Pros & Cons of Belly Piercing
June 3, 2010 4:54 AM Subscribe
My 16yo daughter has decided she wants a navel piercing. I'm not thrilled about the idea.
She SMS'd me this afternoon saying "How would you feel if I came home with my belly pierced?"
I'm not absolutely sure why I'm uneasy about this. I am concerned about infection, getting snagged on things & possibly tearing her skin and possibly scarring. When I told her that, she asked how it was any different to her nose piercing. (I also have a pierced nose, and have done since I was her age.)
She's always looked after her ear & nose piercings and has never had an infection, so I do trust her to follow post-piercing care instructions.
I've done a quick browse of some web sites, and it seems like navel piercings take much longer to heal & may be more painful than ear/nose piercings.
She doesn't do any sport or ever get particularly sweaty, and only goes swimming if I take her somewhere tropical.
It's also unlikely many people will ever see it, as she is quite a conservative dresser. She is fashionable and terribly cute (a friend best described her as "dainty"), but she rarely has uncovered legs & arms, and NEVER reveals her midriff in public, so it's not like she'll be out & and about with her belly out all over the place.
The place she asked at today said that at 16 she doesn't need parental permission (we're in Melbourne, Australia and she has a job so has the financial means.) If she does get it done I will make sure it's done somewhere reputable, she gets quality jewellery and follows after-care.
So, as I continue my journey of coming to terms with the fact my precious little baby is growing up and making decisions that I have less & less say in, please share with us your anecdata of poking holes in your belly button before I become totally irrational and start quoting why Traditional Chinese Medicine & acupuncture thinks it's a terrible idea.
I'm interested in short term issues, as well as long term (pregnancy & post pregnancy issues, aging saggy belly when she is 90, laparoscopy issues if she should ever need one, etc)
Mental dilemma over whether to categorise this under Fashion or Health
She SMS'd me this afternoon saying "How would you feel if I came home with my belly pierced?"
I'm not absolutely sure why I'm uneasy about this. I am concerned about infection, getting snagged on things & possibly tearing her skin and possibly scarring. When I told her that, she asked how it was any different to her nose piercing. (I also have a pierced nose, and have done since I was her age.)
She's always looked after her ear & nose piercings and has never had an infection, so I do trust her to follow post-piercing care instructions.
I've done a quick browse of some web sites, and it seems like navel piercings take much longer to heal & may be more painful than ear/nose piercings.
She doesn't do any sport or ever get particularly sweaty, and only goes swimming if I take her somewhere tropical.
It's also unlikely many people will ever see it, as she is quite a conservative dresser. She is fashionable and terribly cute (a friend best described her as "dainty"), but she rarely has uncovered legs & arms, and NEVER reveals her midriff in public, so it's not like she'll be out & and about with her belly out all over the place.
The place she asked at today said that at 16 she doesn't need parental permission (we're in Melbourne, Australia and she has a job so has the financial means.) If she does get it done I will make sure it's done somewhere reputable, she gets quality jewellery and follows after-care.
So, as I continue my journey of coming to terms with the fact my precious little baby is growing up and making decisions that I have less & less say in, please share with us your anecdata of poking holes in your belly button before I become totally irrational and start quoting why Traditional Chinese Medicine & acupuncture thinks it's a terrible idea.
I'm interested in short term issues, as well as long term (pregnancy & post pregnancy issues, aging saggy belly when she is 90, laparoscopy issues if she should ever need one, etc)
Mental dilemma over whether to categorise this under Fashion or Health
As you indicated, she's good about post-piercing care, so I wouldn't be terribly concerned about possible health effects. That being said, what's the point? I'm a guy and I think belly button piercings are trashy looking and very 90's.
posted by Jambi at 5:04 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Jambi at 5:04 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
I had my belly pierced many moons ago. It healed up beautifully (I was at the beach the next day) and never got infected. I actually found it to be much lower maintenance then my nose piercing. I only got it caught on something once--the dangle portion of the ring got caught in a belt, but no harm done and I never wore that style of belt again.
I took it out when I was about 7 months pregnant (though you can replace it with fishing line if you want to keep it). The resultant scar is practically invisible and my belly looks just the same as it did before the piercing ever happened.
I did have friends whose belly piercings were more difficult, but my own experience was just fine. In fact, I'm thinking about getting it repierced (I often wear saris for formal events and I think a belly ring looks fab with a sari).
posted by Go Banana at 5:10 AM on June 3, 2010
I took it out when I was about 7 months pregnant (though you can replace it with fishing line if you want to keep it). The resultant scar is practically invisible and my belly looks just the same as it did before the piercing ever happened.
I did have friends whose belly piercings were more difficult, but my own experience was just fine. In fact, I'm thinking about getting it repierced (I often wear saris for formal events and I think a belly ring looks fab with a sari).
posted by Go Banana at 5:10 AM on June 3, 2010
Ask her what her intentions are. Attention? Sex appeal? Cool factor? Does she want to call attention to her "dainty" belly? If so, why? This is a good time to talk about body image. Regardless of whether she doesn't expose her belly on a regular basis it's obviously for others to see, which is fine, I suppose.
