The belly button piercing is one of the most popular piercings of all – and one of those that demand the most patience. Here is the whole guide: what it costs, how long it takes to heal, which size to choose, and what to do when you become pregnant or want to switch to jewellery that is prettier than what you got at the studio.
What is a belly button piercing?
A classic belly button piercing sits in the fold of skin above the navel, and the jewellery – a curved bar called a banana bar – follows the natural shape of the navel with a ball or a stone at each end. The inverse belly button piercing sits in the fold below the navel, and some combine both into a double belly button piercing.
How much does a belly button piercing cost?
At a professional piercing studio, the price depends on the studio and the country – it usually includes a standard piece of jewellery in basic quality. Do not expect to save on the piercing itself – an experienced studio with good hygiene routines is the most important choice you make in the whole process.
On the other hand, you do not have to pay studio prices once the piercing has healed and you want to switch to something prettier: at BY CARA you will find belly button piercing jewellery from simple stones to designs with pendants.
Does a belly button piercing hurt?
Most people feel a short, sharp sting that is over in a couple of seconds – the skin above the navel is soft tissue, so it is considered one of the milder piercings. The area may be tender and slightly swollen for the first week or so.
Healing time: Patience pays off
The belly button piercing is one of the slowest piercings to heal: expect 6-12 months. The area moves every time you bend, and clothing rubs against the jewellery – that is why it takes time. Here is how to help the healing along:
- Clean with saline solution 1-2 times a day for the first few months – and otherwise leave the piercing alone.
- Avoid tight clothing over the navel – high waists, tight trousers and bodysuits are the classic culprits.
- Hold off on water parks, seawater and sunbeds for the first few months.
- Do not change the jewellery too early – it is the most common cause of irritation and scarring.
If the piercing becomes red, warm and tender long afterwards, it may be irritated or infected – clean with saline and see a doctor if in doubt.
Size guide: 6, 8, 10 or 12 mm?
Belly button piercings have a standard thickness of 1.6 mm (14G) – thicker than most ear piercings. What varies is the length of the bar:
| Bar length | Typically suits |
|---|---|
| 6 mm (short bar) | A flat navel or a healed piercing where the jewellery should sit close |
| 8 mm | The most common length for healed piercings |
| 10 mm | The standard length you are usually pierced with – leaves room for swelling |
| 12 mm+ (long bar) | Deeper navels – and pregnancy, when the belly grows |
If in doubt, measure the bar length of the jewellery that sits comfortably today – or start with 8 mm, which suits most healed belly button piercings.
Titanium, gold or surgical steel?
Material matters more in the navel than in most other places, because the jewellery is in constant contact with skin and clothing. Most of our belly button piercings are made of implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136) – the same material professional piercers use. It is nickel-free, hypoallergenic and waterproof. If you want the gold look, 18K gold-plated titanium is the durable way to get it – and for sensitive navels, pure titanium is the safe choice.
Belly button piercing and pregnancy
Your belly button piercing can usually stay in well into pregnancy. When the belly grows and the jewellery starts to feel tight, you have two options: switch to a long, flexible pregnancy bar (soft plastic/PTFE that moves with the skin), or take the jewellery out – a fully healed hole rarely closes completely in those months. Listen to your body: if it feels tight, change the jewellery or take it out before the skin becomes irritated.
Scars after a belly button piercing – can they be avoided?
Small scars or marks after a belly button piercing are common, especially if the piercing has been irritated along the way. The best thing you can do is preventive: give the healing the time it needs, avoid changing jewellery too early, and wear jewellery in skin-friendly material such as titanium. If you have got a small scar, it typically fades on its own over months to years.
Fake belly button piercing? If you want the look without the hole, there are clip-on navel pieces that clamp onto the fold of skin. A nice solution for a single evening – but for everyday wear, a real piercing is more comfortable and safer to keep in.
How to change your belly button jewellery
Wait until the piercing has fully healed – at least 6 months, preferably longer. Wash your hands, unscrew the top ball from the bar, gently pull the jewellery out from below, and insert the new one the same way. If it is being difficult, use a mirror and good lighting – and never leave the hole empty longer than necessary, as it can start to tighten.
Questions and answers about belly button piercings
How much does a belly button piercing cost?
The price at a professional piercing studio depends on the studio and the country – usually including standard jewellery. Jewellery for changing after healing is available from BY CARA.
How long does a belly button piercing take to heal?
Expect 6-12 months. The navel moves and is exposed to friction from clothing, so it heals more slowly than most other piercings. Clean with saline, avoid tight clothing and only change the jewellery once the piercing has fully healed.
Which size belly button piercing should I choose?
The standard thickness is 1.6 mm (14G). The bar length is typically 10 mm for new piercings, while 8 mm suits most healed navels. Choose 6 mm for a flat navel and 12 mm or longer for deeper navels and during pregnancy.
How old do you have to be to get a belly button piercing?
As a rule you need to be 18; many studios will only pierce younger customers with parental consent. The rules vary from studio to studio, so always check with the studio you want to use.
Can I keep my belly button piercing when I am pregnant?
Yes, usually well into pregnancy. When the jewellery starts to feel tight, you can switch to a long, flexible pregnancy bar in soft plastic or take the jewellery out – a fully healed hole rarely closes completely during pregnancy.
When can I change to new belly button jewellery?
Only once the piercing has fully healed – at least 6 months after piercing, and preferably with the green light from your piercer. Switch to titanium or another skin-friendly material, and choose the right bar length so the jewellery neither pinches nor hangs.
This guide is for general guidance. If your piercing is infected or you are unsure about the healing, contact your piercing studio or your doctor.
