Belly Button Piercing Healing: Everything You Need to Know
Belly button piercing has been gaining popularity over the years. It’s a trendy fashion statement that adds an edgy touch to your style and personality. However, like any other type of piercing, belly button piercing requires proper care and healing to avoid infections and complications.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the belly button piercing healing process and everything you need to know about it.
What is Belly Button Piercing and Why Do People Get It?
Belly button piercing is the practice of puncturing the skin on or around the navel area and inserting jewelry, such as rings or studs, into the opening. While some people get it for aesthetic purposes, others do it for cultural or spiritual reasons. Belly button piercing has been around for centuries and is considered a form of self-expression and body art. It’s popular among both men and women and can be done in various styles and designs.
When is the Best Time to Get a Belly Button Piercing?
The best time to get a belly button piercing is during the summer or warmer months when you’re less likely to wear tight clothing that may irritate the piercing. It’s also essential to consider your lifestyle and activities before getting a belly button piercing. If you swim regularly, play sports, or engage in physical activities that involve contact, it’s best to wait until you can take a break from them to avoid interfering with the healing process.
Belly Piercing Healing Process
The belly piercing healing process typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the individual’s body and how well they follow aftercare instructions. During this time, the piercing will go through several stages of healing.
Initial Healing Stage (Weeks 1-2)
During the first couple of weeks, you may experience swelling, tenderness, redness, and a clear or slightly yellowish discharge around the piercing. This is a natural part of the body’s response to healing. It’s crucial to maintain good hygiene by cleaning the piercing with saline solution and avoiding unnecessary touching.
Early Healing Stage (Weeks 3-6)
As the initial discomfort subsides, you’ll notice a reduction in swelling and redness. The discharge may also decrease. Continue with your cleaning routine and be cautious with clothing that might rub against the piercing.
Intermediate Healing Stage (Weeks 7-12)
By this time, the swelling should be minimal, and the discharge should be mostly clear. The piercing area may still be slightly tender, so continue to be gentle and patient with the healing process.
Advanced Healing Stage (Months 3-6)
Most of the initial signs of healing, such as redness and tenderness, should be resolved by this stage. The discharge should have ceased entirely.
Full Healing Stage (Months 6-12+)
Complete healing varies from person to person but can take up to a year or more. At this point, the piercing should feel comfortable and look fully healed. You can consider changing the jewelry if desired, but continue to practice good aftercare to maintain the piercing’s health.
signs of infection
Belly button piercings can become infected due to various reasons. One common cause is improper aftercare, such as inadequate cleaning or using harsh substances on the piercing. Touching the piercing with dirty hands or rotating the jewelry can introduce bacteria. Additionally, using low-quality or non-hypoallergenic jewelry can irritate the piercing site and make it more susceptible to infection. Recognizing the signs of infection in a belly button piercing is essential for prompt treatment and preventing complications. Here are common signs to watch for:
Redness, swelling, and pain around the piercing.
Warmth to the touch.
Discharge from the piercing, which may be yellow, green, or brown.
A foul odor coming from the piercing.
Fever.
Chills.
Nausea and vomiting.
how to heal your belly button piercing faster
Clean your piercing regularly: Clean your piercing twice a day with a saline solution. You can make your own saline solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Rinse your piercing thoroughly with water after cleaning it.
Avoid touching your piercing: The more you touch your piercing, the more likely you are to introduce bacteria and cause an infection.
Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight clothing can irritate your piercing and slow down the healing process.
Avoid swimming, bathing in hot tubs, or soaking in baths until your piercing is fully healed. Water can contain bacteria that can cause an infection.
Healthy Diet and Hydration: A balanced diet and staying well-hydrated can support the body’s healing process. Nutrients and hydration help tissues repair more efficiently.
Apply a warm compress to your piercing several times a day. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Use a sea salt soak: Sea salt has antibacterial properties and can help to keep your piercing clean. To make a sea salt soak, mix 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Soak your piercing for 5-10 minutes.
Use a chamomile compress: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. To make a chamomile compress, brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Soak a washcloth in the tea and apply it to your piercing for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
How long does it take for a belly button piercing to heal? The healing time for a belly button piercing varies from person to person, but it usually takes about 6 to 12 months.
How long does a belly button piercing hurt? Typically, initial soreness and tenderness may last for a few days to a couple of weeks, and it gradually subsides as the piercing heals.