Only my opinion but I think navel piercings are so over, fashion wise. Just like boob jobs -- they're so passe. I'm generally against piercing but a nose piercing is kinda cool in my eyes, but a belly piercing? Nothing original there.
posted by Fairchild at 5:12 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
Only my opinion but I think navel piercings are so over, fashion wise. Just like boob jobs -- they're so passe. I'm generally against piercing but a nose piercing is kinda cool in my eyes, but a belly piercing? Nothing original there.
posted by Fairchild at 5:12 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: elroy: I told Ro to read this & she laughed & said "that's funny" and walked away.
It's not that long since I was a young girl, and really, creepy old men you are turned on by just about anything and the best thing is to ignore.
Thanks for trying, though
posted by goshling at 5:15 AM on June 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
It's not that long since I was a young girl, and really, creepy old men you are turned on by just about anything and the best thing is to ignore.
Thanks for trying, though
posted by goshling at 5:15 AM on June 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
I got one done when I was 16. It didn't hurt, but I was prone to infection. Didn't tell my mum I was doing it, and just hid it from her. Of course she'd figured it out anyway but didn't say anything. I don't think she'll have a problem with snagging, unless she's into wearing high waisted tight jeans. You might tell her she may be restricted in her choice of clothing if you want to convince her not to do it. I never had a problem with snagging. I got rid of it after about 5 years because it did get sometimes infected and I was over it. HOWEVER, I am prone to infection, and my ear piercings get infected often, and I don't even wear earrings anymore. I have a blocked up piercing hole on my navel for remembrance. No other issues, apart from an extra crevice for belly lint to get into.
My friend also got one at 16, never had a problem. She got a tongue piercing too with no issues. I think certain people are just prone to infections. BTW I got mine done properly at a reputable place.
I can't help you with pregnancy issues unfortunately, but I imagine that once she gets over the fun of it all, a little hole over the belly button is nothing compared to, say, a tattoo.
Good luck.
posted by scuza at 5:18 AM on June 3, 2010
My friend also got one at 16, never had a problem. She got a tongue piercing too with no issues. I think certain people are just prone to infections. BTW I got mine done properly at a reputable place.
I can't help you with pregnancy issues unfortunately, but I imagine that once she gets over the fun of it all, a little hole over the belly button is nothing compared to, say, a tattoo.
Good luck.
posted by scuza at 5:18 AM on June 3, 2010
Oh I second the motion that belly piercings are lame and very 90s (that's when I got mine done. Very era appropriate)
posted by scuza at 5:19 AM on June 3, 2010
posted by scuza at 5:19 AM on June 3, 2010
"Awesome! Let's both get one! We'll be like sisters AND best friends!"
posted by obiwanwasabi at 5:28 AM on June 3, 2010 [10 favorites]
posted by obiwanwasabi at 5:28 AM on June 3, 2010 [10 favorites]
Best answer: I got one, and it took forever to heal. Never did, in fact- at the 6 month mark, it fell out one day and by the time I noticed, it had started to close. That was the end of that, I didn't have the energy to deal with it again. I think you should just let her do it- unlike a tattoo, a piercing is easily reversible.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:32 AM on June 3, 2010
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:32 AM on June 3, 2010
Best answer: I can give you two perspectives - one from the little boy who desperately wanted his ears pierced, and one from the gay man who now judges that little boy... hard.
When I was about 16, part of my family went to DC on vacation and my siblings and I ended up at the mall in Arlington. I had wanted nothing more than to be pierced since... Well... Forever. Upper cartilage piercings were just so cool! (I grew up on an island and often found myself emulating surfer culture for which I had a love-hate hardon as a young tightly-wound gay.) I went ahead and got the piercings and my dad flipped out. I took them out immediately in a huff and if my resentment of my often-irrational father could have been stronger, it would have been.
So now I'm older and I can see what I was trying to achieve with that little bit of self-expression and it makes me roll my eyes. And honestly, I'm glad that I ended up fixated on cartilage rather than belly button or eyebrow. I've seen some nasty scars from those through the years. But there's a funny thing about those scars - they aren't just wounded flesh. To me, they're permanent reminders of a time when we were all young and foolish and so so so desperate to be cool at any cost. And that makes me sad.
Who knows. Maybe your daughter will love it and is doing this for all the right reasons (whatever they may be, they are wholly outside of my experience). And maybe she'll never regret it. But if she does regret it, if she does have some kind of body image issue, if she's not doing this for the right reasons, she might end up with a permanent scar as a reminder of that regret. Unless I drive by the Pentagon or walk by a Claire's, I'm pretty much safe from remembering that little fiasco.
posted by greekphilosophy at 5:36 AM on June 3, 2010 [4 favorites]
When I was about 16, part of my family went to DC on vacation and my siblings and I ended up at the mall in Arlington. I had wanted nothing more than to be pierced since... Well... Forever. Upper cartilage piercings were just so cool! (I grew up on an island and often found myself emulating surfer culture for which I had a love-hate hardon as a young tightly-wound gay.) I went ahead and got the piercings and my dad flipped out. I took them out immediately in a huff and if my resentment of my often-irrational father could have been stronger, it would have been.
So now I'm older and I can see what I was trying to achieve with that little bit of self-expression and it makes me roll my eyes. And honestly, I'm glad that I ended up fixated on cartilage rather than belly button or eyebrow. I've seen some nasty scars from those through the years. But there's a funny thing about those scars - they aren't just wounded flesh. To me, they're permanent reminders of a time when we were all young and foolish and so so so desperate to be cool at any cost. And that makes me sad.
