Navel Piercing
Belly-button piercing. One of the longest healers — loose clothing and patience are essential.
Healing Time
6–12 months
Cleaning
Twice daily
Downsize
Usually not required
Jewellery
Implant-grade titanium
Step by step
Healing timeline
Day 1
- Tenderness and mild swelling — a spot of blood is normal
- Wear loose, clean cotton clothing
- Sleep on your back if possible
Week 1
- Spray with NeilMed Fine Mist twice a day and pat dry with clean gauze
- Skip crunches, planks and anything that folds the piercing
- No pools, hot tubs, sea or shared baths
Weeks 2–8
- Swap gym gear for loose cotton where possible
- Wipe waistbands and belts with a lint roller before wearing
- Continue saline once a day; skip when calm
Months 3–12
- Heals from the outside in — still fragile internally
- Take it easy with swimming until at least 8–12 weeks
- Do not remove the jewellery
After healing
- Full internal healing takes 6–12 months
- Long-term jewellery: implant-grade titanium or 14k+ gold
Reassurance
Normal during healing
Everyday sensations you can expect during healing.
Watch out for
When to contact us
Know the difference between typical irritation and something that needs attention.
Common issues
- Waistband friction
- Sweat and gym clothing
- Snagging with towels
- Swimming too early
Contact the studio
- Bump that isn't settling with a clean routine
- Persistent redness or tenderness beyond week 2–3
- Jewellery feeling tight against the skin
- Anything you're unsure about — send us a photo
Contact us urgently
If you notice any of these, contact us straight away. We'll advise whether to come in for a check-up or seek urgent medical care.
- Spreading redness or a red streak away from the piercing
- Hot skin with throbbing pain that worsens by the day
- Thick yellow or green discharge with a foul smell
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
Helpful tips
Extra advice for your navel piercing
Navel tips
- Wear loose clothing. Avoid high-waisted trousers, tight waistbands and belts that sit across the piercing
- Skip stomach exercises that fold the piercing for the first month
- No pools, hot tubs or sea for at least 8 weeks
- Pat dry after showering — don't rub with a towel
- Watch for redness after leggings, jeans or belts
FAQs
Healing Checker
Answer a few quick questions tailored to the treatment you're viewing. We'll help you understand whether your healing appears normal and what you should do next.
Takes less than 60 seconds
Still need help?
Send us a clear photo and one of our experienced team members will review it and advise on the next steps. If appropriate, we'll recommend a studio check-up or seeking medical advice.
Studio Recommended · Aftercare
NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Spray
Professional aftercare recommended by our piercers. Sterile saline fine mist that keeps new piercings clean without burning or stinging.
- Sterile saline
- Drug free
- Any-angle mist
- 177ml bottle
Free UK delivery over £40