Belly button piercings are a very cool and flashy way to express your style. People who have belly button piercings look shiny when they wear crop tops in the summers. But not every navel is meant to be pierced.
You might think anyone can get a belly button piercing, but that’s not true. There are certain types of belly buttons that can’t be pierced because of their shape, medical reasons, or past surgeries. In this blog, we will explain the basics of belly button piercing anatomy and why some navels may not be right for piercing.
Before we go any further, we need to understand which types of belly buttons can’t be pierced, let’s first at what makes a belly button piercing possible. You need a small navel flap of skin above or below the navel where the jewellery can go through safely. This flap helps the piercing heal properly.
A good belly button piercing structure includes three things: A clear fold of skin to hold the jewellery, enough skin tissue to prevent rejection and healthy skin without any infection. If your belly button has these three qualities, you are probably a good candidate for a belly button piercing.
Belly Button types That Can’t Be Pierced and why
Not every belly button is pierced. Let’s go over the types of belly buttons that can’t be pierced and why.
True outie belly buttons
A true outie sticks out and does not have a flap of skin that can be pierced. The tissue is often scar tissue from the umbilical cord, so this type of belly button piercing is not safe and possible.
Outies with umbilical hernias
Some outies are caused by hernia, where part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall. These types of piercings are very risky and can lead to serious health problems. Always check with a doctor first.
Flat or shallow belly buttons
Flat navels don’t have enough skin to hold the jewellery. These types of navels often result in piercing rejection.
Deep inward belly buttons
If your belly button is deep and folds inward without a skin flap, it is hard to pierce and difficult to keep clean. This type of Navel piercing anatomy can lead to infection, poor healing, and jewellery displacement.
Scared /loose skin
If you have scars from surgery, old piercings or loose skin (from pregnancy or weight loss), a belly button piercing might not be. The jewellery might sag, or the skin might not heal properly.
Other health issues to consider
Even if your belly button anatomy looks good for a piercing, certain health problems might make it a bad idea. If you have a history of keloid scarring, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and skin allergies, talk to a piercing professional first before getting a naval piercing. Some people with allergies can only wear special jewellery, like titanium or gold, to avoid problems.
Healing time and risks
A belly button piercing healing time can take 6 to 12 months. If your body heals slowly, the risk of complications is higher. Always talk to your piercer or doctor if you’re not sure.
Can you fix or change your belly button?
If your belly button is not right for a piercing, don’t worry, there are other options.
- Surgical options: If you have a hernia or lots of scarring, a surgery called umbilicoplasty might help. Once it’s healed, you may be able to get a piercing safely.
- Weight loss or skin tightening: If loose skin is the issue, losing weight or tightening the skin (through exercise or treatments) might help make your belly button better for a piercing.
Other piercing options
If your belly button is not suitable for a standard piercing, you can try these:
- Top or bottom belly piercing: If the upper part of your navel is not suitable, you might consider a bottom belly button piercing instead.
- Surface or Nearby Stomach Piercing: These trendy piercings are placed near the belly button; However, they need extra care and may not stay in place as well over time.
Questions to Ask Your Piercer
Getting a belly button piercing is more than just style, it’s also a medical choice. Here’s what to ask:
- Can my belly button be safely pierced?
- What’s the usual size for a belly button piercing?
- What thickness (gauge) is best for my piercing?
- How long will my navel piercing take to heal?
- How much does it cost to get a piercing at your shop?
A good piercer will examine your belly button, explain your options, and let you know if a piercing is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s a belly button piercing called?
It’s called a navel piercing, but people also refer to it as a belly button piercing, belly piercing, or even stomach piercing. - What thickness is a belly piercing?
Most belly piercings use a 14G (1.6mm) gauge, though some may use 16G depending on your body and the jewellery. - How much does it cost to get a belly button pierced?
The price depends on the shop and location, but in the US or UK, it’s usually $30 to $70, plus the cost of the jewellery. - What’s the usual size for a belly button piercing?
The barbell is typically 3/8 inch (10mm) long, but it can vary based on your body type and the shape of your navel. - How do I safely pierce my belly button?
Always go to a licensed professional piercer. Never try to pierce it yourself at home, it’s dangerous, unclean, and can lead to infections or permanent damage. - Can I get a piercing if I have an outie belly button?
If it’s a true outie or caused by a hernia, piercing is usually not safe. However, some people may be able to get a lower belly piercing or explore other options after consulting a professional.
Not everyone can or should get a belly button piercing. Outies, flat navels, or belly buttons with scars or underlying health issues usually can’t be pierced. Knowing your belly button’s shape helps you avoid problems like infections or regrets.
If you are not sure, talk to a professional piercer. They’ll check your navel and guide you. Even if a piercing is not right for you, there are other ways to show off your style.