Who knows. Maybe your daughter will love it and is doing this for all the right reasons (whatever they may be, they are wholly outside of my experience). And maybe she'll never regret it. But if she does regret it, if she does have some kind of body image issue, if she's not doing this for the right reasons, she might end up with a permanent scar as a reminder of that regret. Unless I drive by the Pentagon or walk by a Claire's, I'm pretty much safe from remembering that little fiasco.
posted by greekphilosophy at 5:36 AM on June 3, 2010 [4 favorites]
Best answer: You said yourself that she's responsible with her piercings. Let her get it. She's a teenager, she'll probably get bored with it at some point in the not too distant future and take it out and that's the end of it. It's not like she wants to get a tattoo on her neck or something.
posted by crankylex at 5:42 AM on June 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by crankylex at 5:42 AM on June 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
Best answer: She sounds responsible to me, I don't see the harm.
I got one more years ago than I will admit (cough sixteen cough) and I've never had a problem with infection, snagging, or anything at all other than once it hurt a little when some jeans rubbed against it all day.
She can always take it out for pregnancy (although I have heard that maternity belly rings are available), and by the time her stomach is sagging she probably will have removed it anyway.
posted by mrs. taters at 5:49 AM on June 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
I got one more years ago than I will admit (cough sixteen cough) and I've never had a problem with infection, snagging, or anything at all other than once it hurt a little when some jeans rubbed against it all day.
She can always take it out for pregnancy (although I have heard that maternity belly rings are available), and by the time her stomach is sagging she probably will have removed it anyway.
posted by mrs. taters at 5:49 AM on June 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
Eh, it's not a tattoo, which is more visibly permanent. Talk it over, she where her thinking is and perhaps advise her to wait a bit.
From your description of her, it doesn't sound like she wants to be partying 24/7 or that this is a gateway piercing that allow her to succumb to the power of Satan. It's just one of the little steps you have to deal with as parent as they spread their wings and fly off into their beautiful future, while occasionally dropping by for cash, laundry, meals, etc
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:05 AM on June 3, 2010
From your description of her, it doesn't sound like she wants to be partying 24/7 or that this is a gateway piercing that allow her to succumb to the power of Satan. It's just one of the little steps you have to deal with as parent as they spread their wings and fly off into their beautiful future, while occasionally dropping by for cash, laundry, meals, etc
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:05 AM on June 3, 2010
Just be on the lookout for lower back tattoos and the purchase of lucite heels.
posted by electroboy at 6:12 AM on June 3, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by electroboy at 6:12 AM on June 3, 2010 [4 favorites]
I had my naval pierced when I was about that age. It did get caught on something and ripped out. I lived.
posted by geekchic at 6:18 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by geekchic at 6:18 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I've had mine 15 years now with no issues at all. It didn't get infected, it never snagged on anything, I have no scars or stretch marks from it. I've had four children and I've never taken it out; I have the same jewelry in that I was pierced with (it looks like this - just a quick image search - not affiliated with that site or anything). I got it because I liked the look of it, on me; I don't have any other piercings except standard ear piercings. Most people don't even know I have it.
I have a wider gauge and smaller ring than many other people I see with navel piercings and for some reason I've always thought that made a difference in how well it healed and my lack of issues. (I had a couple friends that had thinner, bigger piercings where they did get infected and they took them out.) I scar easily but I haven't had any problems, and everyone warned me I should take it out when I got pregnant, but even though I gained a lot of weight I never got stretch marks from it, so I just left it alone. I was told if I needed a C-section or any surgical interventions it would have to come out at that point, though - the doctors will cut it off - it's a safety issue.
She sounds responsible, and to me a navel piercing is about as exciting as ear piercings (which is to say, not at all). In fact I'm more comfortable with the navel piercing than the nose piercing, but I'm probably a bit conservative, I'm not really into piercings. I don't see the harm in letting her get it done, at a good place, and with good aftercare.
posted by flex at 6:18 AM on June 3, 2010
I have a wider gauge and smaller ring than many other people I see with navel piercings and for some reason I've always thought that made a difference in how well it healed and my lack of issues. (I had a couple friends that had thinner, bigger piercings where they did get infected and they took them out.) I scar easily but I haven't had any problems, and everyone warned me I should take it out when I got pregnant, but even though I gained a lot of weight I never got stretch marks from it, so I just left it alone. I was told if I needed a C-section or any surgical interventions it would have to come out at that point, though - the doctors will cut it off - it's a safety issue.
She sounds responsible, and to me a navel piercing is about as exciting as ear piercings (which is to say, not at all). In fact I'm more comfortable with the navel piercing than the nose piercing, but I'm probably a bit conservative, I'm not really into piercings. I don't see the harm in letting her get it done, at a good place, and with good aftercare.
posted by flex at 6:18 AM on June 3, 2010
I had my navel pierced at her age (it was cool at the time). It didn't hurt that bad at the time, but it never really healed completely, so I was in moderate pain until I took it out a year or two later. It healed fine without the jewelry in it, and I now have a small divet where the piercing was. Overall, no harm done, really. I say let her do it, and in all likelihood, she'll get bored of it before too long.
posted by TrarNoir at 6:21 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by TrarNoir at 6:21 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
Hey Gosh!
