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Belly Button Piercings: Everything You Need to Know, According to Experts

  • Writer: Rita Thakur
    Rita Thakur
  • Dec 29, 2025
  • 3 min read

Belly button piercings—also known as navel piercings—are one of the most popular body piercings worldwide. However, experts agree they are also among the most commonly misunderstood and mishandled piercings, often due to incorrect jewellery choice, poor aftercare, or unsuitable anatomy.

At The Aeon Aesthetics, we prioritise professional assessment, implant-grade jewellery, and clinical hygiene standards to ensure belly button piercings heal safely and look their best long-term. This expert-led guide explains everything you need to know before getting a navel piercing.


What Is a Belly Button Piercing?

A belly button piercing is typically placed through the skin just above the navel rather than inside the belly button itself. According to professional piercing standards, not every navel shape is suitable for piercing, which is why an in-person anatomy assessment is essential before proceeding.

Expert guidance from professional piercing organisations highlights that improper placement is one of the main reasons for irritation, migration, and rejection.


Image of a belly piercing in West london, UK at The Aeon Aesthetics

Does a Belly Button Piercing Hurt?

Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but most clients describe belly button piercing pain as brief and moderate, lasting only a few seconds during the piercing itself. Any discomfort afterwards is usually mild and manageable with correct aftercare.


How Long Does a Belly Button Piercing Take to Heal?

Belly button piercings take longer to heal than many ear piercings due to movement, friction from clothing, and reduced airflow.

Typical healing timeline:

  • Initial healing: 6–8 weeks

  • Full healing: 6–12 months

Medical and dermatology sources note that healing may take longer if the piercing is irritated, exposed to bacteria, or fitted with unsuitable jewellery.


Best Jewellery Materials for Belly Button Piercings

Choosing the correct jewellery material is one of the most important factors in successful healing.


Implant-Grade Titanium (Expert-Recommended)

Implant-grade titanium is widely considered the safest option for new piercings.

Why experts recommend it:

  • Hypoallergenic and nickel-free

  • Lightweight and corrosion-resistant

  • Suitable for sensitive skin

  • Minimises inflammation and allergic reactions


Solid Gold (14k or Higher)

Solid gold can be suitable if it is:

  • Minimum 14k

  • Nickel-free

  • Not plated or filled

Gold-plated jewellery should always be avoided during healing.


Surgical Stainless Steel (With Caution)

While commonly used, surgical steel may contain trace nickel and is not ideal for clients with metal sensitivities. Many professionals recommend titanium as a safer first option.


Materials to Avoid

  • Sterling silver

  • Gold-plated jewellery

  • Brass or mixed alloys

  • Fashion or low-cost jewellery

These materials are frequently associated with irritation, delayed healing, and infection.


Professional Aftercare: What Experts Recommend

Correct aftercare is critical for preventing infection and rejection.


What to Do

  • Wash hands thoroughly before touching the piercing

  • Clean twice daily using sterile saline solution

  • Gently remove debris without twisting jewellery

  • Pat dry with clean, disposable tissue

  • Wear loose, breathable clothing around the waist


What to Avoid

  • Rotating or twisting jewellery

  • Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh antiseptics

  • Swimming in pools, hot tubs, or open water during early healing

  • Tight clothing that rubs against the piercing

Medical professionals caution that harsh disinfectants can damage healing tissue and delay recovery.


Signs of Infection vs Normal Healing

Some redness and tenderness are normal during early healing. However, expert medical sources highlight key warning signs that require attention.


Signs of Infection

  • Increasing pain or swelling

  • Yellow or green discharge

  • Heat around the piercing

  • Persistent redness or darkening of skin

  • Fever or feeling unwell

If these symptoms occur, medical advice should be sought promptly.


Piercing Rejection and Migration

Rejection occurs when the body pushes the jewellery outward. Warning signs include:

  • Jewellery appearing closer to the skin surface

  • Thinning skin between entry and exit points

  • Ongoing irritation or discomfort

Early professional intervention can help reduce scarring and further complications.


When Can You Change Belly Button Jewellery?

Experts recommend waiting until the piercing is fully healed before changing jewellery. For belly button piercings, the first jewellery change should ideally be performed by a professional piercer to avoid trauma and setbacks in healing.


Why Professional Piercing Standards Matter

Authoritative piercing and medical organisations consistently stress the importance of:

Professional female piercer doing a naval piercing at The Aeon Aesthetics, West London, UK

  • Sterile, single-use needles


  • Implant-grade jewellery


  • Proper hygiene protocols


  • Clear aftercare guidance




At The Aeon Aesthetics, every piercing is performed by trained professionals in a hygienic environment, with aftercare support available throughout the healing process.


Thinking About a Belly Button Piercing in Southall?

Whether you’re considering your first belly button piercing or need advice on an existing one, professional guidance makes all the difference.

Book a consultation at The Aeon Aesthetics to ensure your piercing is safe, suitable, and supported from start to finish.



Expert Sources & Medical References

This blog is informed by guidance from recognised medical and professional bodies:



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