internet and look at some of the screw ups very rarly will they turn out how u want them 2 be. if your piercing is crusty, thats okay its normal and u should soak it in saline pronto so that those crusty chunks dont do internal damage. and yes like everyother piercing u will get i is going 2 hurt. what they do is prep u and everything they need, then they either have u sit or lay down. they clamp the skin and then a hollow 14g needle is pushed thru. that says there for only seconds while they get the jewelry to put in. i thought i wuz more than just a pinch...more like a holy sh*t that hurt but it only lasts minutes. well good luck 2 all luv me!:)

Answer by Moni
Submitted on 7/4/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Ok... First of all, the answers given are all wrong! I just got my belly button pierced at a very good emporium. The needles were well sterilized, and the piercer wore gloves and washed his hands. Everything was in sterile baggies, and the piercer had a certificate that showed he went to college and stuff. Anyways, he told me not to wash it with any kind of soap except from "Non-Scented Spectro Gel" Once a day. And a sea- salt water soaking twice a day. The piercing takes up to a year to fully heal, and you CANNOT go swimming in any type of water for at least a month (3 months is recommended) Don't touch the piercing without throughly washing your hands. Not every belly button is suitable for getting a piercing. If you are very skinny, the clamp might hurt. Also, if you have an "outie" , piercers recommend not to get it pierced, as the needle will have to go through the chunk of flesh (very painful). Chlorine does help to clean out the belly button, but it also dries the skin. You cannot use any moisturizers on the piercing within the first month. I think that answered the questions.... Anyways, i got it done at "Pushin Inc Tattoo Emporium" :)

Answer by jasmine
Submitted on 7/23/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey everyone well im 14 and i got my belly button pierced and well im going to try to answer a few questions dat ppl have been asking ok well you should wait between 2-6 months before u go swimming some people might be lucky not to get it infected when they go but dat doesnt mean u will have the same luck ask when u get ur navel done by the person dats doing it they may do it a lil different from sum1 else so they ware the ones dat will almost truly now next... Ok when u are going to change ur belly button for the frist time be careful ok wait til it is healed all they way if not many things may happen ok if u try to change it b4 its time u can get it infected if u take it out and try to put another one it u can rip the tissue dat had formed between ur belly and the ring if u rip dat it may get infected and or take a longer time to heal so plz wait b4 u change it next... when u get ur belly button pierced u really dont feeel da needle it goes by so fast all u really feel is just the clamp for some ppl it may not hurt for others it does it may not hurt durning but it does hrut a lil after i have to say u well feel somekind of soreness and redness for the first 2 weeks when u get it done And my final bit of advice � if u really want to get a different belly button ring and ur not sure if it is time to change it and if you are still unsure in any way go see a professional piercer and have him change your belly ring, especially if it is the first time you are doing so. i hope dat i have help sum1 at least a lil and just look out and it hurts more then ur ears

Answer by Shelby
Submitted on 7/24/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hey my name is shelby i got my belly button pierced about 2 weeks ago... i only waited 4 days before i went swimming i went in teh ocean.. then after 9 days i went in the public pool but its clean it was a t a hotel but its really nice... i think i couldve gone swimming b4 but i didnt want to cause i went on vacation and i was in teh ocean the whole time... nothing happened just dont jump in!! i did that it hurts!! wait a lil bit b4 that... um. i didnt hurt me at all to get it done!! it hurt after ward and it was really sensitive! and i was thinking mabe i did the wrong thing but now i am glad and its only been 2 weeks after a week u can lay on ur stomache and it doesnt hurt but dont jump on it or anyhting till a lil longer.. i payed $60 for mine and $10 for a notery which was a rip off but what ever... and i got H2Ocean get that!! it sooo works!! its like $10 then i got something else and that helps too its those things u put in ur ear i cant think of the name now lol but u break it and cleaning stuff comes out its cool... also mine is still red but its normal... if u have any questions i have aol its baseballLuver290 or e mail me at baseballLuver290@aim.com i am a 14 year old girl and they didnt want to give me the ring they said i am still growing but im not... lol anyways i am skinny and it worked out good but if u want it get it!! even if its only u that sees it .. its still cool so if u have any questions just ask!

Answer by DR. DILF
Submitted on 8/7/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hello my fellow naval piercers. i recently got my naval pierced for the third time. i also pierce naval's for a living. the nuecoles in your stomach reacts and may cause a feeling that is very similar to having your skin burnt off. although this pain may continue for the first few months after the piecing its worth it!! if you take a shower the first two weeks after getting it pierced the pain will get worst and start to eat the skin around the piercing away. this is called ishabaga. please be careful for this. it is very serious. i also just got my genital pierced my boyfriend loves it. he always tells me how good it feels on his tounge. so i highly recomend that ; ) i got my nipple pierced my boyfriend isnt sure if he likes that yet. he said it pinches his tounge sometimes. my dog likes it though. SO BASICALLY ALL PIERCINGS HURT LIKE HELL SO JUST DONT DO IT UNLESS YOU DONT WANNA LIFE (NO SWIMMING SHOWERS BATHS LAKE OCEAN SPORTS EATING SITUPS WORKING STARBUCKS CHEERLEADING HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS BOYFRIENDS PLAYING WITH IT)YEAH THATS RIGHT none of that so remember what dr. dilf said... DONNNNNT DOOOOO ITTTTTT!! peaceeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Answer by Blondee*
Submitted on 8/7/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey every one okay i have some answers to allot of questions i got my belly button pierced yesterday but here is what the guy told me to do he said wait 8 months to change it cuz then it is fully healed and for swimming you should wait 6-8 mounths to but u can go swimming with a waterproof bandage thats what i use i went swimming 30 min after i got my piercing with a waterproof banage Johnson and Johnson makes them in the bad-aid brand they stick for hours ,you have to clean your piercing at least once a day using dial or antibacterial liquid soap ,the shower is the best place to clean it cuz u can wash ur hands then just lather it on your belly button About the pain part i was really worried i thought it was going to kill with pain but it felt like a little pinch and it was over i was like "thats it" i have a low tolerance for pain and this literally didn't hurt a little bit of burning after but it went away after about 1 hurt and then it hast hurt since unless you get it hooked in ur clothes of bed sheets anyways there are answers hope they help ohh yeah i got mine done by a professional body piercer who worked under some one else for years then has been doing his own pearcings for 5 years now ,he really knows what he is doing ,i advise if u r gone get it done get it done by a professional .not yourself or not by a jeweler cuz they or you don't really no what they are doing and remember sanitary is everything !