Can I swim with a new belly button piercing? It’s best to avoid swimming or soaking in water for at least four weeks after getting a new belly button piercing to prevent infections.
How often should I clean my belly button piercing? You should clean your belly button piercing twice a day using a saline solution or mild soap.
Can I change the jewelry in my belly button piercing during the healing process? It’s recommended to wait until the piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry to avoid complications and infections.
Final Takeaway
Belly button piercing can be a fun and exciting way to express yourself, but it requires proper care and healing to avoid infections and complications. By following the tips and advice presented in this article, you can ensure that your belly button piercing heals correctly and looks fabulous for years to come.
THE 20 BEST TUMMY CONTROL LEGGINGS FOR POSTPARTUM AND COMFORT
Congratulations on your new arrival! After giving birth, your body is on a journey of healing and rediscovery. While you’re busy caring for your little one, you also deserve to feel comfortable and supported. Tummy control leggings can be a game-changer in the postpartum period, offering gentle compression that helps your body recover while shaping and smoothing for a confidence boost.
This guide dives into the top picks for tummy control leggings, focusing on both comfort and effectiveness during postpartum recovery. We’ll explore a variety of features to consider, from high-waisted styles for extra support to breathable fabrics that move with you. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect pair of leggings to become your postpartum essentials.
OUR TOP PICKS
BAOBEI SCULPT & RECOVERY POSTPARTUM LEGGINGS
Baobei’s Sculpt & Recovery Postpartum Leggings are another great choice for those seeking both comfort and support. These leggings boast Baobei’s signature CORE COMPRESSION technology, which utilizes targeted fabric panels to gently compress your abdomen, low back, pelvis, and legs. This compression can aid your body’s natural healing process while shaping and smoothing your figure. Similar to the previously mentioned leggings, Baobei’s Sculpt & Recovery leggings are crafted from a buttery-soft, high-stretch fabric that wicks away sweat to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day.
SPANX LOOK AT ME NOW HIGH-WAISTED SEAMLESS LEGGINGS
Known for their shapewear expertise, Spanx brings their magic touch to the world of postpartum leggings with the Look At Me Now High-Waisted Seamless Leggings. While they might not be specifically marketed for postpartum recovery, their features can be a welcome benefit for new moms. The high-waisted design offers comfortable compression around your midsection, helping smooth and support your core as your body heals. The seamless construction eliminates any potential for chafing or irritation, a major plus during postpartum sensitivity. Spanx’s signature smoothing fabric promises a flattering silhouette, and the leggings are made for everyday wear, so you can feel confident and comfortable running errands or cuddling up with your newborn. Keep in mind that these leggings provide light to moderate compression, so if you desire a more intense level of support, you might want to consider other options on this list.
HOMMA THICK HIGH WAIST TUMMY COMPRESSION PANTS
If you’re seeking high-waist leggings with a focus on tummy control, Homma’s Thick High Waist Tummy Compression Pants are worth checking out. These leggings are designed to deliver a sculpting effect, using a thicker fabric to provide a more compressive fit around your midsection. This compression can help smooth your tummy and offer support as your core muscles recover postpartum. While specific details about the fabric content aren’t readily available, some retailers mention a combination of nylon and spandex, which is common in leggings and offers breathability with a stretchy fit. Thicker fabrics might not be ideal for everyone, especially during warmer months. If you prioritize breathability and maximum comfort, you might want to explore leggings made from thinner, sweat-wicking materials. However, Homma’s Thick High Waist Tummy Compression Pants could be a good option for those who prefer a more substantial feeling of support and shaping.
90 DEGREE BY REFLEX HIGH WAIST POWER FLEX LEGGINGS
Aiming for a balance of comfort and support? Then 90 Degree by Reflex’s High Waist Power Flex Leggings might be your perfect match. These leggings are a popular choice for their versatility, and they can be a solid option for postpartum wear as well. They feature a high-waisted design that offers gentle tummy control without feeling restrictive. The Power Flex fabric is known for being soft, stretchy, and durable, allowing for comfortable wear throughout the day. While these leggings might not provide the most intense level of compression, they can still be beneficial for postpartum recovery by offering light support to your core and smoothing your silhouette.
THE GYM PEOPLE THICK HIGH WAIST YOGA PANTS
Though information specific to postpartum use is limited, The Gym People’s Thick High Waist Yoga Pants offer intriguing possibilities. Their thicker fabric might provide tummy control, but breathability could be a factor, especially in warmer weather. Designed for yoga, the compression level might be lighter than dedicated postpartum leggings. However, if comfort and a subtle shaping effect are your priorities, they’re worth exploring.
