I was devastated when I had to take my first navel ring out when I was three months pregnant. I was scared to death that I was going to accidentally rip it out since my stomach was getting larger and my navel ring was getting hung on everything! I waited almost a year after my pregnancy before I decided to get my navel re-pierced. I think it is so odd how important a tiny little piece of metal can make such a drastic change to your whole being. It's hard to describe but I guess I see my piercing as way more than just body art. I have always been spunky and the "wild child" but also manage to be responsible. I think my navel ring represents my basic personality by being sexy but not overtly freaky.
At A Glance Author Heather Contact Heather@bme.anon When N/A Studio Boopie's Gifts and Piercing Studio Location Fayetteville, NC I made up my mind to get my new piercing while my husband was away one weekend. I wanted to surprise him when he got home and I knew he wouldn't think I would go through with it again. I didn't know any piercers in this area so I just crossed my fingers and picked a place from the phone book. I went to Boopie's Piercing Studio since it was closest to my house.
I was glad that my piercer was female (not that I have a problem with male piercers!). I just felt more comfortable, especially since I went by myself. I thought I would have the piercing in the same place as my original hole but my piercer thought the original site was too shallow. After she pointed that out I can't believe I never noticed how shallow my original piercing was! She also pointed out that my piercing was centered to my navel but not my stomach. I took her advice and had it pierced deeper than my first. I was relieved in a way, because I have heard that piercing through scar tissue hurts REALLY badly!! The piercing experience was virtually identical to my first; I didn't think it hurt at all. I could feel her putting the needle through but no pain at all. The whole process couldn't have taken longer than 15 minutes but I was relieved when it was over. I have often wondered why I never seem to have any pain during tattoos or piercings. I have a couple of friends that thought their navel piercing was excruciating and I just don't get it! Maybe my adrenaline kicks in and "numbs" me or something. I chose a banana style ring with clear balls and silver glitter. I liked being able to use that right away versus wearing a hoop the first six weeks. My first piercer made me wear a plain hoop first and I think they are way too dull looking. I only got nervous when I first laid in the chair and saw a poster on the ceiling. Other than that moment I was completely relaxed. I must say that I was thrilled to have a pierced navel again. I feel more confident and much more like myself again.
The scar from my original piercing can be seen in front of my new piercing but it's not so bad. One thing that I noticed was how completely different the after-care instructions were from one shop to the next. My first piercer encouraged me to use Epsom salt to soak my piercing in daily, while the other shop didn't want me to use that method at all! I also received a cleaning kit with my new piercing. I personally do not recommend using this kit over using regular cleaning methods. The kit was basically glorified Q-tips with a hollow plastic center filled with cleaning solution. You break the Q-tip at the blue line on one end and it wets one end of the Q-tip. It's a neat idea but it wasn't as effective for me as cleaning the piercing with anti-bacterial soap and water. My first piercing didn't get the slightest bit of irritation whatsoever. However, my new piercing came very close to getting infected. It was sore for over a week after and got very red and swollen. I went back to using Epsom salt and the next day the redness and irritation was gone. I am a firm believer in using Epsom salt after piercings now! My husband was so excited that I got my navel re-pierced. He thinks it is totally sexy and loves it. I especially love my navel ring when I wear bikinis. I didn't wait the whole six weeks before changing my jewelry. I got too impatient and wanted to try my new navel rings out. I am now thinking about getting my nipples pierced. I totally believe that piercings (and tattoos, too!) are addictive. If I go through with that I'll be sure to add that story here as well.