Answer by katief_101
Submitted on 8/14/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hi, I am Kt and I am ganna be 12. I am getting my BB Pierced in December right after my last swimming lesson before Christmas and I am ganna try to shower as less often as possible and when I do I will wear waterproof bandaids. But then about 2 weeks after Christmas vacation there will be 2 40 minute swimming lessons for school a week. Is it okay if I do it and wear a waterproof bandaid and clean it RIGHT after? Or will it SURELY get infected? Because, I am ganna clean it 3 times daily, once with sea water, and take multivitamins. And going to a profession starile place! lol. I did all my research. Can you please answer my ?'s. And if you want to talk to me on aim or email its katief 1012 on aim and katief_101@hotmail.com for emailing. Thanks sooooooo much everyone. Happy Piercings

Answer by Heather
Submitted on 8/18/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Ok i got my Belly Button peirced a month ago tuesday. If you mess with it when youre not cleaning it it will get swollen and if it does then take some ibprofen and soke it in epson salt. you have to wait two weeks to go swimming in ne thing with chlorine and 2 months for salt water. The only thing i felt when they did it was the clamp and i didnt even now the guy did it. i peirced mine myself b4 i got it done professionally and i had it in for a month it was really painfull and the only reason it didnt work was because the kind of needle the Tattoo artists is a hallow needle so the skin goes in it thats y when u peirce it urself it doesnt work!!! Happy peircings and have fun with it!!! !!! Heather !!!

Answer by lil
Submitted on 8/26/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hi i got my piercing done today and I have all the awnsers 1) It doesn't hurt-it's jsut pressure and a bit of a sting that's it 2) They can pierce it with anything but I suggest a barbell or a ring made of titanium or surgical stell= if you are sensitive skin wise 3)to take a barbell out screw the top bit, slide it out for a ring just either pop the little bobbly bit and it will come free and then take the ring out. If it's a screwy one then you have to screw the bobbly thing 4)rELAX FOR a few weeeks don't do too much, let yourself go. 5)Clean it twice a day-don't go crazy the more u touch it the worst it is it's not gonna get dirty in a few seconds their's my ramble <3(I got it pierced today but know lots)

Answer by nanna
Submitted on 9/23/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
ok umm i got my belly button done like ummm 3 days ago and no it doesn't urt that bad it is more liek a sharp pressure the clamp kinda numbs it i got home and it started bleeding for liek 2 hours it's is perfectly okay now tho and it's noo even that sore anymore i got a barbell put in when i first got it and my peircing isnt really that red or anything just pretty tender make sure to clean it and try not to bump it cuz umm it realyl hurts and sometimes it will even bleed a little bit if u hit it hard enough be careful when u r changing i had that experience already and it really hurt cuz i like brushed it downwards it was okay after tho,just be careful and gentle with it and dotn play with it or move it around after u get it cuz that will make it even more tender mine also kidna hurt when i bent over cuz it kinda pushed it up so just don't bend over for a coupel of days and it will start to feel better soon take good care of it.

Answer by shelby
Submitted on 10/21/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hey um... i got my belly button pierced like 3 months ago i think mabe longer... anyways it didnt hurt that much. um.... use the soap!! that they give you.. i went swimming after like 4 days and i went in the ocean. then after liek a week i went in the pool after liek 3 weeks i went in teh river... and nothing happened to me. mabe i got lucky i dont no but i herd the salk and chlorine is good for u or at least the salt is... um i chenged mine after liek 4 weeks. some people say that they get liek a red or purple bump around the top or what ever i had that. dont give up . it will go away! mine just went away liek 2 weeks ago and iv had mine done for liek 3 months liek i said so ya. it gets annoying sometimes specially when it was healing like a lot its still healing now but i cant feel anything. um.. get h2ocean its really good!!! lets see. um... if u have a red bump mabe try getting a dangly one that goes in threw the top then it looks better at least. i got mine done for like $60 but then i had a bunch of stuff lieka notery was $10 freaken dollars rip off!! anyways then h2ocean was liek 15 dollars but worth it and also Qtip swabs that have like medicine when u break them it all came up to liek $90 tho but thast ok... thata all i can think of now but if u have any questions and u have aol im me at mustang9877 also i have a question for people that had thiers longer... if i take mine out now will it close up like really fast? cause i have soccer games and i want to take it out during the soccer games but i dont want it to close up. so how long does it take till i can take it out for liek a day? is that possible? now i feel stupid lol but if u have the answer please tell me on aol thanx! Love Shelby

Answer by angie
Submitted on 10/29/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey,uhhhm buddy?? whoever said this is a retard got my belly button pierced. It didnt hurt at all. The nervousness was worse than the piercing, haha. The clamp is all i felt. But do not use Bactine or alcohol no matter what anyone says. It will dry your piercing out and cause it to become infected. They are currently trying to get a lawsuit to take bactine off shelves it is so bad. And also, I have a question or two. I got the H2Ocean spray to clean it with. Do i just spray that on it and slide the barbell up and down to clean? And second, you don't use the dial soap to clean it, just to shower, right? And why does dial not irritate it when they tell you not to use other soaps? Thanks guys. <3 hahah k first of all ive had my belly button pierced for at least 2 years and i used bactine haha it worked perfectly you can swim at least 2 months after and you should change it in about 4 months.. all these other answers are so wrong DO NOT GO TO A PUBLIC POOL USE BACTINE AND DONT CHANGE IT FOR 4 MONTHS'..