HOMMA HIGH-WAIST COMPRESSION LEGGINGS
Homma High-Waist Compression Leggings prioritize control and shaping for your midsection. They utilize a thicker fabric to deliver a more compressive fit around your tummy, aiming to smooth and potentially aid postpartum recovery. While details about the fabric content are scarce, it’s likely a combination of nylon and spandex, offering breathability with a stretchy fit.** It’s important to consider** that this thicker material might not be ideal for everyone, particularly during warmer weather. If you prioritize maximum comfort and breathability, you might want to explore leggings made from thinner, sweat-wicking materials. However, Homma’s High-Waist Compression Leggings could be a good option for those who prefer a more substantial feeling of support and shaping for their core.
Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Postpartum Shapewear Leggings are designed to aid women in their postpartum recovery while also providing a shaping effect. They use compression technology to help shrink the belly, waist, and hips. The leggings are high-waisted to offer support to the upper body during breastfeeding and comfort to the midsection, including those who have undergone a C-section. They are made with a soft, breathable fabric and come in a variety of sizes.
EVCR
EVCR leggings are designed for activewear, offering compression and comfort for workouts and athletic activities. They come in a variety of lengths, with options like 7/8 length hitting just above the ankle or full-length high-waisted styles. The fabric is designed to be soft, non-see-through, and breathable. EVCR leggings come in a range of solid colors and some patterned options. You can find them directly from the EVCR website or on retailers like Amazon.
BEYOND YOGA SPACEDYE CAUGHT IN THE MIDI HIGH WAISTED LEGGING
Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Caught in the Midi High Waisted Legging is a comfortable and stylish option for workouts or lounging. Made from Beyond Yoga’s signature Spacedye fabric, these leggings are known for being incredibly soft and lightweight. The high-waisted design offers a flattering silhouette and extra core support, while the 7/8 length hits just above the ankle for a versatile look. They come in a unique space-dye pattern, which adds a touch of visual interest. These leggings are moisture-wicking to keep you dry during exercise, and reviewers rave about how well they maintain their shape even after multiple washes.
EMPETUA
Empetua used to be a brand of shapewear offered by Shapermint. They focused on everyday essentials for women, including shapewear like leggings, shorts, and bras, but also offered panties, camis, and waist cinchers. Their shapewear used compression to help smooth and sculpt the body. However, Empetua has transitioned to become Shapermint Essentials. So, if you’re looking for Empetua products, you’ll find them under the Shapermint Essentials name now. They likely made this change to streamline their branding and make it clearer that Shapermint Essentials offers a variety of basic undergarments and shapewear.
DRAGON FIT HIGH WAIST YOGA LEGGINGS
Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Leggings are designed for the active woman who wants comfortable and stylish workout wear. They feature a high waistband with tummy control for a flattering fit, along with four-way stretch fabric that moves with you during any exercise. These leggings come with convenient pockets to hold your phone or keys, making them perfect for running errands or hitting the gym. With positive reviews for comfort and affordability, Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Leggings might be a good option to consider for your next pair of workout leggings.
NIKE
While Nike doesn’t offer leggings explicitly marketed for “tummy control,” they do have a wide range of high-waisted leggings that provide a similar effect. These leggings typically feature a snug, supportive waistband that sits at your natural waist or higher. This design helps smooth and compress your core, creating a flattering silhouette. Look for styles made with Nike’s Dri-FIT technology, which wicks away sweat to keep you cool and comfortable during workouts. Nike leggings come in various lengths, colors, and features, so you can find a pair that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. You can browse their selection on the Nike website or at sporting goods stores.
ODODOS
ODODOS High Waist Tummy Control Workout Leggings are designed to be your go-to for comfortable and flattering workouts. They boast a high-waisted design with a wide waistband that provides tummy control, smoothing and shaping your core for a confident look. The fabric is often described as buttery soft and offers four-way stretch, allowing for a full range of motion without restriction. Many ODODOS leggings also feature convenient pockets on the sides, perfect for storing your phone or keys during exercise or errands. With a variety of colors and lengths to choose from, you can find a pair of ODODOS High Waist Tummy Control Workout Leggings that fits your style and workout needs. They are known for being affordable and receiving positive reviews for comfort and quality, making them a strong contender in the world of workout leggings.
