High nostril piercings, like those up nearer to the top of your nose, may hurt less but can take longer to heal. The pain during recovery might be worse than that of a septum piercing. Dermal piercing pain

And like any good Britney- and Xtina-loving tween, I was desperate for a belly button ring. You know the kind: that big silver bar adorned with translucent balls on either end (I would have chosen blue). Predictably, I was laughed out of the room when I casually brought up the topic of a belly-button piercing to my parents. ("Keep dreamin', sweetie" were the exact words.) So for the entirety of 2003, I forlornly walked past the windows of my local Limited Too, watching all the cool girls showing off their newly bejeweled navels, silently cursing my mother for dashing all of my dreams. Redness - The area around the piercing might look more red than usual. This can be a sign of inflammation and potential infection Implant-Grade Bioflex or Bioplast: These are flexible materials that can reduce irritation and are particularly useful during the initial healing period. Does getting a belly button piercing hurt? Even in scenarios where the piercing studio maintains the highest standards of hygiene, the risk isn't entirely eliminated. The reason? Our daily environment is filled with microorganisms, and the piercing, until it's fully healed, is a vulnerable spot.The presence of discharge in a newly pierced belly button isn't always cause for alarm. In the early stages, a clear or straw-colored liquid, known as lymph fluid, might ooze from the piercing. This fluid aids in the healing process. Niobium: Similar to titanium, niobium is also hypoallergenic and lightweight. It's a good alternative for those with metal sensitivities. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/oral_health/FactSheets/Consumer/DPH-Fact-Sheet-Consumer__Oral-Piercings.pdf?la=en It might sound counterintuitive, but there's such a thing as over cleaning. While maintaining cleanliness is vital, washing your piercing too frequently can strip the area of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Twice a day is generally sufficient. Don't: Rotate or Twist the Jewelry

Opt for a saline solution, which is both mild and effective. Soak a cotton ball or a piece of gauze in the solution and gently dab it on the pierced area twice a day. This ensures that any external irritants like debris or dried lymph fluid are effectively cleared away without causing undue stress to the skin. Do: Wear Piercing-Friendly ClothingEngage with us in this deep dive into the world of belly button piercing to understand its journey from a simple puncture to a beautiful accessory. Whether you're a piercing enthusiast or someone contemplating their first-ever navel jewel, this guide is curated just for you. A Brief History of Belly Button Piercing Discharge: It’s completely normal for your piercing to leak some off-white fluid for the first few days. This is your body’s natural reaction to a purposeful wound and is meant to protect the area. If the discharge keeps happening, however, or the color changes to a murkier yellowish hue, that’s a sign that something could be wrong with your new piercing.

This article was co-authored by Indy Chabra, MD, PhD. Dr. Indy Chabra is a Board Certified Dermatologist and a Board Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgeon. He is the Founding Member of DMC Dermatology & Mohs based in Tucson, Arizona. With over 15 years of experience, he provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care for adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Chabra earned a BS in Chemistry and Biological Sciences and an AB in Economics from Stanford University. He also received his MD and PhD in Microbiology and Genetics from Stony Brook University. He completed his Dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh. While at UPMC, Dr. Chabra received extensive training in complex Medical Dermatology, hair and nail conditions, Pediatric Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery. Dr. Chabra is a Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Chabra also provides in-patient Dermatology consults at Tucson Medical Center. Getting a belly button piercing is exciting, but always prioritize safety. It's not just about choosing a reputable piercer but also about knowing what to expect during the process. Always ensure the tools are sterilized and that the environment is clean.

Pain and healing time?

It was a privilege reserved for the Pharaoh and his close circle. For them, the navel was more than just a part of the body. It represented a connection to life, birth, and the universe.