When exploring body art, one question frequently arises: what is a belly button piercing called? The simple answer is that the most common modern term is a navel piercing. Yet many people also refer to it as a belly button piercing or an umbilicus piercing. In this guide, we’ll unpack not only the terminology but also the history, the anatomy, the types of jewellery, and the essentials of safe piercing and aftercare. If you’ve ever wondered what is a belly button piercing called, you’re in the right place to learn everything you need to know—from terminology to practical tips that help you heal well and enjoy your chosen worn look.
What is a Belly Button Piercing Called? A Quick Clarification
What is a belly button piercing called? In everyday parlance, the answer is often “navel piercing.” This term stems from the anatomical name for the belly button—the navel or umbilicus. Some industry professionals and body art enthusiasts will also use “umbilicus piercing” to be precise about the location and technique. While the terms vary, they describe the same general piercing that passes through or around the navel area, usually with an arc or curved barbell once healed. For searchers, you’ll frequently see the phrase what is a belly button piercing called used in guides, blogs and clinics, with navels and umbilici offered as synonyms in the surrounding text.
Alternative Names and Why They Matter
Beyond the common terms, there are several variants you might encounter. These include: navel piercing, umbilicus piercing, and abdominal piercing in some broader body modification contexts. Each term has its own nuance but generally refers to the same body location. Understanding these synonyms is helpful when researching studios, aftercare products, or medical advice, because you may see different terminology used by different practitioners or retailers. If you’re compiling information, consider listing all variants alongside the core term to maximise your search reach and ensure you don’t miss useful resources.
Where on the Body Is a Belly Button Piercing Placed?
The conventional belly button piercing is placed through the upper rim of the navel, often called the superior edge of the umbilicus. The exact position can vary depending on anatomy, clothing, and personal preference. Some people opt for a lower position or a more central approach, especially if the surrounding tissue is thick or if you’re aiming for a particular aesthetic with your jewellery. A skilled piercer will map the area carefully, marking the spot and confirming comfort before proceeding. In practice, the aim is to achieve a placement that is aesthetically pleasing and anatomically stable, reducing the risk of irritation from waistband pressure, movement, or clothing.
History: How Belly Button Piercings Became Popular
Historically, the belly button has long held a place in fashion and adornment, but modern navel piercings became widely popular in the late 20th century, especially during trends that celebrated body art as mainstream self-expression. From music subcultures to mainstream fashion, the navel piercing emerged as a symbol of personal style, often paired with midriff-baring clothing. This history helps explain why what is a belly button piercing called is now a familiar question for many people who encounter this form of body jewellery for the first time. Today, the look continues to evolve—from minimalist, discreet studs to ornate curved barbells and statement pieces.
Choosing the Right Jewellery: What Do You Wear for a Belly Button Piercing?
When you ask what is a belly button piercing called in relation to jewellery, the answer ranges from curved barbells (banana posts) to captive bead rings, and occasionally straight barbells for certain positions. The initial jewellery is usually sized for healing and comfort rather than long-term fashion. Common materials include surgical stainless steel, titanium, niobium, and 14-karat or higher gold. Titanium and surgical stainless steel are popular because of their durability and biocompatibility, which helps minimise the risk of irritation during healing. For those asking what is a belly button piercing called and expecting long-term wear, hypoallergenic metals are an important consideration, particularly if you have sensitive skin or metal allergies.
Initial vs. Aftercare: How to Heal a Belly Button Piercing
Healing begins right after the procedure, but the most critical phase is the first few months. The standard healing time for a belly button piercing ranges from six to nine months, though some people may experience longer healing periods. It is not unusual for complete healing to take up to a year, especially with more complex placements or tighter tissue. During this time, what is a belly button piercing called in practice is often translated into careful aftercare: regular cleaning, avoiding trauma, and choosing jewellery that does not press against clothing or cause friction. The goal is to keep the site clean and free from irritants, which decreases the likelihood of infection or irritation that can delay healing.
Healing Milestones: What to Expect as It Heals
Initially, you may notice some swelling or tenderness. Over the next weeks, you should observe gradual reduction in swelling, with pink or light redness fading. Crusting may occur around the ball ends, which is normal if cleaned properly. If you experience persistent redness beyond a couple of weeks, increasing pain, or fever, you should seek advice from a professional piercer or a healthcare professional. Remember that the journey to fully healed status is individual; the important thing is to follow aftercare guidance consistently and avoid changing jewellery too soon if you want to prevent rejection or embedding.
Safety and Aftercare: Practical Steps for Successful Healing
What is a belly button piercing called in the context of aftercare? It’s essential to treat it with the same care you would give any other healing piercing. Clean the area twice daily with a saline solution, using either a prepared saline spray or a homemade mix of salt and warm water. Soaks can be advantageous for some people, particularly if the pierce site tends to dry out. Avoid harsh antiseptics like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can be drying and irritating. Do not twist or spin the jewellery while it’s healing, and try to avoid sleeping on the piercing or wearing tight clothing that rubs the area. As you progress through healing, you can discuss with your piercer when it is appropriate to switch to a longer-lasting piece of jewellery or a more dynamic style that suits your lifestyle and wardrobe.