I think you may be being a touch overprotective and irrational. When I saw your tweet, I presumed it was the Elroy factor that bothered you. If not, I can't see the problem.
posted by pompomtom at 6:28 AM on June 3, 2010
I think you may be being a touch overprotective and irrational. When I saw your tweet, I presumed it was the Elroy factor that bothered you. If not, I can't see the problem.
posted by pompomtom at 6:28 AM on June 3, 2010
Speaking as a young Australian with a lot of razor-edge fashionable friends, belly piercings are generally regarded as pretty trashy and (gasp!) outer-suburban. They're the lower back tattoo of piercings, really.
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 6:35 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 6:35 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
To me, they're permanent reminders of a time when we were all young and foolish and so so so desperate to be cool at any cost.
Piercings? I think they're permanent reminders of a time when we were all young and foolish and so so so desperate to be cool at quite minimal cost.
People who get tattoos have a better claim to desiring to fit in at any cost ... since they're pretty much stuck with them.
posted by jayder at 6:36 AM on June 3, 2010
Piercings? I think they're permanent reminders of a time when we were all young and foolish and so so so desperate to be cool at quite minimal cost.
People who get tattoos have a better claim to desiring to fit in at any cost ... since they're pretty much stuck with them.
posted by jayder at 6:36 AM on June 3, 2010
Best answer: A lot of my friends got these, some got infected but it was no big drama, just a bit gross! But kudos to you guys for having such a good relationship that a) she asked you how you felt about it and b) you didn't knee jerk your reaction. You should be pretty proud of that :)
posted by Chrysalis at 6:37 AM on June 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by Chrysalis at 6:37 AM on June 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
Best answer: I've had my naval piercing for a while - even through a pregnancy. Not had an infection but I am very careful even after a decade of washing it with soap in the shower and making sure things stay clean in the humid summer.
I was also pierced with a curved bar although I can swap it out for other rings I prefer to stick with the bar. I disinfect everything when I swap jewelery - but then I often do that with earrings too.
It is gonna hurt like hell to get it done - but that's no surprise. I think the nose piercing was still the most painful one.
Even though I don't usually walk around with my tummy exposed, I am pretty conscious about the kind of pants I wear - most need to go below the piercing for me to be comfy, unless it's something like yoga pants which are loose enough to wear over. She might want to check pant and skirt waist levels beforehand - or be prepared to buy a new lower-half wardrobe.
If she takes it out she might have a scar but so what? She is more likely to get a more obvious and worse scar from her knife skills in the kitchen.
I recently joked that I don't know any Australian women who don't have their navals pierced - it's fun to wear different jewelery even just for yourself. Anyone who thinks it's a reflection on her character is still living a few decades ago - ignore them.
I would recommend to her though to wait until spring to do it so she can wear looser clothing and not need so many layers while it's healing.
posted by gomichild at 6:42 AM on June 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
I was also pierced with a curved bar although I can swap it out for other rings I prefer to stick with the bar. I disinfect everything when I swap jewelery - but then I often do that with earrings too.
It is gonna hurt like hell to get it done - but that's no surprise. I think the nose piercing was still the most painful one.
Even though I don't usually walk around with my tummy exposed, I am pretty conscious about the kind of pants I wear - most need to go below the piercing for me to be comfy, unless it's something like yoga pants which are loose enough to wear over. She might want to check pant and skirt waist levels beforehand - or be prepared to buy a new lower-half wardrobe.
If she takes it out she might have a scar but so what? She is more likely to get a more obvious and worse scar from her knife skills in the kitchen.
I recently joked that I don't know any Australian women who don't have their navals pierced - it's fun to wear different jewelery even just for yourself. Anyone who thinks it's a reflection on her character is still living a few decades ago - ignore them.
I would recommend to her though to wait until spring to do it so she can wear looser clothing and not need so many layers while it's healing.
posted by gomichild at 6:42 AM on June 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: To me, they're permanent reminders of a time when we were all young and foolish and so so so desperate to be cool at any cost. And that makes me sad.
What? Oh no! This makes me sad.
I was tattooed at 16. Started dating a professional piercer at age 18 or 19, which means I had no less than 3 facial piercings at a time. (Not dating anymore, still friends.)
I was young. I was foolish. I've had to get tattoo cover-up work done and still have multiple (tiny and unnoticeable) scars where titanium used to live. And I love all my weird little scars and stupid tattoos, because each one of those was "a stupid thing I did when I was young and foolish." And those memories are kind of adorable.
She's not asking for a tattoo, so she's not as "stupid-adorable-foolish-dumbass" as I was. She's not getting anything visible, so it's probably just "for her," which means she wants to grow up a little bit, and make a grown-up decision about her body and the responsibility of taking care of it.
Ten years from now, she'll probably roll her eyes at her former self, laugh a little bit and say, "Yeah, I got a navel ring when I was 16. I know, so dorky." She'll probably forget all about it after a few months once the novelty wears off, and either just live with it, or take it out.
