I had been wanting to get my navel pierced for about a year before my friends and I seriously decided that we only live once and we should just go ahead and get it over with! Being 21, I finally feel as if it is my body and my decision and I wasn't really worried about what anyone, including my parents, would say about it. I wanted to get one for myself, and that was a big factor in my decision to just do it!
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Nina Studio Beyond Taboo Location Macon, GA Like most people, my biggest concern was the pain! I am a total chicken and I had read tons of experiences on BME...some reassuring, and some less-reassuring. Mind you, I had my mom go with me and hold my hand for college immunizations, so I certainly never thought I could go through with a navel piercing! Also, I had heard all sorts of horror stories about migrating piercings, rejected piercings, and piercings that were performed incorrectly and had to be re-pierced. I almost scared myself out of getting it done, but there was enough positive evidence to convince me that anything could happen and that I should just go for it and see what happened.
My friends and I had checked out "Beyond Taboo" here in Macon and several of my friends had their tongues pierced there, all with flawless experiences. The place was super-clean and the staff were so friendly and willing the answer all 1,001 questions that we had. My piercer, Nina, was so down-to-earth that she immediately put me at ease when it came my turn to go in. I told her upfront that I was a complete chicken and that I might just die if it hurt. She joked with me and explained everything so well that I just lay back and let her get on with her job. I had a Band-Aid right below my navel and when she took it off to clean the area, it left one of those grayish bandaid "ghosts" and she teased me about that, which made things even easier! I found that it was tons easier to relax with someone who was humorous and easy to talk to. Nina seemed more like an old friend than a cold, sterile needle-wielder, and that went a long way to making my experience such a positive one. My friends were allowed to come back and watch and of course, they kept making funny remarks to help keep me from getting all scared and freaking out.
So it comes time to get the actual piercing! She cleaned my navel (and told me I had pink lint in my belly button!). The she marked me and had me look at the dot in the mirror to see if I liked the placement. It looked very centered and I was totally fine with them. Then she cleaned my navel with some cool swabby stuff and got out the clamps; I barely felt them! Then she told me to take a deep breath and in went the needle! I won't lie, I felt a quick intense burn and I tightened up. Just as quickly as the burn has struck, it passed and she said "There, you're pierced!". I barely felt more than a mere tug and she inserted the ring and then I was finished! I had worried myself sick for nothing! I remained in the chair for a few minutes until I felt less dizzy and she explained everything to me about aftercare and what products I would need to care for my new adornment. I asked a few questions of my own and then I stood to admire my new navel in the mirror...it looks great! I have a basic silver CBR so it'll go with everything!
I would go back to "Beyond Taboo" in a heartbeat and I don't regret getting my navel pierced at all. While pain tolerance varies for everyone, I consider myself to have low tolerance and this was not a big deal at all. Easier said than done, but it's true. Nina did a fantastic job and I would completely trust myself in her hands if I ever decided to get another piercing. If you are considering getting your navel pierced, I would definitely recommend that you research the procedure and pick a place you are comfortable with first! If a particular studio gives you a bad vibe or the staff is unfriendly and treats you like walking money, then walk out the door. Find a place where the staff will take care of you and your experience will be that much better. At "Beyond Taboo", they give you the studio number to call if you have questions or concerns and they encourage you to come by if you're having problems or need jewelry changed, etc. After you know what you want, go for it! I'm glad I did!