Proper Aftercare Products and Tools
There are many aftercare products on the market, but the safest approach for a healing belly button piercing is to stick with plain saline solution and sterile tools. When cleaning, use clean hands and avoid introducing bacteria into the piercing. Some people find daily sea salt soaks helpful, particularly if they have a lot of environmental exposure or sweat heavily. It’s essential to follow the advice of your professional piercer regarding frequency and method. Always assess the fit and comfort of the jewellery—loose ends can snag, while tight ends can press, both of which can cause irritation and delay healing.
What to Watch Out For: Risks, Complications and When to Seek Help
Like all piercings, belly button piercings carry risks. Potential complications include infection, allergic reaction to metals, jewellery snagging, irritation from clothing, and, in rare cases, migration or rejection where the stud grows out of the skin. Signs of trouble include increased redness, swelling lasting more than a few days, fever, unusual discharge with a foul odour, or intense pain that doesn’t subside. If you notice any of these, contact your piercer or a medical professional promptly. While what is a belly button piercing called helps with understanding the terminology, the real focus should be on safe practice and proper aftercare to reduce these risks.
Choosing the Right Studio and Professional Piercer
To ensure a safe experience, select a studio with high standards of cleanliness and a professional, trained piercer. A good practitioner will explain what is a belly button piercing called in practice, discuss placement options, demonstrate sterilisation procedures, and offer guidance on aftercare. Look for a studio that uses sterile needles, disposable gloves, and pre-sterilised jewellery. A reputable piercer will also ask about medical history, skin conditions, and metal sensitivities before the procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask about the metal type, the starting length of the curved barbell, and the plan for future jewellery changes as you heal.
Gender, Culture and Personal Expression
The decision to get a belly button piercing is deeply personal and often influenced by fashion, comfort, or cultural trends. For some, it represents a form of self-expression and body art that complements clothing choices such as crop tops or swimwear. For others, it is part of a broader appreciation for jewellery and adornment. Regardless of the reason, understanding the terminology, including what is a belly button piercing called, helps in discussing the choice with friends, family, or potential employers, and makes conversations around style and safety clearer.
Maintenance After Healing: Long-Term Care
Once fully healed, you can maintain your belly button piercing much like other body jewellery. Regular cleaning with a gentle saline solution remains useful to prevent build-up of oils or sweat, especially if you wear items that press against the area. If you’re active in sports or swim in public pools, keep an eye on the area for any signs of irritation after heavy activity. Some people elect to switch to different designs—such as small gem studs, or a delicate hoop—that reflect their personal style while maintaining comfort. Remember that even after healing, the health and safety practices around what is a belly button piercing called remain essential to keep the area looking good and feeling comfortable.
Costs and Aftercare: What to Budget for a Belly Button Piercing
The cost of getting a belly button piercing varies depending on location and studio reputation. In the UK, including studio fees and initial jewellery, you might expect to pay somewhere in the range of £25 to £60 for the piercing alone. The cost of high-quality initial jewellery can be £15 to £60 more, depending on material and brand. Ongoing aftercare products—saline solutions, cleaning sprays, and occasional jewellery changes—add to the total. When evaluating what is a belly button piercing called in terms of investment, remember to factor in healing time and aftercare to protect your investment in your appearance and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions: What People Often Want to Know
Is a belly button piercing suitable for everyone?
Most people can have a belly button piercing, but individuals with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, or those with skin disorders may need to avoid the procedure or seek medical advice first. A professional piercer will assess suitability during the consultation, including considerations of skin type, tissue thickness, and healing potential.
Can you remove or change the jewellery during healing?
Generally, it’s advised to avoid changing jewellery during the healing period—typically six to nine months or longer. Changing jewellery too early increases the risk of irritation, migration or rejection. Your piercer will advise you on when it’s safe to switch and how to select appropriate replacement jewellery.
What about swimming and showers during healing?
During healing, limit submersion in pools, hot tubs, and seawater, which can contain bacteria that may irritate the piercing. Short, tepid showers are fine, but avoid soaking the area for extended periods. Aftercare is easier when you limit exposure to potential contaminants while the site is vulnerable.
Can I get a belly button piercing if I have a sensitive skin or a metal allergy?
Allergies to nickel or other metals can commonly affect piercing experiences. If you have sensitive skin or a known metal allergy, you should opt for high-purity metals such as titanium or surgical-grade stainless steel. Always inform the piercer about sensitivities, and request metal testing or documentation if available. This is an important part of what is a belly button piercing called in practical terms—ensuring you choose jewellery that won’t irritate your skin.
Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Choice
Understanding what is a belly button piercing called is just the start. The real knowledge comes from understanding anatomy, healing, jewellery materials, and aftercare. A belly button piercing is a personal, style-forward accessory that can complement a wardrobe of crop tops, swimsuits and casual wear. With careful selection of a professional studio, appropriate materials, and thorough aftercare, you can enjoy a comfortable healing period and a stunning result. Whether you refer to it as a nav el piercing, umbilicus piercing, or simply a belly button piercing, the core principles of safety, care and respect for your body remain the same. The best way to ensure a positive outcome is to approach the process with informed enthusiasm, seek expert guidance, and give your body the time it needs to heal properly.
For anyone starting with the question what is a belly button piercing called, remember that terminology matters—but so do expectations for comfort, healing, and care. By prioritising hygiene, professional expertise, and patient aftercare, you can enjoy your chosen style for years to come while keeping your navel area healthy and beautiful.