Answer by babydoll14
Submitted on 12/29/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hey av had ma belly done for 2 months now a want it changeed for partying at new year is it 2 soon 2 take it out? n av got a hoop so i n e one knows how the hell to take them out plez tell me!! lol can i take it out myself or do a need to go back to the place ? for everyone who is asking what to clean it with get this antibacterial soap called hibiscrub (fink thats how u spell it ) you can get it in boots n stuff and am told its really good n used in hospitals or you can use salt water like I did just heat some water and add a spoonfull of salt to it (dont use 2 much salt as this could iritate the piercing or cause it to migrate the peircing people told me) N guyz it doesnt hurt at all !!! people say it does n a just cant understand it but a guess it depends o the person. Am not to good with pain bt a didnt get it frozen cause the dude said that t would nip afterwards if the freezing soloution got into the hole n it didnt hurt at all!!! good luck guyz n plez reply to ma message cause a really dont no how to get the ring out n a want a bellbar in !! oh n nathalia when i was cleaning mines I turned in to let the soloution clean it all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxluvya n soz boot the full scale essay !!

Answer by Koral
Submitted on 1/12/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hi since I got my belly button pierced my piercer told me to put a barbell in after 2 months only. However she said if it did get infected in the first while you got it, a month would work but you would have to get a proffesional to do it. Also be careful as to how much you clean it. Overcleaning will cause it to dry out and help infections get in. Once it is infected ( hopefully not but it is common)take a bath in epsom salts or sea salts.However don't use too much or else it will hurt. Anyways Take a bath 3 times a week as hot as you can stand it for an hour to draw out the infection and it will heal alot faster. Don't forget to clean it still though. Just 2-3 times a day. Good luck. Happy piercing.

Answer by Nixie
Submitted on 1/26/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I got my belly pierced before Hallowe'en (2005)before that time of the month all we women love so much, I figured that would be the perfect time so it wouldn't get irritated with my b/f. I took my barbell out about 3 weeks after I got it pierced and I played with it far too much, I'm now paying the price... its infected. Trust me don't take it out till its no longer tender, weepy and I wasn't told to do this but I defiantly like the idea to go back to where you got it pierced to get the barbell taken out and replaced for the first time, they would be able to tell you if its a good idea to do it yet. I also used the Bactine for cleaning my piercing, I don't recommend using it, it does dry things out quite a bit, the salt water solution works well. Its 1/8 tsp to one cup of warm water. If you have some left over from before throw it in the microwave for 30 seconds (no longer trust me it heats up quick). I know this is a long post but I hope it helps others in the future. Oh and about the baths... I was told not to do any for a while after the piercing due to all the bacteria in the water, just think how dirty you are when you get in the bath and its all going into the water, never mind all the bacteria on the tub from other baths and showers. Oh and if you use a loofah (those mesh scrubbers thingys) be careful around the barbell, it will catch and pull and that hurts. Ok thats it. Hope it helps. Lotsa Love: Nixie

Answer by roxy
Submitted on 2/11/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hi guys! i just got mine pierced yesterday. It doesn't hurt as much as I thought, but it did hurt a little. The piercer uses clamps and they hurt a little bit, but not enough to cause you large pain. And then they just push the needle through. It lasts like 1 second. It hurt, I winced I know that. But it wasn't bad at all. I was told to use sea salts or Epsom salts to clean it. 1/2 a teaspoon of those and 8 ounces water. Mix it and then clean with it. Or use Saline solution. I was also told to only use Bactine or whatever (I forget the word but it starts with a B) if it gets infected. Put it in a cup, lie down and hold the cup over the piercings, pushing down so that the liquid is on there, but still in the cup. It's really hard to explain but hopefully some of you will know what I mean.

Answer by Sammy C
Submitted on 4/18/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I got my belly button pierced the day before I turned 14. I was really excited about getting it done, but by the time I was at the piercing parlor to get it done, I was really nervous. My cousin was trying to psych me out, saying that it hurt a lot. So I excused myself to the bathroom, gave myself a little pep talk and then went back into the room. As for the piercing, it didn't hurt at all. All it felt like was a pinch with your nails, it hurt less then my ears! Anyways, the healing process was a lot more difficult then the actual piercing. It was tender for about a week after-wards, but that was it. I cleaned it properly for about a week and then stopped. I have had it for about a year and a month now and it hasn't gotten infected at all. Now, I'm not saying to not clean it, but I don't see the big deal about it getting infected, it never happened to me.