Now, as far as health is concerned, THIS is the actual concern. IANAP. Piercings in such places as the navel do have a tendency to migrate, or force itself out as the body rejects it (it is a foreign object after all.) But then again, millions of navel piercings exist in the world, most with no problem. I would talk to your piercer, obviously. They're the expert. Or should be.
Which leads me to the fact that unregulated piercing is dangerous and unsanitary. Although you live in AU, the Association of Professional Piercers is a really great resource for what to look for in a piercing shop. That link is to an astoundingly long list of standards that reputable piercers should live up to.
Good luck! :)
posted by functionequalsform at 6:57 AM on June 3, 2010 [7 favorites]
What? Oh no! This makes me sad.
I was tattooed at 16. Started dating a professional piercer at age 18 or 19, which means I had no less than 3 facial piercings at a time. (Not dating anymore, still friends.)
I was young. I was foolish. I've had to get tattoo cover-up work done and still have multiple (tiny and unnoticeable) scars where titanium used to live. And I love all my weird little scars and stupid tattoos, because each one of those was "a stupid thing I did when I was young and foolish." And those memories are kind of adorable.
She's not asking for a tattoo, so she's not as "stupid-adorable-foolish-dumbass" as I was. She's not getting anything visible, so it's probably just "for her," which means she wants to grow up a little bit, and make a grown-up decision about her body and the responsibility of taking care of it.
Ten years from now, she'll probably roll her eyes at her former self, laugh a little bit and say, "Yeah, I got a navel ring when I was 16. I know, so dorky." She'll probably forget all about it after a few months once the novelty wears off, and either just live with it, or take it out.
Now, as far as health is concerned, THIS is the actual concern. IANAP. Piercings in such places as the navel do have a tendency to migrate, or force itself out as the body rejects it (it is a foreign object after all.) But then again, millions of navel piercings exist in the world, most with no problem. I would talk to your piercer, obviously. They're the expert. Or should be.
Which leads me to the fact that unregulated piercing is dangerous and unsanitary. Although you live in AU, the Association of Professional Piercers is a really great resource for what to look for in a piercing shop. That link is to an astoundingly long list of standards that reputable piercers should live up to.
Good luck! :)
posted by functionequalsform at 6:57 AM on June 3, 2010 [7 favorites]
I had mine done when I was 18 or so, and kept it for about 15 years. I finally took it out when I had surgery, as that was required. I do have a little scar tissue and a 'dot' you can see, but so what? I don't really feel like it reflects on me either way. The scar did get oddly darker during my pregnancy, something related to the linea negra I think. Again, I don't find that I care that much.
Since a nose piercing is much more obvious once taken out I would be much less enthusiastic about that, actually.
Not sure why greekphilosophy's approach resonates with you. What's sad about a little experimentation with body modification? A scar is just a scar. I have one on my belly button, and a few on my arms and trunk from getting moles removed. I look at them about the same. We all get marked by going through life.
posted by miss tea at 7:09 AM on June 3, 2010
Since a nose piercing is much more obvious once taken out I would be much less enthusiastic about that, actually.
Not sure why greekphilosophy's approach resonates with you. What's sad about a little experimentation with body modification? A scar is just a scar. I have one on my belly button, and a few on my arms and trunk from getting moles removed. I look at them about the same. We all get marked by going through life.
posted by miss tea at 7:09 AM on June 3, 2010
Best answer: I was as wise and mature as I can ever reasonably expect to achieve when I had my belly piercing done about 6 years ago (was mid-30s at the time). It did take a fairly long time to fully heal, but there were no complications. It did not hurt significantly more than an ear piercing. I had laproscopic surgery a couple years ago and I just had to take it out for the surgery because of the electrical current involved. I put it back in a few days later.
The only real negative that crops up from time to time is that, depending on the jewelry piece and the type of pants I wear, it can get roughed up a little and sore. I just leave it out for a few days when that happens. I can leave it out for weeks at a time now without it healing over. As an overweight gal, certain types of jewelry are more comfortable than others, but beyond that--my jiggly old stretch-marked and laproscopy-scarred belly would be jiggly and old and scarred with or without the piercing.
posted by drlith at 7:19 AM on June 3, 2010
The only real negative that crops up from time to time is that, depending on the jewelry piece and the type of pants I wear, it can get roughed up a little and sore. I just leave it out for a few days when that happens. I can leave it out for weeks at a time now without it healing over. As an overweight gal, certain types of jewelry are more comfortable than others, but beyond that--my jiggly old stretch-marked and laproscopy-scarred belly would be jiggly and old and scarred with or without the piercing.
posted by drlith at 7:19 AM on June 3, 2010
I have a nasty little scar above my navel from my piercing. I took the ring out during my first pregnancy eight years ago and I don't believe it's closed up at all (although I haven't tried to put anything in it since - so it might be partially closed). The skin around the hole is discolored (brownish-gray) and wrinkled and despite cleaning my navel thoroughly every time I shower, the hole still occasionally fills up with nasty schmutz. It would probably look better if I wore a ring or bar again (assuming it's still open all the way through), but now that I'm pushing forty and have a seriously tame lifestyle, it seems stupid. But I'm not a big jewelry-wearer anyway, so someone who likes jewelry more might still enjoy having something shiny on their tummy in later years.
posted by Dojie at 7:24 AM on June 3, 2010
posted by Dojie at 7:24 AM on June 3, 2010
I had a belly piercing when I was 12. They are very low-maintenance and at 30 now I still have the same one and often even forget it's there. Nth-ing this is not a big deal, and unlike a tattoo, it's not permanent and she can just take it out when she chooses to.
posted by Kurichina at 7:24 AM on June 3, 2010
posted by Kurichina at 7:24 AM on June 3, 2010
I pierced my bellybutton myself at 16 (its boring in the suburbs) and it inevitably got infected. I took it out and did it again. I have a tiny scar and a good story. I would be much more concerned with facial or ear piercings because those scars will be more noticable.
