I got my navel pierced on Wednesday April 7 at Mystical Ink in Albert Lea, Minnesota. I got this because I decided the day before I got it done that it's been two months since I last got poked and I wanted a new piercing. I wanted something more hidden because the job I might get soon has a rule where you can only have one or two facial piercings. I couldn't get my nipple or anything below the pants because I am only 16. SO I asked my mom Tuesday, she said no. Then like my other professionally pierced piercings, the day after she asked me to call and see how much it costs. She surprised me even more by saying that she'll pay for it for my Easter present.
At A Glance Author Trish Contact fuked_up_world@hotmail.com When A month ago Artist James Studio Mystical Ink Location Albert Lea, Minnesota When I got there I told the piercer that I would like a 10 or 8 gauge navel piercing. We settled for 10 gauge because he doesn't have much for 8 gauge jewelry. I wanted a bigger gauge because (almost) EVERYONE has a 14 gauge navel piercing. They just seem so common. After having ten piercings I decided that 14 gauge is a bit small. It ended up costing $30. My mom had to fill in the parental consent paper thing and I had to sign it.
Afterwards I went into the room where he pierces people at. He had me stand up to clean my navel and get the placement marked. He put the chair back and had me lay down with my hands under my head. He got the needle at the spot and told me he was going to pierce it now. He started to get it through and I said "ow" and swore a few times. Then we got to do the fun part, the jewelry! That wasn't very fun. It hurt worse than the piercing itself. So when he got the 10 gauge Captive Bead Ring in, he cleaned it up with some sea salt like stuff, I don't remember what it is called at the moment. To my surprise it barely bled a drop. I got aftercare instructions and I paid the money for the piercing, a new tongue barbell, and a $20 tip. All together it was $60.
WHAT PEOPLE SAID
My parents don't mind it. I'm happy I have cool parents like that. I think they don't mind any of my piercings because they have done so much bad things (drugs) in their lives, and they probably think that me having a bunch of holes through my body would be a LOT better than me going on drugs following in their footsteps. My boyfriend likes it and he thinks it is sexy; before I even thought about getting it pierced he told me I should get it done. I didn't get this piercing for him I would have done it even if he hated it. My friends, one cousin, and 4 year old niece basically said "OW, did that hurt?" If anyone wants to know, my answer was a hell yes. One of my other cousins said she wants hers done she just wouldn't be able to show it off because she doesn't wear belly exposing shirts. One of my sisters said something I said about a year ago, which was "Only sluts get their navels pierced", but people change their minds a lot. Other random people who has seen it sai d that "it's so thick", "Why did you get it done so thick?", it's "cool", one guy gave me a high-five because he likes my piercings. I'm happy it's a more hidden one because one side of my grandparents HATE my piercings.
THE NEXT DAY (April 8)
It hurts, especially when I bend down. I came to the conclusion that it's my second most painful piercing. I noticed its all red and has a slight bruise around the hole. I started cleaning it with Sea salt soaks (1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 8 ounces, or 1 cup, of warm water; mixing it up in a bowl then putting it in a shot glass over my navel for about five minutes) and they seem to be doing good so far. I take aspirin for the pain and it seems to be doing ok.
ONE WEEK LATER (April 14)
It doesn't hurt as bad anymore, and stopped taking aspirin a few days ago. Both holes are a bit red. So I guess it's so far-so good, I hope it'll stop hurting and the redness will go away soon.
TWO WEEKS LATER (April 21)
The redness and pain are nearly all gone. The top hole is a bit dry, so I'm debating either to use the "leave it the fuck alone method" or just clean it once every two or three days and then rinse it with water.
Other than that I love this piercing. I am happy I got it. It makes me feel better about my stomach area of my body, even though I am not fat (if anything I am too skinny), like now I have something to show off if I really wanted to. If I ever feel like wearing smaller clothes I will wear them in pride.
I can't wait until this thing heals so I can get a barbell in there. Good thing they take a long time to heal because I am low on money. If anyone here is reading this and is thinking about a larger gauge navel piercing, go for it! Don't be afraid of the pain.
If anyone is in southern Minnesota/northern Iowa: Mystical Ink in Albert Lea Minnesota is awesome. It is clean, sterile and the people are nice, I recommend it. I've been there for four (Septum, Industrial (If you count that as two) and now Navel) out of my ten piercings, and some of my ear lobe and tongue stretchings.
If anyone reading this has any questions feel free to E-mail me, I am usually online and would be happy to help.