I've always wanted to have my navel pierced but I've been too afraid of the pain or my parents have continually said "No", everytime I asked them. But it's only just recently that I've been very close to getting it done, and I was influenced by all my friends who have also recently had it done. I then decided to ask my parents for the final time.
At A Glance Author Haribo Contact ellisharriet@hotmail.com When It just happened Artist George Studio Living Colour Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio Location Clevedon, North Somerset, England. They both originally said "No", but eventually they were willing for me to proceed. My mum was very reluctant and unhappy about the thought but my dad finally understood that I was able to decide for myself. They did keep giving me the usual lectures -"If you were meant to have holes in your body, then you would've been born with them"etc but I gave them the sweet talk and assured them that I wouldn't let it get infected and I would vigilantly look after it.I started to research information about navel piercing and the advantages/disadvantages on various websites (BME was recommended to me by a friend). The advantages outweighed the disadvantages.
Anyway to cut a long story short, I had chosen to go to Living Colour because my best friend, Laura, had got hers done there and it had an excellent reference apparantly. I had three days to wait and then I would actually have my belly button pierced!! These three days were a living hell for me. I was un-describably nervous and I even had diarrhoea because I was sooooooo nervous. But the day finally came! I got up early (8:00 am)and had a shower.
My mum went off to work and this made me even more nervous because I knew and sensed that my Mum didn't really want me to go ahead with this and deep down, I kind of felt a bit guilty;But I knew that if I didn't do this, then I never would. My dad drove me to the studio, along with my younger sister and Laura (for moral support). My dad dropped us off outside the shop while he found a car park and Laura and I walked in. It was a large white room, full of tattoo designs all over the walls. I went up to the counter where a large and slightly intimidating man stood. He had piercings and tattoos all over his body, likewise did George(the piercer) who came out of the back room to serve me. By this time I was sooooo nervous, I was even considering just backing out and walking out of the studio. But Laura encouraged me to stay and eventually me dad came in. He had to sign these consent forms because I was under 16, and I was given a sheet with all the after care information on it.
We were told to take a sit because someone else was being pierced at that moment. I suddenly started crying because I was extremely nervous and Laura put her arm around me, reassuring me that everything is going to be fine. I was thankful for this because she made me feel alot better. I then said to my dad, "Do you think I should have it done or shall we just go home now". My dad said "it's up to you but we're here now so you might aswell get it over with". I agreed with that so we proceeded to wait. Then the woman who had gone in before me, exited and I knew that I would be next. Then that moment finally came. George called me in and by this time I was shaking. The other man behind the counter warned him that I was very nervous . We walked into a small room which smelt like the dentist's room. There was a black lesther chair central of the room and all the sterile equipment on the side units. George, who was also a big man with loads of intimidatin tattoos and piercings, wa s American and he had been doing this type of work for about 20 years (with an award to go with it). This made me feel better, knowing that I was being pierced by a professional. He marked me with a pen on my nave; the entrance and exit holes where the needle would go in and come out. I then chose the colour of the stone I wanted on my 10mm Titanium CBR (I chose a clear, diamond effect).
I was told that Titanium is the best metal to start with because it has fewer impurities in it than gold or surgical steel and is not as likely to get infected. Then he told me to lie down on the bed and just relax. In this type of situation, I couldn't even begin to imagine how someone can relax while you're about to have a 3-4 inch needle(and about 2 inches for the width!)go through my body!
Laura held my hand while my dad stood over me, and my sister sat on a chair in the corner of the room. I could feel my heart racing now, as he told me that the procedure will be quick and painless. I asked him if he was going to put some anti-freeze anaesthetic spray on my navel, but he said he doesn't do that because the wound takes longer to heal and it damages the skin around it. I was worried because I imagined it was going to really hurt without any on. I looked up at the ceiling and tried not to concerntrate on it. Without any warning he shoved the needle through (even without clamps-he didn't need to use them because he was such a professional)! My automatic reaction caused my to say "Shit!" but it was the initial shock that did it. There was a sharp pinch (like having an injection but around your navel which is tender anyway). This lasted for approx 3 seconds. Then he put the CBR in which I didn't even feel. I was so relieved to hear the words "All done" by Laura, my dad and George. I looked in the mirror and it looked really good.
I can truthfully asure you that the pain wasn't as bad as I imagined it to be and it did hurt slightly for about 3 secs but it's definitely worth it. If you're considering to have it done, then don't hesitate. I don't think you should have it done if you feel guilty alot of the time because it does make you think sometimes that you've ruined or damaged your body. But I'm so glad I've had mine done and for a couple of seconds slight and bearable pain, you've got something that will last forever if you look after it properly.
I was advised that the best way to clean it is to use Tea Tree oil. This is because it's a natural form of antiseptic which heals the wound quicker and doesn't contain peroxides which damage the skin and tissues around the wound.
Overall, go and have it done. If a baby like me can go through with it (someone that used to cry when I had my toenails cut!) then I'm sure you can. Don't forget, "No Pain, No Gain"!