I regret my second ear piercing more because I see the scar every day. Still, I'm of the mindset of it being a life experience and she'll get bored of it before she deals with pregnancy issues.
posted by Bunglegirl at 7:33 AM on June 3, 2010
I regret my second ear piercing more because I see the scar every day. Still, I'm of the mindset of it being a life experience and she'll get bored of it before she deals with pregnancy issues.
posted by Bunglegirl at 7:33 AM on June 3, 2010
My daughter had one at 16 and it just kept on getting infected, which was painful and unpleasant to look at so eventually she gave up and took it out. We fought about it like cats and dogs before she went off in a huff and had it done - mainly because I was trying to point out that she has and has always had terrible metal allergies and a tendency for piercings to get infected (it took, like, SIX YEARS for her ears to heal) - and she did not want to hear any of this. Yes, I was right but in retrospect I wish we had just skipped the fighting. The predestined end was the same and I could have spared us both a lot of grief by saying "Oh, okay. That will be nice. Here, have some Bactine."
posted by mygothlaundry at 7:42 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by mygothlaundry at 7:42 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
My almost 18 year old got her navel pierced at 16. It wasn't a terribly painful piercing - I took her - and healed just fine. She has a curved bar in and never changes it. It made her very happy and only shows when she's not at school given dress code. She sealed it with tegaderm before swimming for about the first 3 months. It's not my thing but as piercings go it's pretty benign and non-visible. Just make sure she goes to a really good, careful piercer. My daughter had trouble with infections from ear piercings at a mall, once we switched to the obsessive body modification studio for anything (her ears are double and triple pierced) she had no problems.
posted by leslies at 7:49 AM on June 3, 2010
posted by leslies at 7:49 AM on June 3, 2010
The piercer makes all the difference in the world. A good, clean, reputable, and (preferably) certified piercer will make sure she gets appropriate jewelery and provide good after-care procedures.
I went to a not so reputable piercer for my navel and it was a horrible, awful experience from the get-go. After almost 2 years, I had to take it out because it never healed. I had a similarly awful experience with another not-so-reputable piercer later on (not navel this time).
When I decided to get my eyebrows pierced, I went with a recommendation of a friend with several piercings and it was a whole different world. He was able to explain why my other 2 piercing attempts did not work out (they used bad jewelry in both cases - the navel being threaded on the ends, and the other being just to small of rings for the body part).
I've never had any problems with my eyebrow piercings and its been nearly 6 years now that I've had them. I've thought about having him do my navel again, but I'm just to active now to allow for proper healing time.
I should point out that I have no scars from the second bad experience, and only a small dark hole above my navel from the first. Its hardly noticeable.
As said above - piercings are NOT permanent. There's really not much to worry about, other than choosing the right piercer.
posted by CorporateHippy at 8:12 AM on June 3, 2010
I went to a not so reputable piercer for my navel and it was a horrible, awful experience from the get-go. After almost 2 years, I had to take it out because it never healed. I had a similarly awful experience with another not-so-reputable piercer later on (not navel this time).
When I decided to get my eyebrows pierced, I went with a recommendation of a friend with several piercings and it was a whole different world. He was able to explain why my other 2 piercing attempts did not work out (they used bad jewelry in both cases - the navel being threaded on the ends, and the other being just to small of rings for the body part).
I've never had any problems with my eyebrow piercings and its been nearly 6 years now that I've had them. I've thought about having him do my navel again, but I'm just to active now to allow for proper healing time.
I should point out that I have no scars from the second bad experience, and only a small dark hole above my navel from the first. Its hardly noticeable.
As said above - piercings are NOT permanent. There's really not much to worry about, other than choosing the right piercer.
posted by CorporateHippy at 8:12 AM on June 3, 2010
Best answer: I think you may be being a touch overprotective and irrational.
BTW, Goshling, I don't think you're being overprotective and irrational at all! I think you're being pretty awesome. After all, you're her mom. And she's your daughter. Who wants to put holes in herself. And is starting to make grown-up decisions.
All of that has to be a little nerve wracking, as in, "OMG, it's my job to make sure this kid makes it to adulthood and doesn't do stuff that is too stupid."
You can rest assured that even though navel piercings in all seriousness no big deal at all, it is still a decision that requires more maturity than choosing between a Happy Meal or an ice cream. It would make me pause and I'm not even a mom. And I've put extensive holes in myself. So good on you for not freaking out like "our" parents did.
posted by functionequalsform at 8:23 AM on June 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
BTW, Goshling, I don't think you're being overprotective and irrational at all! I think you're being pretty awesome. After all, you're her mom. And she's your daughter. Who wants to put holes in herself. And is starting to make grown-up decisions.