Answer by Kassie
Submitted on 5/11/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Heya guys! Got my belly button pierced yesterday with my friend Jess. They both went fine, at first you stand still so he can mark where its goingthen he will ask you to lie down. I got mine sprayed numb at this point, and then he clamped the skin. Here he pushed the needle into me. It only hurt for about 2/3 seconds and the pain was only very slight. Tbh i wouldn't even call it pain, just uncomfortableness, (is that even a word?) anyway nothing to worry about. Im cleaning it 2/3 times a day with just plain salt water, and boiled water in an eggcup then watching hollyoaks with it over my belly. hope i helped. Good luck. Btw you only have to be 16 to get it done on your own, but make sure your parents agree :)

Answer by Ali
Submitted on 5/18/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey People, I got my belly pierced about 4 days now..I was really nervous at first, but as most of us say, it didn't really hurt that much, its like having your ears done, just a little bit more pressure. You just need to be relaxed when you have it done, there's more scared than there is pain.. Make sure you clean it really well, and NEVER touch it before cleaning your hands first. I clean mine not more than 3 times a day, and for the first weeks or so, keep it coverd with something bcoz it might get sore when it rubs on clothes. The person who did mine told me NOT to go swimming for a while, and Not to change it for a month, i got mine done with a ring, bcoz its easier to heal. Maybe it's different for others? If anyone is scared for having theirs done, then just dont worry! No one is forcing you too! Only do it if your 100% sure! =D I'll help anyone if they have questions.. Tata! =D

Answer by Jessie pooh
Submitted on 5/30/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I've had my belly button pierced for about a month and a half..i got mine done at blueflame in raleigh. my piercer didnt use clamps he went freehand, but it turned out really good. He gave me some wound wash saline that comes in a aerosol can to clean it with. Dial soap isnt such a good idea. even on the bottle it says for external use only. My piercer told me that its really bad if you put dial soap on ur piercing, then rotate it bc all of the bacteria is moving around which isnt good. i gotta keep mine in for 10-12 weeks and i cant get into pools, lakes, rivers or oceans for 6-8 weeks not so bad. dont ever let anyone tell you it doesnt hurt, it does, its not excruciating [sp] or anything. but it does hurt. email me if you have ?'s sweetumz299@aol.com

Answer by tinkerbell
Submitted on 6/7/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hey, i have pierced my belly button 2 times before. then i too it out when i got prego. after i had the baby i re pierced it! it was just fine!!! i actually have all four sides of my belly button pierced which looks so awsome!! to clean them i just use dial soap and bactine. don't use neosporin cuz it traps infection it. (read the tube it sais not to use on puncture wounds) just keep moving it around and it will do fine! i also do my friends belly buttons and all theirs have come out just fine. don't worry it will heal. i actually went swimming at the ocean like a week after i pierced all four sides of my belly button and it didn't get infected. so a pool will be fine. the chemicals actually help clean it! but be sure to wash it after your done.

Answer by hether
Submitted on 6/25/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
ok. someone said you dont have to wait to swim in a public pool because cholorine is good for it? umm....just because there's chlorine in the pool doesnt make it clean. there is a ton of dirt in public pools. ALSO, the chlorine will do the same thing to the piercing the the alcohol will do. it will dry it out. believe me i no, im a competitive swimmer. and i got my ears pierced and the chlorine dried it out! ya once the piercing is healed the chlorine is good for it. because it keeps infections away. but not while its healing! that'll just make it worse! so its wise not to go swimming. and anyways. go to google and look up belly button piercings. everything you go to will say DON'T SWIM! like jeez dont you ever read????

Answer by Sei
Submitted on 7/18/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey! I'd like to get my bellly button pierced but am not sure about the whole pregnancy thing. I'm not having kids anytime in the near future, but I've heard mixed things about it and would just like to know for when I do decide to have kids. Will it stretch? Would C-section be better than natural? I heard the skin around it hardens, like scartissue, is that true? If you take it out in the 5th mo., when you put it back in after, does the hole get bigger? Can that little bit of skin above the "inny" ever sag? (Cuz I've had my ears pierced for 16 yrs and I used to wear my earings really tight and now if I wear heavier earings, like hoops, it sags a teensy bit, its not too noticable though, I just wanna know if that could happen for the naval.) Some answers would really be appreciated, thanx, Sei

Answer by BewitchedKittie
Submitted on 7/20/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I am now on my second navel piercing after the first migrated out badly due to getting snagged alot on my ex's belt oooh the pain They will repierce after at least 6 months or when the scars settled but you should go ask the piercer and let them see. They pierce under your scar and it does hurt a little more the second time as scar tissue is tough. I've had mine for about 2 and a half months now, cleaned it every day with a cotton bud and savlalon wound wash (not the original product as its too harsh) and everythings fine. I'm off swimming for the first time tonight but I'm covering it with a waterproof dressing just to be sure. Even the cleanest public pools harbour bacteria. Good luck with your piercings! Katy xxx

Answer by ShanSizz28
Submitted on 7/30/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Stormi- I had a similar problem a few months ago. I had my belly button pierced with a 16 guage and wanted to change the ring. A girl told me it would be fine to put in a 14 guage...(WRONG!) It got infected and started developing a purple bump which was painful. I took out the new ring and put in the old but by that time the end of the bump started to open a bit and bleed. I finally went to the doctor and she told me that I had developed the non-serious type of staff infection. She gave me antiboitics and it cleared it up fairly well though the healing goes into cycles and I finally took the whole ring out today and I'll have to wait to see what happens. To make a long story short, go to the doctor asap because you don't want the possible infection to turn into an absess where the doctors would have to "lance" it or in simple terms...cut it out! OUCH! Good Luck :)

Answer by starcrost17
Submitted on 8/5/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I just got my belly button pierced like 4 days ago i was nervous but it didn't hurt a bit even the clamp really didn't hurt. it was done in a matter of seconds. That nite i went swimming in a pool and later my belly button was stinging then the next 2 days i swam in pool beach and LAKE!! VERY BAD now its red at the top and puss was coming out but it doesn't look that bad. I got a barbell and i clean it good like twice a day with bactine everyone recommends it or neosporin. So don't swim for at least 6 months. I heard u can switch out your ring after about 3 weeks thats the amount of time needed for the skin to heal I heard instead of bactine though u can use Listerine that it works great.

