I'd started toying with the idea of getting my bellybutton pierced around the time I was fourteen. My parents aren't extremely strict, and I knew they would allow me to get the piercing done; my mom had already grudgingly okayed the idea. My dad was not really one for promoting the piercing at first, but afterwards he didn't mind it at all. The only obstacle in the way? I used to play soccer and springboard dive all year round, and while the piercing was in its healing process, I didn't want a wet bathing suit rubbing against it or a soccer ball smacking it.
At A Glance Author hawaiiansnow Contact hawaiiansnow@bme.anon When Two years ago Artist Not sure Studio Rick's Tattoo Parlor Location Arlington, Virginia I started making plans in March of 2004 to get the piercing done, and even planned the exact day: August 1st. Diving ended on July 31st, and what better way to celebrate the end of the season then finally get my bellybutton pierced? I read many BME stories about everyone's experiences and researched piercing parlors in the area. The one I chose ended up being Rick's Tattoos--it wasn't located too far from my town and had a good reputation for sanitary conditions.
The months dragged on and finally August 1st arrived. I woke up excited beyond belief, and called my friend Smish to come with me to get my piercing. My little brother also wanted to come, and he too brought one of his friends. So around 2:30 PM that day, my little brother, his friend, Smish, myself and my mom all piled into the car. I was bringing a crowd with me to the piercing parlor.
Upon getting to the parlor I was a bit put off--a couple of the stairs that led to the entrance had holes in them and the hallway was narrow. It didn't seem very sanitary--at first!--and I was apprehensive over my piercing. As my mom filled out the papers needed, I grew steadily more nervous.
I waited about five minutes before being led into the piercing room. The chair resembled the type you'd see at a dentist or orthodontristy office. I settled into the chair, my mom and friend hovering over me. I watched as my piercer took a 12 gauge needle out of a sealed plastic bag; and she explained to me that the piercing would heal faster if she pierced with a 12 gauge needle and put in a 14 gauge barbell.
The time had finally arrived! After cleaning off my bellybutton and the surrounding area, the piercer marked my stomach and I gave my approval. My piercer put the clamp on and truthfully I didn't feel a thing. After waiting a few minutes with the piercer positioning equipment around, I nervous asked, " Is it pierced yet?"
" No," she replied, " do you want me to let you know before I pierce you?"
I told her no, and waited. A few seconds later she slid the needle in my stomach, and I honestly felt no pain. It may have been the adrenaline building up, but it felt no different than my ear piercings. I stood up from the chair, not feeling dizzy or faint at all, and admired my new piercing in the mirror. The jewelry was perfectly positioned in the center of my bellybutton and the shiny crystal barbell I picked out looked great against my tan skin.
After giving me a care sheet, I was sent on my way. My piercing wasn't very red or anything after, and I was ecstatic, taking many pictures of it and showing all my friends. Later that day, after walking around a little, my piercing did bleed, but I rinsed it with saline (excellent promoter of healing!) and covered the barbell with a white cotton bandage.
A week or so after getting the piercing I went on vacation to Florida to see my diver friend perform in Sea World, and there the piercing got a little irritated and red. However, after using some saline, it calmed down quickly.
Overall my healing experience went well--I cleaned occasionally with sea salt and a mixture of water. Just put the mixture in a cup and suction it to your stomach! It may leave residue but it does the job. Saline was also great; very gentle. My bellybutton healed in about a month. Within 6 weeks I was able to put in a new barbell without it hurting. However, upon changing your barbell for the first time, I'd highly recommend taking a shower right before...it makes the skin more slippery and allows the barbell to slip out faster.
I am so satisfied with my belly button piercing! To anyone who is contemplating the piercing, go for it!!! Unless you are dumb and play with the piercing too much, try and change the jewelry right away, or have an unprofessional piercer, you should be fine.