All of that has to be a little nerve wracking, as in, "OMG, it's my job to make sure this kid makes it to adulthood and doesn't do stuff that is too stupid."
You can rest assured that even though navel piercings in all seriousness no big deal at all, it is still a decision that requires more maturity than choosing between a Happy Meal or an ice cream. It would make me pause and I'm not even a mom. And I've put extensive holes in myself. So good on you for not freaking out like "our" parents did.
posted by functionequalsform at 8:23 AM on June 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
I had my ear pierced at 20 (and again at 23) and gave up on the piercings around 30.
I would expect a girl her age to have a similar pattern.
In the worst case, she might discover that she likes body mods and gets all manner of piercings and scarification and tattoos and implants and joins a side show. But heck, at that point I'd say she's found her calling. (but how likely is that really?)
Would you consider getting a piercing with her?
I went to high school with a guy who really wanted a motorcycle, so his dad and he bought identical models. I think that went a long way to taking some of the 'sexy' and a lot of the danger out of the purchase.
posted by plinth at 8:53 AM on June 3, 2010
I would expect a girl her age to have a similar pattern.
In the worst case, she might discover that she likes body mods and gets all manner of piercings and scarification and tattoos and implants and joins a side show. But heck, at that point I'd say she's found her calling. (but how likely is that really?)
Would you consider getting a piercing with her?
I went to high school with a guy who really wanted a motorcycle, so his dad and he bought identical models. I think that went a long way to taking some of the 'sexy' and a lot of the danger out of the purchase.
posted by plinth at 8:53 AM on June 3, 2010
I am 25 and my mom is 53. I'm pretty fit and my mom is always saying how cute it would look to have a little sparly belly ring in my button hole. This is how I know that belly rings are now "so yesterday" in fashion terms. Luckily as many have mentioned, piercings are removable so if she gets over it she can just take it out.
It's great that you're having a rational discussion with her about this and not jumping to some conclusion like OMG my daughter is going to be promiscuous when she gets that belly ring!!! If I were you, I would sahre this thread with her to highlight the soreness / health related issues so that your daughter can make a decision based on how much she feels like dealing with possible complications and her past experiences with body healing and infections.
She sounds like a really good kid. When I reached the point where I was mature enough to hold down a job and pretty much depend on myself my parent's answer to any questions such as "can i get this or that pierced" was "You can do whatever you want as long as you pay for it and deal with any consequences." As long as your daughter is aware of possible consequences, let her make this decision, and support her in it. And don't be all "i told you so" if it does get infected, just let her deal with cleaning it and such. It's these little freedoms that form independant people.
posted by WeekendJen at 9:00 AM on June 3, 2010
It's great that you're having a rational discussion with her about this and not jumping to some conclusion like OMG my daughter is going to be promiscuous when she gets that belly ring!!! If I were you, I would sahre this thread with her to highlight the soreness / health related issues so that your daughter can make a decision based on how much she feels like dealing with possible complications and her past experiences with body healing and infections.
She sounds like a really good kid. When I reached the point where I was mature enough to hold down a job and pretty much depend on myself my parent's answer to any questions such as "can i get this or that pierced" was "You can do whatever you want as long as you pay for it and deal with any consequences." As long as your daughter is aware of possible consequences, let her make this decision, and support her in it. And don't be all "i told you so" if it does get infected, just let her deal with cleaning it and such. It's these little freedoms that form independant people.
posted by WeekendJen at 9:00 AM on June 3, 2010
I was 33 when I got my belly pierced. I had wanted one for a long time and finally figured, hey, you're an adult. Go do it!
It hurt for 2 weeks and took 9 months to fully heal, even though I cleaned it religously. I blame a lot of that on the fact that I had to wear hosiery and professional looking skirts/slacks to work, which did irritate it. Plus, my cubicle and desk at work is v-shaped with my computer keyboard at the point of the v. So occasionally I'd bump the bar against the edge of my desk.
I was pierced with the curved bar and just kept that one the whole time. It's four years later (almost to the day) and although I never show it off I still love it to pieces and am not even sad that it's now considered trashy and passé.
posted by ladygypsy at 9:34 AM on June 3, 2010
It hurt for 2 weeks and took 9 months to fully heal, even though I cleaned it religously. I blame a lot of that on the fact that I had to wear hosiery and professional looking skirts/slacks to work, which did irritate it. Plus, my cubicle and desk at work is v-shaped with my computer keyboard at the point of the v. So occasionally I'd bump the bar against the edge of my desk.
I was pierced with the curved bar and just kept that one the whole time. It's four years later (almost to the day) and although I never show it off I still love it to pieces and am not even sad that it's now considered trashy and passé.
posted by ladygypsy at 9:34 AM on June 3, 2010
Best answer: Navel piercing is a very low-risk undertaking. The odds of something happening which cannot be fixed (by either taking it out, or taking antibiotics and possibly also taking it out, or just giving it a one-time-disinfection with hydrogen peroxide) are incredibly slim. Some people are unlucky and their body rejects the jewellery (in the same way that your skin will push splinters or glass up to the surface) leaving behind a scar. This looks bad at first, and usually fades to barely noticable in a few years. And is nothing compared to the innumerable ways she could permanently scar her face by falling off a bicycle or roller skates (and you wouldn't freak out if she came home with either of those, would you?).