Answer by DietRite
Submitted on 8/14/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I got mine done a few weeks ago, and I thought it hurt a little bit, but I was more nervous than anything else. I'm not scared of needles (or netals, for some), although I have a weak stomach and was affected by it. As to cleaning, it's not too hard. My piercer told me to mix up the solution (1 teaspoon of SEA salt per 1 cup of water) and pour it in a shot glass, then invert the shot over the navel. It works quite well. After letting it soak for a few minutes, remove it and rinse, then dry it off and brush away the excess skin with an unused Q-Tip. I have gone swimming since then, and if you want to, make sure it is CLEAN WATER (i.e. no public pools, lakes, rivers, etc.) I was in a friend's pool and cleaned it almost immediately after exiting, and I was fine.

Answer by mm yuuup
Submitted on 9/12/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
k guys a bunch of you shouldnt be gettin your bellybutton pierced. its understandable to be nervous but honestly if ur SO nervous u don't think u could do it, dont bother. but for the record it doesn't hurt too bad unless your reallly whimpy. its a lot of pressure, ( the clamp, pushing on the needle & ring) but if your just scraed of needles dont worry about that. the whole lawsuit about bactine isnt true for all i know. i cleaned mine with bactine and it worked very well and never ONCE got infected which is pretty amazing seeing as 99% of people will probly get an infection. it hurt the most on the 2nd & 3rd day. it hurt worse then getting it piecred but then from the 4th day on mine didnt hurt one bit. the white stuff is normal, dont worry.

Answer by claaaaaaire
Submitted on 10/23/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
LOOK CLEANING IT WITH COOLED DOWN BOILED WATER AND SALT IS THE BEST... LIKE AFTER U GET A TOOTH OUT. THE BEST THING TO DO IS GET A COTTON BUD... CUE TIPS, OR CUBE TIPS I DUNNO WHAT U CALL THEM OVER IN AMERICA, IM FROM IRELAND SO WE CALL THEM COTTON BUDS LOL... THE WEE THINGS THAT U USE TO CLEAN UR EARS. ANYWAYS THATS THE BEST TO CLEAN IT WITH. USE 100% SOAP FREE, FRAGRANCE FREE, COLOUR FREE SHOWER GEL IN THE SHOWER AND BATH SALTS IN THE BATH FOR ABOUT 4-6 MONTHS AND AS FOR SWIMMING, CHLORINE HAS ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTS SO ITS FINE, JUST CLEAN IT WITH THE SHOWER GEL AFTERWARDS AND UR FREE TO GO. THIS IS MY SECOND TIME ROUND SO ID RECOMMEND NOT ONLY USING ANTIBAC SPRAYS ETC 2-3 TIMES A WEEK OTHERWISE IT WONT HEAL ON ITS OWN. OH AND BE PATIENT WITH IT!!!

Answer by HMC surgeon
Submitted on 12/30/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Ok. I am a surgeon at HMC & pierce peoples belly buttons here. I read some things on this website and here is my thoughts from being a surgeon and from being a professional. 1. SWIMMING DOESN'T NOT HURT THE NEW PIERCING. THATS WRONGGGGGGG. the chlorine helps. it cleans the new piercing. just make sure the water is clear and the pool is clean. 2. PIERCING IT DOES NOT HURT EVERYBODY BUT HURTS SOME. you cant ask someone if it hurts. everyone feels differently. some people pass out. some people say they never felt it. it has to do with the person body. 3. DO NOT CHANGE IT UNTIL 6 MONTHS UNLESS YOU CHANGE IT ONCE THEN LET THE OTHER RING GO FOR ANOTHER 3. you cant keep changing it. it will infect. if you want to change it in 3 months; do it. you will be fine. but then keep that new ring in for another 3. it needs to heal. do NOT keep changing it every day either. REASON: because if you change it so much; the inside will not be 100% healed. changing it too often will cause bacteria to spread from one piece of jewelry to the next and get your new piercing infected. YOUR PIERCING WILL NOT HEAL COMPLETELY UNTIL ABOUT 1-2 YEARS!!! SAME WITH ALL PIERCINGS.

Answer by angie
Submitted on 1/5/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Ok well to answer alot of peoples questions, you are suppose to wait anywhere from 6 months to a year. It depends on when your body heals..so you should deff give it longer then a few weeks. Some people change it early and they get lucky but alot of times it gets infected and so to be safe you should just wait! And no its not the same as your ears. But that doesnt mean it will hurt more or less. It all depends on you! My ears hurt worse to me but my sister said her belly button was the 2nd most painful thing [besides giving birth] so it just depends. And stormi: your first mistake was doing it yourself, its getting infected because you need to go to a professional and let then take a look and help. The big purple bump is either blood under the skin or a side effect of the infection. I know u dont want to take it out but if it doesnt heal you should take it out and when its completely healed, then go to a profession and let then do it. Its not smart to do it yourself!! Hope i helped. and if u have any questions then just email me with the title belly button angie_girl1043@hotmail.com

Answer by SamiRose
Submitted on 2/3/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
ok i got my belly pierced about 4 weeks ago. the guy who did it was the person who does my boyfriends tats and he was really good with me and made sure i was comfortable. He told me it CAN take UP TO 9 months to a year...sometimes more sometimes less...in my case i believe it might take less because it looks great within 4 weeks.. i use saline solution about 1 or 2 times a day...also with antibacterial soap in the shower...and also after everytime i clean it i use lavender oil..its to promote healing and so it doesnt dry out...when i got it done at first i was of course nervous like a lot of girls..but to me...in the process of getting it done it wasnt bad at all. it didnt hurt...the only thing i really felt was when he put the ring in and moved my naval around a lil bit. and for those who want urs done...make sure u know how to spell so u can ask the right questions...and also make sure u know as much as u can BEFORE you get it done, so when u get it done ur not asking all these questions and risk infection...i did my research before i got it done, i got mine at 17, and ive wanted it since i was 12, so ive had a long time to think about it and do my research..its a serious thing to think about and u definately dont want it infected...just be careful

