Belly button piercings have surged in popularity over the last few years. Whether you are a celebrity, a college student, or simply someone who has always wanted one, the belly button is a beautiful spot to decorate. Still, one question stops most people before they book the appointment: how bad is the belly button piercing pain?
The excitement of picking out new jewelry often comes bundled with a little worry about the needle. Let us walk through exactly how much a navel piercing hurts, why it hurts, and how to make the whole experience as comfortable as possible.
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Does a belly button piercing hurt?
You will definitely feel the needle, but pain is subjective. Everyone has their own tolerance level.
Some people will tell you it barely stings at all, while others will swear the pain was intense. There is a good chance you will be one of the lucky ones who hardly notices it.
What pain level should you expect from a navel piercing?
Even if you tolerate pain poorly, you should not be too scared. Belly button piercing pain is not that high on the scale.
The sensation is often compared to a bee sting or a vaccination shot: a sharp pinch that is over quickly. Expect some tenderness in the days that follow, but nothing overwhelming.
How is a belly button piercing done?
Your piercer will start by prepping your navel, cleaning it thoroughly with a disinfectant.
Always choose a piercer who uses a sterile needle rather than a piercing gun. Guns cannot be fully sterilized and cause more trauma to the tissue.
- Do not panic when you see the size of the needle.
- Look away and think about something else. The piercing itself takes only a few seconds, so the pinch does not last long.
You will go home with a set of aftercare instructions that you need to follow closely to avoid any complications.
How long will the pain last?
While the pain at the piercer's chair lasts only a few seconds, the tenderness afterward sticks around a little longer.
That soreness can last anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on your pain tolerance and how carefully you follow the aftercare steps below.
If you do not take good care of your piercing and an infection sets in, you risk adding extra pain on top of the normal healing. A rejection is also possible, and that can cause its own kind of discomfort.
What factors influence the pain?
Many things can affect how much a belly button piercing hurts. Let us look at some of the most common ones.
Sleep
A good night's sleep can help you feel more resilient toward any pain you feel. On top of that, getting enough rest supports faster healing of your navel piercing.
Being in good health
Your overall physical condition can influence both your pain level and how quickly you heal. If you have health conditions such as diabetes, your healing rate may be slower.
The type of piercing
Some piercing styles hurt more than others. It can be more painful if the needle passes through scar tissue.
Alcohol and drugs
You should absolutely avoid drugs and alcohol while you heal. Both can slow your recovery and leave you with lasting pain.
Numbing cream
Numbing creams are an effective way to reduce belly button piercing pain during the procedure. That said, you should not use them during the healing period.
Gun or needle
Your piercer absolutely must use a needle for your piercing. It is more hygienic and less painful throughout the healing phase.
Double piercing
A double belly button piercing will likely hurt more than a single one. Think it over before committing to two at once.
Curious about the look? Read our full guide on the double belly button piercing before you decide.
The piercer
Some piercers have a gentler touch than others. If you have friends who have had their navel pierced, ask them where they went and what they thought of their piercer.
The piercer's experience
Look for an experienced piercer. It might cost a little more, but you get the reassurance of working with a true professional.
Your pain tolerance
If you handle pain well, a belly button piercing should be a breeze. If you do not, relax and everything will be fine.
Ways to ease the pain
Whether you are a pain-tolerance champion or you start to panic at the first sight of a needle, here are a few tricks to keep your mind off the pain:
Music
Music helps us get through life's hardest moments, whether the struggle is emotional or physical. Bring an upbeat playlist that pumps you up.
Bring a friend
Nobody enjoys facing tough moments alone. Ask your piercer if you can bring a friend along for support.
Think positive
The power of positive thinking is a useful tool for facing difficult situations. If you convince yourself that something is no big deal, that mindset helps you get through it.
Be well rested (and sober)
A good night's sleep will help you feel ready to take on anything. Staying away from drugs and alcohol will help you make the right decisions for your piercing.
Have a light meal
Before getting your navel pierced, eat a light snack. It helps raise your blood sugar and makes you feel less lightheaded.
Get comfortable
Do not wear tight clothing. You may feel fine at first, but you will regret it later. Clothes that rub against your piercing can be painful.
During the piercing, be sure to take slow, deep breaths. It will help you move through the sharp sensation.
Clean gently
Cleaning your belly button piercing can be very tender during the first few days. Be as gentle as possible while keeping an eye on your pain levels throughout the healing process.
Conclusion
Although getting your navel pierced is painful for most people, it is nothing compared to the other pains you will face in life. By managing your fear, you will feel much better during the healing phase.
Yes, a belly button piercing hurts, but remember that the pain is temporary. Your piercing, on the other hand, will look amazing and last for years to come.
