Belly Button Piercing Guide UK

Belly Button Piercing: Healing, Aftercare and What to Expect

Belly button piercings—also known as navel piercings—are a classic body modification choice that’s never truly gone out of style. With their playful, summery vibe and the ability to be discreet or eye-catching, they offer a unique way to adorn the body. Whether you’re drawn to delicate dangles, shimmering gems or minimalist rings, a belly button piercing can be a beautiful expression of personal style.

That said, a navel piercing isn’t just a beach accessory—it’s a proper body piercing that requires care, patience and professional attention. If you’re thinking of getting your belly button pierced, here’s everything you need to know about the process, pain, aftercare, costs and safety.

What Is a Belly Button Piercing?

A belly button piercing usually goes through the upper rim of the navel, although some studios also offer lower or side placements depending on anatomy. It’s technically a surface piercing through the skin above the navel, not through the belly button itself. The most common style uses a curved barbell, which sits comfortably in the fold of the skin and allows for stylish drop-down or gem-set ends.

Because of the location, jewellery can be shown off with cropped clothing or tucked away completely making it a versatile choice for both statement seekers and those who prefer a hidden sparkle.

What Happens During the Piercing?

After a brief consultation where your piercer will assess the shape of your navel and confirm if you're suitable for the piercing, they’ll clean the area thoroughly and mark the entry and exit points. Not everyone has a belly button that can be pierced safely deep navels with a pronounced overhang tend to work best, while flatter navels may not support proper healing.

The piercing is performed using a single-use, sterile needle—never a piercing gun. The needle passes through the skin above the navel, followed immediately by the insertion of your chosen jewellery, usually a titanium curved barbell. The piercer will then clean the area again and provide tailored aftercare instructions before you leave the studio.

The entire procedure is quick, generally taking under ten minutes from start to finish.

Does It Hurt?

Belly button piercings are usually described as mildly to moderately painful. The skin around the navel is relatively soft and flexible, so the actual piercing feels more like a sharp pinch than a deep sting. Many people are surprised by how manageable it is. You may feel a bit of pressure as the needle passes through, followed by a warm ache that fades within an hour or two.

The area can feel tender for several days afterwards, especially when bending or wearing high-waisted clothing. Choosing comfortable outfits and being mindful of movement during early healing can make a big difference.

How Long Does a Belly Button Piercing Take to Heal?

This is one of the slower-healing piercings, with full healing typically taking anywhere from six months to a year. Because the area experiences regular movement from sitting, walking and bending, it’s more prone to irritation if not properly cared for.

While some people notice signs of healing within the first few months, it’s important to stay consistent with aftercare for the full duration. Premature jewellery changes or friction from clothing can delay healing and even cause complications.

It’s also common for the piercing to “look healed” on the outside while the internal tissue is still repairing—so always wait for a professional confirmation before switching your jewellery.

Aftercare Advice

Proper aftercare is absolutely essential for a belly button piercing, given its healing time and tendency to trap sweat, fabric and bacteria. Clean the area twice a day using a sterile saline solution or a piercing aftercare spray. Gently soak a clean pad and hold it to the area for a minute, then let it air dry or gently pat with kitchen roll.

Avoid using cotton buds, fragranced soaps or antiseptics like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can dry out or irritate the tissue. Do not twist or rotate the jewellery, even if it feels stuck movement can tear healing skin and invite bacteria in.

Try not to sleep on your stomach during healing, and be cautious with tight waistbands, belts or clothing that rubs against the area. You should also avoid swimming, hot tubs and baths during the first couple of months, as these can introduce bacteria and delay healing.

How Much Does It Cost in the UK?

The average cost for a belly button piercing in the UK ranges between £30 and £50, depending on the studio and the quality of jewellery selected. Most reputable studios will include a standard titanium curved barbell in the price, but you may pay more for gold, gem-set or decorative options.

Some studios include an aftercare spray with the piercing, while others sell it separately. Always ask for a breakdown of what's included and ensure that your jewellery is high-quality, implant-grade and nickel-free.

What Are the Risks?

Belly button piercings are generally safe when performed by a professional, but they do carry risks—especially because of their location. The main concerns include:

Infection, which can result from poor hygiene, friction from clothing or touching the piercing with unwashed hands. Watch for redness, pain, pus or swelling that gets worse over time.

Migration and rejection can occur if the piercing is placed too shallowly or if the body pushes it out. Signs include the jewellery moving closer to the skin’s surface or the skin becoming thin and red.

Irritation bumps can form if the jewellery is tugged, the area is over-cleaned or if your body is reacting to metal quality. These are usually treatable but may prolong healing.

All of these risks can be minimised by choosing a professional studio and following aftercare instructions to the letter.

Who Is This Piercing Suitable For?

Belly button piercings work well for people with a naturally defined navel shape and a fold of skin above the belly button for secure placement. If your belly button is shallow or flat, your piercer may advise against it or suggest an alternative placement.

This piercing also requires a bit of lifestyle consideration. If you’re highly active, wear tight clothing or engage in contact sports, you’ll need to be extra careful during healing to avoid knocks or friction.

If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, it’s advisable to wait, as a growing bump can affect the placement and safety of the piercing. Many people choose to remove their navel jewellery during later pregnancy and have it re-pierced afterwards if needed.

Studio Standards and Hygiene

A belly button piercing should always be performed in a clean, licensed studio by a trained professional. The studio must follow UK health and hygiene regulations, using sterile, single-use needles and gloves. Your jewellery should be sealed in sterile packaging and made from safe materials such as implant-grade titanium or solid gold.

You should never feel rushed, and your piercer should walk you through the process, discuss anatomy suitability and provide full aftercare advice. If the studio can’t answer your questions or doesn’t feel hygienic, don’t go through with the piercing.

Common Myths and FAQs

Can I go swimming after a belly button piercing? Not right away. You should avoid swimming pools, hot tubs and the sea for at least the first couple of months, or until the piercing has significantly healed. Water can carry bacteria and slow healing.

Is it true that belly button piercings always get infected? No, not if proper aftercare is followed and it’s done in a sterile environment. Infections are avoidable with good hygiene and high-quality jewellery.

Can I get this piercing if I have a tummy piercing scar from before? It depends on the scar tissue and whether the area has healed fully. A professional piercer can examine it and advise if a fresh piercing is safe.

Will I be able to wear dangly jewellery right away? No, it’s best to start with a simple curved barbell. Dangly jewellery can tug and twist, increasing your risk of irritation or migration. Save the pretty options for after you’ve fully healed.

Final Thoughts

A belly button piercing is a timeless and expressive body adornment that continues to inspire body art fans across the UK. With its central placement and styling flexibility, it can be subtle or bold depending on your mood and outfit. But like all piercings, it comes with responsibilities. Choosing a reputable piercer, understanding your anatomy and committing to aftercare will make all the difference in how well your piercing heals and lasts. Patience is key but with the right approach, a belly button piercing can be a beautiful, confidence-boosting part of your style for years to come.