Answer by Manda
Submitted on 3/7/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I got my belly pierced about three weeks ago and this is what he told me: -don't go swimming for at least a month but if you REALLY want to, apply a generous amount of polysporin to each hole to help keep out the water. -don't change for 6-8 weeks. If I have trouble changing it myself, go back to the shop and the piercing will do it for me -for cleaning, use bactine or spectroderm my friend is using bactine and I am useing spectroderm and we don't see much difference. -Use baby soap or mild, unscented soaps. The chemicals used in scented soaps tend to bother the piercing. -if it starts to look dry, use a mild, unscented skin cream. I do what he has told me and mine is healing beautifully. For those who worry about how much it is going to hurt, you feel pressure, that is about it. It really doesn't hurt. Just go to your happy place if you get nervous. A while after the piercing it is tender. It's worth it though. Heck, my tattoo hurt more!

Answer by Ashley1
Submitted on 3/31/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I had my belly button pierced for my 13th birthday and it did not hurt the clamp hurt worse then the piercing. however I let it close up not long after I got it done! and now I have a scar its not really noticeable but if you look close its there!!! Now my 15th birthday is in a few months and my parents wont let me do it again because of the first time! I played with it to much I don't know if it was infected but it did not look that great! .....When I got it done the guy told me to wait 2 weeks to go swimming nut if I were you I would wait longer to be on the safe side. Also you have to wait at least 2 months before changing it! Once again you should wait longer! I waited 2 months and I still did not have a good ending. But you learn from your mistakes and this time I will take much better care of it the important thing is not to rush the process because your impatient thats what I did and now I'm stuck getting it done again!!! Good luck!

Answer by Hannah
Submitted on 4/5/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey! im 12 years old and im from northern ireland. And well i want my belly button pierced! Loads of my m8s have got there belly buttons pierced over these few weeks and i am allowed toget mine done. But my mum and dad are divorced and i am not speaking to my dad at the moment as we had a MASSIVE argument and he is usually the strict one between my 2 parents but i havnt seen or spoke to him in 4 nd a half weeks and i dont no if i wil ever really speak to him again but if i do he is going to find out someway or another if i get my belly button pierced and i am worried cuz he will go mad and him and my mum wil start arguing. Do you think i should tel him about it or just leave it? Please reply to me and if possible add me on msn at : mizz_cool_hannah@hotmail.com Thanks a million Hannah x0x

Answer by Emzzz
Submitted on 5/6/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
There seems to be a lot of questions but hardly any answers! Okay, well when you get your belly button pierced, the worst part is the clamps which pinch but you hardly even feel the needle go through! After they've put it through, they put the barbell straight in as the needles sliding out. It's practically painless! As for the pain after, it's slightly sore for about 2 days, but after that only if you touch it for roughly a week but other than that there's no pain. And yes, if you have a white area round the barbell, or it bleeds/pusses a bit, it's normal!! But if it scabs, DON'T pick them off unless you want scars. Just clean it with salt water 2 or 3 times a day and it should be fine. Even if you do this, it can still get infected. If it does, just clean it a lot more and don't touch it or play with it! [you shouldn't anyway for a while] Also, it can take up to a year for it to heal. As for changing the ring barbell, you should wait until it's at least half healed! [Or go back to your piercer and ask them if it's okay to change it/them do it for you!] You shouldn't go swimming in a public pool/lake/river etc for probably about 2 months. Even though chlorine is good for it, all the dirt & stuff in the pool isn't!! I'm not sure about the bath though, I had one on the same day I got it pierced! >_< Also, if you get it pierced and decide you don't like it you can easily take it out with minimal scarring, & get it redone after the hole has closed. If it DOES get infected,DON'T take it out, or go to the doctors/hospital unless it's really really serious! You should go back to your piercer and ask for advice or help. If you go to the doctor they'll just tell you to take it out, and you'll probably end up with a lump where the infection's trapped inside. & No one wants that, right? (: x

Answer by Melisa.
Submitted on 5/26/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Since I am fearing for all those here who are talking about their new naval rings, I am going to make one loooong post explaining all this. First of all- You should wait at-least three months to change it. I'll admit I changed mine after 5 weeks, and it was a BIG mistake. I got an infection almost immediately because my body rejected the piercing. As for swimming, here's what you should do. Do NOT go swimming in a pool for the first 2 months. You will regret it terribly. If you are going to a some what clean beach, it could do your piercing a little good. Some times it makes it worst. It really depends on the beach (I went to Mexico, which has really clean water, and it did wonders on my piercing). Re piercing. Yes, you can re-pierce, but have a limit. If you have taken out your naval rings 3 times because it was infected all three times, know you are not responsible enough to take care of such a tender piercing. Try something a bit easier to manage, like a nose ring. Taking it out. You -could- take it out after about 10 weeks. I don't recommend it, especially if it's for a long period of time. If you need to take it out for a day or a few hours, I just say use your best judgment. Also, if you think it is infected, and green/yellow puss is coming out, DO NOT TAKE IT OUT. If you do, the puss will seal the hole and can cause an infection inside your closed piercing! It's EXTREMELY painful. Infections. I have had two infections now with my naval piercing and my best advice is this- Clean it with bactine, DON'T touch it, no matter how many urges you get, you'll thank your self, and soak it in sea (or normal) salt with warm water. Don't go out and spend 12$ on a serum that might irritate your piercing. Also, don't change your piercing until about 4 months later. Your body might reject your new ring and things will get painful. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at melcheeks_84@hotmail.com.

