Q&A for How to Care for a New Navel Piercing

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Question

How do you prepare for a belly button piercing?

Sasha Blue
Professional Body Piercer
Sasha Blue is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sasha has over 20 years of professional body piercing experience, starting with her apprenticeship in 1997. She is licensed with the County of San Francisco in California.

Sasha Blue

Professional Body Piercer

Expert Answer

Try not to overthink it! Just make sure you drink plenty of water and eat some food before your session.

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Question

Can I still take part in P.E. once I get a navel piercing?

Community Answer

Yes, but any movement can irritate the piercing, so just be cautious and don't overdo it.

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Question

Is it safe to take any medication while my bellybutton piercing is healing?

Community Answer

Yes, taking medication will not affect your belly button, however if you are taking blood thinners such as Warfarin, be cautious of any excessive bleeding.

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Question

Is it normal for a new piercing to be red?

Community Answer

Yes, the piercing will be red for around three to four days (or maybe longer) around the piercing. The redness should subside and if it looks abnormally red, then seek help.

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Question

I'm getting my piercing done but I'm going to a water park a well after, so I can't go in?

Community Answer

You shouldn't go in the water for six or more months after it's done. To cheat this, you can purchase a patch that covers your piercing and prevents the dirty water from getting into the hole and causing issues.

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Question

Can I go swimming in a lake six months after getting my navel pierced?

Community Answer

As long as the piercing is healed, you can swim anywhere.

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Question

What can I wear to avoid hurting the piercing if I want to wear tight clothes?

Community Answer

A crop top or a lose top with tight trousers. Just make sure you don't wear high waisted trousers.

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Question

Is it normal to have crust and slight discharge after first getting the piercing?

Community Answer

Yes, it's normal. As long as it doesn't hurt, it's probably fine. If you want to clean it up, just use a q-tip soaked in warm water and gently push on the piercing to dislodge the crust.

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Question

Can I sleep one night without my belly button piercing? I've had it for 1 3/4 years now.

Community Answer

Yes! After you've had it out for about a year, it's fully healed and you can take it out for a little while and there should be no problems. Don't forget to put it back in though, unless you never wish to wear it again.

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Question

Can I get my new navel piercing removed if I am not happy with it?

Community Answer

Yes. All you have to do is taking it out, and wait for the hole to close. You can also go to your piercer and have her remove it for you.

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Question

Will it hurt to get my navel pierced?

Community Answer

Yes, it will. But, as with ear piercings, the worst of the pain is quick and then the ache afterwards gets better with a little time.

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Question

Can you do exercise activities like seed walking after you get your navel pierced?

Community Answer

Yes, but wait about two weeks so that you don't irritate the area. If you do exercise before it is healed be very careful, and please make sure you wear a band aid/ patch over the piercing so it doesn't get infected.

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Question

Should I cover my new belly button piercing with a band aid days after it has been done?

Community Answer

No, because it will restrict air to it.

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Question

After I get my belly button pierced, how long do I have to wait before returning to the gym?

Community Answer

Navel piercings may appear healed in 4-6 weeks, but can take 3-6 months to be fully healed. During this time, you should still be able to go to the gym, but you should be careful about your activities and make sure nothing is stretching, pulling, or pushing on the piercing during your workout.

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Question

Can I continue with my work out if I have my belly pierced?

Community Answer

Your navel will be sore afterwards and for me, it did restrict me from working out like I usually do. It's different for everyone, but it feels sensitive for a while and you don't want to bump it for irritate it in any way while it's healing.

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Question

What can I use to clean the piercing?

Community Answer

Sea salt (non-iodized) and warm water is best. Saline solutions can also work.

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Question

How long till I can change it?

Community Answer

You're supposed to leave it in for about 6 months before you change it so it can heal and it doesn't go into rejection.

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Question

Can I work in a nursery with a pierced navel?

Community Answer

Yes. But you may want to wear loose clothes or cover it with a band-aid, so it doesn't catch on anything while you are working.

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Question

What kind of food should I avoid in the process of healing?

Community Answer

You don’t have to avoid any food; there are no foods that will interfere with the healing process.

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Question

What could cause the skin around the piercing to become black?

Community Answer

It's probably just bruising, especially if it was pierced with a needle. It's completely normal and it should fade within a week or two.

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Question

Is it ok if my naval jewelry is stuck and does not move easily?

Community Answer

If your jewelry does not move easily, it is probably because it has not been cleaned often enough. Take warm showers often and use saline solution to cleanse the site at least 3 times a day until the jewelry is no longer stuck. Watch for signs of infection and seek medical advice if you notice redness, pain, or oozing.

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Question

In the middle of my piercing it is bruised, what does this mean? I've had my piercing for two days.

Community Answer

It's normal, soak it in salt water and avoid touching it or wearing tight clothes. If it begins to turn red, then talk to a doctor.

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Question

Is it normal for my piercing to feel itchy a few days after getting it pierced?

Community Answer

Yes. Just like a bruise, it's your skin healing so it's actually a good thing. If there are other symptoms such as excessive redness and oozing, see your doctor.

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Question

Can a guy have a belly button piercing?

Community Answer

Yes, of course!

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Question

Can I swim with a fresh belly piercing?

Community Answer

It's not recommended, as swimming pools are filled with bacteria and other foreign bodies that are not good for new piercings--even with all the chlorine. If you must go swimming, however, be sure to clean the piercing before and after entering the pool. Understand, however, that you are putting yourself at risk of an infection.

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Question

Can I still mountain bike a couple days after getting the piercing?

Community Answer

Yes. Just wear a loose top and be cautious. Remember to clean it that day, still, and think about maybe putting a band-aid over it just to help protect it.

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Question

Can I go swimming in the sea within a week of getting the piercing?

Community Answer

No, there are many contaminants and irritants in sea water that will irritate your piercing and could lead to infection.

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Question

Is it normal for my piercing to be a little swollen at first?

Community Answer

Yes. Minor swelling is a normal part of the healing process. If it keeps swelling, there is redness, or it is painful after the first day or so, you may want to see a doctor for advice and treatment. Those symptoms can be a sign of infection.

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Question

Can I eat whatever I want after a piercing?

Community Answer

Yes. What you consume does not affect the piercing at all.

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Question

Can I do Irish dancing classes after getting my belly button pierced?

Community Answer

Yes. Make sure you wear loose clothing, and you will be fine.

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