SWEAT AND MILK REVEAL ULTRA HIGH WAISTED TUMMY CONTROL POSTPARTUM LEGGING
Specifically designed for postpartum recovery, the SWEAT & MILK Reveal Ultra High Waisted Tummy Control Postpartum Legging offers a supportive and comfortable option for new moms. These leggings feature an ultra-high waist, reaching 25 inches, that provides gentle compression to your abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and legs. This compression is said to aid in the healing process after childbirth. The soft, stretchy fabric is comfortable against your skin and allows for a full range of motion. Plus, these leggings come with pockets, a feature many moms appreciate for stashing essentials while on the go. If you’re looking for supportive and comfortable leggings to aid in postpartum recovery, the SWEAT & MILK Reveal Ultra High Waisted Tummy Control Postpartum Legging could be a great choice.
FP MOVEMENT
Founded by Free People, FP Movement infuses their signature bohemian aesthetic with activewear, creating pieces that are both fashionable and practical. Instead of solely focusing on performance, FP Movement prioritizes a feel-good philosophy, encouraging a holistic approach to wellness. Their clothing aims to support not just your physical activity but also your overall well-being. You’ll find comfortable, high-quality materials with a focus on color and unique design elements. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running errands, or practicing yoga, FP Movement offers activewear that lets you express your personal style while feeling confident and comfortable.
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
Girlfriend Collective stands out for its commitment to both sustainability and ethical practices in the activewear industry. They design high-performance activewear made from recycled materials, like plastic water bottles, that are transformed into soft, durable fabrics. This eco-friendly approach minimizes environmental impact without sacrificing quality. They prioritize transparency, even providing an “eco-recipe” for each garment that details the recycled materials used. Beyond its sustainable and inclusive practices, Girlfriend Collective is known for its comfortable, stylish activewear that transitions seamlessly from workouts to everyday wear.
OFFLINE BY AERIE
OFFLINE By Aerie is American Eagle Outfitters’ sub-brand dedicated to comfortable and real-life inspired activewear. They cater to women who value comfort and functionality during workouts, without sacrificing style. OFFLINE’s collections feature a range of pieces, from leggings and sports bras to tanks and hoodies, all designed with movement and sweat-wicking fabrics in mind. Their leggings are particularly popular for their soft, high-waisted styles with different silhouettes like bootcut or crossover. Standing out from competitor brands with a focus on body positivity, OFFLINE avoids heavy photoshopping and uses diverse models to showcase their clothing on real bodies. They promote a message of feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin, no matter your fitness level.
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
Abercrombie & Fitch, often shortened to A&F, is an American brand known for casual and preppy style clothing. Founded in 1892, it has a long history that started with selling high-end sporting goods. Today, A&F caters to a younger demographic with trendy jeans, graphic tees, and hoodies. Their stores are known for a specific atmosphere, including dimmed lighting and strong cologne scents. In the past, A&F received criticism for exclusionary marketing tactics and clothing that skewed towards a narrow body type. However, the brand has undergone a shift in recent years. They now offer a wider range of sizes and have toned down their marketing strategies.
COMMANDO
Commando is renowned for its high-end women’s leggings, celebrated for their exquisite designs that flatter the figure and their luxurious, comfortable fabrics. Crafted from premium sculpting materials, these leggings offer a sleek, streamlined appearance. What sets Commando leggings apart is their signature internal smoothing waistband, providing enduring support throughout the day. Take a glance at the leather leggings below; they’re the perfect choice for a night out leather leggings outfit ideas.
CRZ YOGA
CRZ Yoga focuses on providing comfortable and stylish activewear at an accessible price point. Their most popular collection features their signature “Butterluxe” fabric, known for its incredible softness and stretch. This material allows for maximum freedom of movement during any activity, whether you’re practicing yoga, hitting the gym, or running errands. CRZ Yoga offers a wide range of leggings, sports bras, tops, and more, all designed with a focus on comfort and functionality. They cater to a variety of body types and activity levels, making them a popular choice for those seeking affordable, high-quality activewear. You can find CRZ Yoga products through their website or on various online marketplaces.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re a new mom seeking postpartum support or simply looking for comfortable, flattering leggings with tummy control, there’s a perfect pair out there for you. With a focus on high waists, gentle compression, breathable fabrics, and overall comfort, you can find leggings that aid in recovery while keeping you feeling confident and comfortable throughout your day. Don’t hesitate to explore different brands and features to find the ones that best suit your needs and preferences.