Answer by ammy
Submitted on 5/28/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hi guys! I think I can help! =] Well first off, I got my belly button pierced one month ago and it didn't really hurt. So if you would like to do it, go for it! It's really fast and just feels like a pinch. The only pain I felt is the next couple of mornings because I actually slept on my stomach which you should try not doing, but I couldn't help myself. And after you get it done, just wash it in the shower, but don't over do it. Antibacterial soap will be fine, and make sure to dry it with something clean afterwards. I was told by my piercer that pool and beach is fine, but lake or river is not. And then I also heard that pool and beach is not okay too. I went to the pool two days after I got mines pierced and it turned out fine and I went to the beach 2 of weeks afterwards and I didnt have any problems. As long as you wash it afterwards in the shower it should be fine. NOW IM THINKING OF GETTIN MY TOUNGUE PIERCED AND IM SO EXCITED!! BUT MY MOM WONT LET ME YET. =[ LOL GOOD LUCK GUYS AND RELAX ITS NOT A BIG DEAL *just make sure you get it done by a PROFESSIONAL AND DONT touch it with dirty hands, thats how i infected my ear piercings!!

Answer by Tiamia
Submitted on 6/29/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I would suggest waiting anywhere between a month and six months to change your piercing. It all depends on how fast your body heals and how well you take care of it. The better you take care of it, the faster you'll be able to change the piercing. =] And, no, it doesn't hurt AT ALL to get your belly pierced. The needle is sharp enough that you don't feel it, only the pressure of it going in. I actually sat there LAUGHING when I got mine done. However, it will be tender for a few weeks && it can be red up to a few months! Just keep it clean. I use saltwater, peroxide, and neosporin on it and it helps a lot. The Neosporin especially helps to keep the skin from snagging on the piercing. And if you get a ring when you first get it done, you'll probably have to go back to the piercer to change it the first time. I got my belly done about a month ago and I've twisted the ball both ways for a long time and it won't come out! I plan on visiting my piercer in the next few days to see what he suggests, and if it's even time to heal it yet. But, like I said, keep it clean! Enjoy your piercing. =]

FAQS.ORG makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the posts. Each post is the personal opinion of the poster. These posts are not intended to substitute for medical, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. FAQS.ORG does not endorse any opinion or any product or service mentioned mentioned in these posts.

<< Back to: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 3--Getting a New Piercing

[ Home | FAQ-Related Q&As | General Q&As | Answered Questions ]

Question by kwinters
Submitted on 1/14/2004
Related FAQ: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 3--Getting a New Piercing
Rating:	Rate this question:
Once you have had your belly button pierced and say has closed up, can it be repierced? if so in the same place?

Answer by yaz
Submitted on 1/25/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
if you have your belly pierced and you get pregnant and you take it out till after birth is your whole stretched? or the same?

Answer by bubbawawa16
Submitted on 2/10/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
it all depends on your body.. my friends mom was pregnant, and (obviously she didn't wear the ring) and then she has it back in now that shes had the baby.. but her naval piercing is fine nothing happened to it

Answer by lost
Submitted on 3/21/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
i have a question i got my belly button pierced about 2 months ago. I have a slight case of short term memory, how long do i have to wait until i can change my first ring to something else?

Answer by Angie
Submitted on 4/24/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Kris, learn to spell b4 u get a piercing... (i.e. netal) its needle

Answer by Kris
Submitted on 3/19/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
My mom said i could get my belly button pieced.... the problem is im afraid of netals but do you feel the netal in your body? What does it feel like, my friend said you can only feel the clamp but not the netal is that true?

Answer by Courney
Submitted on 5/9/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Hello.. Peoples My friend Pierced my belly button be4 and it went threw but it wasnt deep ENOUGH! so i kept playing around with it trying to get it deeper.. well i was at the beach one day and i went into the water and it came out and ripped.. now there is a big scare there.. and My dad told me i could have it done for my b-day.. Soo Will a Professional re-peirce it every though I have a scare there?

Answer by Jenn
Submitted on 5/12/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
I was wandering how long you have to wait after you get your belly button pierced before you can swim? If someone could answer me that would be great! Thanks

Answer by * x * ChLoE * x *
Submitted on 5/14/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Hi, i just wanted to know, if you take your piercing out how quickly does the hole close up? Thanks * x * ChLoE * x *

Answer by Tiffi
Submitted on 5/15/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
hey! i wanted to know how long does it take before my belly ring hole will close up and how long i have to wait till i get i done again?

Answer by Christine
Submitted on 5/16/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Okay, so I got my belly button pierced about 6 months ago by a professional. I went back to Pincusion (the place I got it done at) last night to buy one of those barbell ones that hang down. Today I tried to take out the one that I've had in for 6 months but I don't know how to take it out because it is a ring and not a barbell..can someone tell me how to take it out? Thanks! <3 Christine

Answer by stormi
Submitted on 5/21/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
hi my name is stormi and i pierced my belly button by my self many times and it just keeps gitting infected and its on the top on my belly button and i have my button part done to and thats healed allready and i have had the top one done for about umm .....lets say 3 month's cant remember but it's has this big soar purple bump on it and im trying to do everything i can do but nothing is working and i dont wana take it out can somebody help me

Answer by CC
Submitted on 5/30/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
I got my belly button pierced about a week ago. is it supposed to be white around it?

Answer by ashley
Submitted on 6/3/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Hi my name is ashley and i am scared to get my belly pierced.people tell me it just like your ears.

Answer by lulu
Submitted on 6/7/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
ya....when can u go swimming...how long do u have to wait after u get your belly button pierced

Answer by lulu
Submitted on 6/8/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
does hurt a lot.....is like getting ure ears pierced?......

