NAVEL PIERCING — THE ANATOMY TRUTH

At Multnomah Body Piercing, we understand that getting a belly button (navel) piercing can be both exciting and intimidating. The journey to having this unique body art begins with the right understanding of anatomy and how it influences your overall experience.

Navel Anatomy: An Essential Consideration

Most people think they can get a navel piercing without any issues, but it's not always true. For optimal results and reduced risks, we assess the ideal anatomy for a belly button piercing. The most suitable type of navel has a defined upper ridge (an outie), which is different from flat-stomached individuals or those with curved stomachs.

Serving Portland: Where Navel Piercings Are Treasured

We, located at 1861 NE Division St, Gresham, Oregon's original studio since 1974, are dedicated to providing expert care and service. We pride ourselves on serving the vibrant community of Portland by being welcoming for walk-ins Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 6pm.

The Navel Piercing Experience: A Personalized Approach

A piercing in the navel is a surface-level procedure, which means the process and recovery can be shorter. However, we understand that some procedures require more attention to detail due to its location. Our professional piercers take time to assess your anatomy before proceeding.

NAVEL PIERCING NEAR PORTLAND

We're proud to offer our expert services in the heart of Portland and beyond. Gresham, Oregon's original studio since 1974 welcomes walk-ins Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 6pm.

Pain Levels: A Surface Procedure

The navel piercing is considered a surface-level procedure with a pain level of 4-5/10. The "flattie" or flat stomach anatomy can be a challenge, but it's not insurmountable. Our piercers are skilled in navigating even the most challenging cases.

HEALING TIMES AND AFTER CARE

The navel piercing is among the longest surface-level procedures we offer, with healing time ranging from 6-12 months to full and comfortable heal. The reasons for this extended recovery period include its location (surface), constant clothing friction (waistband pressure, high-waisted jeans, tight shorts), and the effect of a waistband on irritation.

Aftercare Considerations

To ensure you achieve optimal results with minimal complications, we provide aftercare instructions that are specifically tailored for belly button piercings. We recommend avoiding high-waisted jeans or other garments with tight waistbands during the healing process. Loose clothing and comfortable fabrics are ideal.

AFTERCARE CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Waistband pressure is a significant issue, as it continuously irritates your new piercing. To mitigate this risk, we recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing or low-rise waistbands during the healing period to minimize friction and irritation.

Afters: A Special Note

While navel piercings can be part of an attractive look for many people, there are specific considerations regarding aftercare. The jewelry used should be removed if you're planning a swim or sun exposure during the healing period to prevent potential issues.

AFTERCARE CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Some individuals may experience rejection of their navel piercing. Signs such as jewelry rising, thinning skin between entry and exit points, and redness require immediate attention and action from your piercer. Early removal of the jewelry to prevent further damage is crucial in these cases.

Afters: A Special Note

For those who experience rejection, we recommend removing the jewelry sooner rather than later. This approach minimizes potential scarring and reduces complications associated with a rejecting piercing.

Can everyone get a navel piercing?: No, not all individuals are suitable for this piercing due to their anatomy.
How long does a belly button piercing take to heal?: A typical healing time is between 6-12 months for initial healing and up to 18 months for a full, comfortable heal. The specifics may vary based on individual anatomy and aftercare compliance.
What size jewelry goes in a belly button piercing?: For our standard navel piercing setup, we use a curved barbell (banana bar) made of implant-grade titanium. Jewelry is typically sized at 14g and 10mm.
Why is my navel piercing rejecting?: Rejection can occur due to issues with the anatomy, improper jewelry choice, or lack of proper aftercare. Our piercers are equipped to address these challenges and provide solutions tailored to each individual case.
Can I wear a swimsuit with a healing navel piercing?: No, wearing a swimsuit during the healing phase is not advisable as it can cause irritation. Opt for loose-fitting clothing or low-rise waistbands to prevent friction and keep your new navel piercing comfortable.
Can I wear a swimsuit with a healed navel piercing?: Yes, after the initial healing period (typically 6-12 months), you can resume wearing swimwear. During this phase, we recommend using loose-fitting clothing or low-rise waistbands to minimize friction and irritation.