A. Yes, getting a navel piercing does hurt. In fact, most piercings involve some degree of pain. Pain levels will vary between people, and are influenced by several factors.
The factors influencing pain perception may include and are not limited to: ability of the piercer; preconcieved notions of pain from other's experiences; tension and fear; excitability level; incorrect information from others who have been pierced (adding to fear levels).
Obtaining a navel piercing from a competent piercer should be performed in a timely fashion. Most piercee's report experiencing less pain when they know the procedure. Fear of the unknown seems to increase fear levels and impart a tension which intensifies pain perception. Piercing competence and a fully informed piercing candidate makes for a positive experience. Navel piercings typically only hurt as long as it takes to pierce. Once pierced, the "ouch" factor subsides. Most report no further pain once the needle has passed through and the jewelry has been inserted.
Q: When can I change my navel jewelry?
A: Navel Jewelry can be safely changed once the piercing has healed. Healing time can range between 6 months and one year. If you require changing prior to healing - have a competent piercer do this for you.
Q: What does a healed piercing look like and what will help my piercing heal?
A: A healed navel piercing has no redness, flaking or discharge. The healed piercing openings tend to "round" inwards as opposed to having flat, raw edges.
Factors influencing healing time vary. Good health is the cornerstone for faster healing times. Allergies to certain metals may also impact healing rate. Attention to proper aftercare will also impact healing.
Stick to your piercer's advice and contact them if you have difficulties or questions. Avoid relying on well meaning friends and/or several sources. Too many types of intervention can be detrimental to healing time.
Clothing may also play a part in healing time. High-waisted pants as well as panty hose can create friction on a navel piercing and interfere with healing. Low-rise pants and rolling down waistbands on hosiery may help reduce friction.
Q: What kind of aftercare do you recommend?
A: Piercing Scream recommends a daily cleaning with either Dial liquid antibacterial soap or cleaner specifically designed for new piercings.
Navel piercings do well when soaked with a sea-salt solution. We recommend 1/4 tsp. of sea salt:one cup of warm water. Once the salt has dissolved, pour some of the solution into a shot or small juice glass. Form a seal by pressing the mouth of the glass over the navel, covering your new piercing. Lean back and soak the navel for approximately five minutes, twice daily.
Some people find the salt a bit to drying after a week. On average, a week or two of regualar sea salt soaks should be sufficient to jump start healing.
Client often prefer H2Ocean sea salt spray in place of the sea-salt solution made at home. The saline spray is sterile through each use and is small enough to take with you.
There are anecdotal reports of zinc tablets taken by mouth as being helpful in speeding up healing time. Check with your physician before introducing supplements to your diet.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, Hibacleanse, Bactine, iodine or Neosporin on your navel piercing. The first three cleansers can be very drying to the skin. Most are not intended for deep punctures to human tissue in general. (A navel piercing is a deep puncture.) Neosporin contains petroleum which can occlude (clog) the piercing, preventing needed oxygen flow to tissue for healing.
