I can't really remember when I first saw someone with their navel pierced but when I did, I really wanted it done. Having the average parents that I have, they obviously said no. I begged and begged. At one point, my dad said I could then mom said no. It was really weird. I actually begged my mom for 2 years! I was so sick of begging.
At A Glance Author Jessica When A month ago Artist Not sure. Studio Magic Needles Location Alabama One day, I got tired of it so I sent my mom an e-mail about navel piercing. It was just some basic research and she sent me an e-mail saying she'd think about it. The next day she woke me up and said "So do you want to go ahead and do it today?" I was so excited! I got ready and we were out.
We called around and asked questions about the whole process. It was very important to do your research on the tatoo parlors. My mom finally decided that Magic Needles, a well known tatoo parlor, would be best. We got there and asked some questions. I cheer so I was a little afraid it would mess up my tumbling. The girl at the counter said that she used to cheer and it would be fine. I was so excited to hear that. We had to sign some papers and everything. I wanted a curved barbell but they said that they had to pierced with a CBR (round hoop with a bead). I thought that would be fine. They made you get pierced with the CBR so you could turn it during the healing process. It was finally time to go back.
By the time I got back to the piercing room, I was so nervous. My mom actually came back with me. The lady that pierced my navel seemed very experienced and knew exactly what she was doing. So here's what happened. Once I was back, she made me tuck my shirt into my bra so it wouldn't get in the way. She cleaned my navel with a cleansing wipe and marked my stomach with a simple marker. It was now time to lay down. They chair almost looked like a dentist chair. I wanted to really back down then. She put the clamp on, and out of all honesty, that hurt more than the whole needle! She went over some breathing tips and she counted to three...1...2...and in went the needle. It was simple and didn't hurt too bad! If you have your cartilage done, the cartilage actually hurt worse than the navel piercing! She put in the CBR and put the bead on. I looked in the mirror for so long. I couldn't believe it was done! Little Jessica actually had her navel pierced.
My mom asked, "Do you like it?"
I immediately yelled, "Yes! Thanks!"
On the way out, we bought some aftercare spray called H2Ocean. It was basically purified salt water. The spray has helped tremendously. It was quite expensive but I know it'll help my healing process.
Also, the girl at the counter was right about cheering! If you're a cheerleader and you are hesitant about getting it done, don't worry! You can't even feel it when you tumble.
I do have some tips though. Always clean your navel very well. It's the most prone spot for bacteria and germs. Use dial antibacterial soap (scent free). Wipe off any crusties with a cotton ball. If you do salt soaks, take a paper cup and fill it with hot water (as hot as you can get) and put in a pinch of salt soak. Stick the cup over your stomach to make a suction. Hold it there for 5 minutes or longer. It truly helps! If I were you, I wouldn't get it done in the summer. I had no choice really because of cheerleading. They said that you cannot swim in a pool for 6 months but the ocean is okay. The salt water actually helped my navel piercing. If you go to the beach, don't get sand in it. Clean it as soon as you can. One more tip, do NOT tan without covering up your navel piercing. It hasn't happened to me but it will burn. OUCH! Very uncomfortable and quite painful!
I am so happy that I got it done. It's like a trophy. I still like to show people my newly pierced navel. I'm hoping that the healing process will go by fast because I bought a cute new navel ring. If you want it done, do it! You just need to make sure that you do it for yourself and no one else. It's the cutest way to decorate your stomach. It's well worth the nervousness. I have no regrets and you won't either. I think it's the most exciting thing that I've done it a while. Trust me though, this is it for piercing! Good luck to anyone who gets it done. You'll love it!