Answer by sarah
Submitted on 6/22/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Well Jenn, you have to wait at least 2 weeks before swimming once you first get your belly pierced.

Answer by marie
Submitted on 6/27/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Does the piercing hurt? Not really. Everybody has their own opinion. But for me, it was like pinching the area really hard using your nails. The needle is so sharp that all you may feel is pressure. Afterwards it may feel pretty tender though. You just want to make sure that you clean it at least three times a day and take vitamin c, a multivitamin and a zinc supplement to accelerate the healing process. My piercer told me not to take baths aor to swim for at least 30 days, or until it was healed pretty good. If you must swim, make sure you have a waterproof bandage covering it.

Answer by Girlie Girl
Submitted on 6/28/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Okay i got my belly button pierced about 10 days ago u do not have to wait to swim because chlorine is go for it.. so is salt water. But you do have to wait at least 2 weeks to swim in a river or lake. 2nd does it hurt like ur ears ummm it pinchs a lil more 3rd if u have a purple bump go to the doctor and s/he could give you some antibiotics or cream 4th please never do it urself yes it could turn out good but then again it could turn at horribly wrong would u rather wait a couple yrs. or go to the hospital for a couple months ...come on

Answer by Britnee
Submitted on 6/29/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
How long do u have to wait 2 change ur ring? i got my belly button pierced about 2 to 3 weeks ago and my friends say they only waited 3 weeks to put a barbell in.. is that ok? or should i wait a bit longer..?

Answer by Danielle123456789
Submitted on 6/30/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Hey, I do alot of dancing and I have a concert coming up in 2 months. i REALLY wanna get my belly button pierced on saturday but im not allowed to wear a ring for my concert...can i take it out by september?? Plz help. Danielle

Answer by Psychicchic
Submitted on 6/30/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I don't have an answer i have a question how long do you have to wait to take it out and how long till you can swim and can you take a bath with it in the first few days because i really really want to get it done but i need to know so i can be prepared also for people with a low tolerance for pain does it hurt? thanks for your help ~Jordan if you would please email me your reply at crochunternc@hotmail.com thanks

Answer by Jess
Submitted on 7/2/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Hi! I think the answers to how long before you can go swimming are wrong. It actually takes AT LEAST 2 months! So carefull when it comes to swimming, especially rivers, beaches, or public pools. Take care and good luck, I know how you feel I just got mine done and I can't wait to go swimming :)

Answer by nicole
Submitted on 7/3/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
i really want to get my belly button peirced but im scared that it will get infected... if i clean it 3 times a day and stuff then it def. wont gte infected rite?? and does it hurt a lot afterwoods?

Answer by lindsay
Submitted on 7/5/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
????? When you get your belly button pierced, can they pierce it with a barbell, and how long is the area around your belly button tender for? Thanks to all who answer!

Answer by Mitzi
Submitted on 7/6/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey, I was wondering that is there a certain age to get your belly button pierced? even if you have a parent signature? cuz some peeps say that you need to be like older than 12 or somethin like dat. Mitzi

Answer by Lisa
Submitted on 7/8/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Hi, i am hoping to get my belly peirced but I was wondering, if i dont like it, can i easily just take it out and let the hole heal over?

Answer by rachel
Submitted on 7/8/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
hi i went to av my belly button ierced last year but i chickened out now i want it done again but my friends say that i avnt got enough skin but i think i av but im skinny does it really matter p.s and i got an outty belly button doe that matter luv ya rach

Answer by Tiff
Submitted on 7/12/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Hey, I just got my navel pierced 3 days ago with a barbell and it sticks out at the top. Is it "rejecting" it or is my barbell too big? What should I do with it? Please help me....

Answer by BellyPiercing1
Submitted on 7/13/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
one more thing! 1.You have to be 18 to get it pierced or parent or legal guardian with you and some crappy papers. 2. I have mine pierced with a barbell, no problems. ITs still a little tender but I can work out! JUST LEAVE IT ALONE, CLEAN IT AND TREAT IT LIKE A PET! IT NEEDS TO ADJUST TO YOUR BODY SO DONT TOUCH IT OR EVEN MOVE IT UP TO LOOK AT IT! LEAVE IT ALONE AND DONT TAKE IT OUT AT ALL FOR AT LEAST A MONTH

Answer by nathalia
Submitted on 7/18/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
do you have to slide it to clean it?

Answer by nicki
Submitted on 7/21/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
i got my percing like 2 weeks ago... it didn't hurt at all!!! all it was was pressure. so don't worrie guys!! the dude that did my piercing said to wait 3 months to change it... thats when its healed. and for swimming... don't go swimming for at least 4 to 5 months.. too much bacteria in it.. or... if you want.. get water proof bandades... that helps... and also... there is always a chance for it to get infected... thats the # 1 things that gets most infected... mine is now too... just keep cleaning.. and youll be fine... iight... well.. good luck to you all... later

Answer by ashley
Submitted on 8/2/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
i've had my belly button pierced for 3 years but have never had to take it out for a long period of time.. i'm having surgery tomorrow though and i am gonna have to have the barbell out for most of the day. the hole isn't gonna close up in that time is it?? please help i'm in a hurry to know!!!!

Answer by Disenda
Submitted on 8/9/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
You can use dial soap to clean you piercing. The h2o you just spray it on the piercing and move it up and down once. Make sure your hands are clean though.

Answer by Paxbigfan10
Submitted on 8/16/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hey i just got my belly button peirced like a week and a half ago. anyways i went swimming the second day that i had it. It was in a privet pool and it was clean and evey thing. But now it is red and somethimes i have this stuff that is white and has a green tint to it coming out of it. i clean it every day . ijust dont know what to do or i dont even know if it is really infected or not