They do take a long time to heal--between 6 and 12 months is normal. That's a long window of opportunity to develop a small problem. An actual infection (unfriendly bacteria living and multiplying in the wound) is different from an allergic reaction to the metal, or to a cleaning product, or physical irritation from waistbands snagging it. These things may look the same to the untrained eye, but call for different remedies. You can make a simple problem worse by applying the wrong remedy (for example, repeatedly cleaning it with a harsh disinfectant instead of simply changing to loose clothing or a different piece of jewellery) so if she's having any issue with it she should get a pro's advice before trying anything. Navel piercings do often go through a phase of being red/itchy/weepy before clearing up through patience alone.
And relax. A navel piercing is only as trashy or classy as the person wearing it.
posted by K.P. at 9:44 AM on June 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
They do take a long time to heal--between 6 and 12 months is normal. That's a long window of opportunity to develop a small problem. An actual infection (unfriendly bacteria living and multiplying in the wound) is different from an allergic reaction to the metal, or to a cleaning product, or physical irritation from waistbands snagging it. These things may look the same to the untrained eye, but call for different remedies. You can make a simple problem worse by applying the wrong remedy (for example, repeatedly cleaning it with a harsh disinfectant instead of simply changing to loose clothing or a different piece of jewellery) so if she's having any issue with it she should get a pro's advice before trying anything. Navel piercings do often go through a phase of being red/itchy/weepy before clearing up through patience alone.
And relax. A navel piercing is only as trashy or classy as the person wearing it.
posted by K.P. at 9:44 AM on June 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
Once upon a time, to celebrate my 18th birthday, I got my navel pierced. This was back in the mid '90s, at a reputable establishment. Over the ensuing years, it gave me so much trouble – far more than what I later experienced with tongue, cartilage, etc. I experienced multiple infections, long after it had healed. A few years later it started migrating. One day, after taking a shower, I heard a tiny clink. The ring, still closed, was on the floor. To this day I still have a small scar from where it worked its way out.
All that said, I'd wouldn't advise against it and I don't regret getting mine way back when. It was a teenage whim that ended rather stupidly, but it was an experience and a (mostly) fun, silly memory. I'm sure most people don't have the complications I did!
posted by allisonrae at 10:16 AM on June 3, 2010
All that said, I'd wouldn't advise against it and I don't regret getting mine way back when. It was a teenage whim that ended rather stupidly, but it was an experience and a (mostly) fun, silly memory. I'm sure most people don't have the complications I did!
posted by allisonrae at 10:16 AM on June 3, 2010
As long as the hardware can be removed at some point in the future I wouldn't be concerned. I would only be concerned if it caused a permanent change to appearance that would be highly visible as those things that seem so cool right now will look hopelessly dated in the future (tribal armbands say hi).
posted by mattholomew at 10:21 AM on June 3, 2010
posted by mattholomew at 10:21 AM on June 3, 2010
I got mine at 20 or so, and at 36, am still pleased with it, despite my body having changed shape somewhat with age.
More painful? Eh, I guess? But it's only for one second. By the time your brain is registering the pain, the needle is through.
Nth-nth-nthing that a reputable piercer is really important. I've seen navel piercings done with too-small-gauge or too-short jewelry; invariably these get infected, don't heal right, get pushed out, or are abandoned. She should listen to that reputable piercer and get the jewelry size that he/she recommends.
If she does get bored with it and take it out, the scar is minimal and will generally fade into a nearly impossible-to-see little dot.
I had laparoscopic surgery a couple of years ago. I took out the piercing the day of the surgery and put it back in a couple of days later -- the surgeon made the incision through the bottom of my belly button instead of the top as to not mess up the piercing.
(I'm kind of surprised that you'd be squicked by a navel piercing, but okay with a nose piercing, which, after all, is visible every day and might actually be something on which people would judge her.)
posted by desuetude at 10:25 AM on June 3, 2010
More painful? Eh, I guess? But it's only for one second. By the time your brain is registering the pain, the needle is through.
Nth-nth-nthing that a reputable piercer is really important. I've seen navel piercings done with too-small-gauge or too-short jewelry; invariably these get infected, don't heal right, get pushed out, or are abandoned. She should listen to that reputable piercer and get the jewelry size that he/she recommends.
If she does get bored with it and take it out, the scar is minimal and will generally fade into a nearly impossible-to-see little dot.
I had laparoscopic surgery a couple of years ago. I took out the piercing the day of the surgery and put it back in a couple of days later -- the surgeon made the incision through the bottom of my belly button instead of the top as to not mess up the piercing.
(I'm kind of surprised that you'd be squicked by a navel piercing, but okay with a nose piercing, which, after all, is visible every day and might actually be something on which people would judge her.)
posted by desuetude at 10:25 AM on June 3, 2010
As a mom with tattoos and piercings who has a daughter with tattoos and piercings, I have another perspective.
Your daughter sounds mature and intelligent: she's thought this through, has her own money, is demonstrably good with caring for piercings, doesn't legally require your permission and - best of all - sounds like she really is doing this for herself.
I honestly think 16 year old girls in our society can't get enough object lessons about bodily autonomy; IMHO she should get to make this decision herself.
My daughter is ten years older than years and every day I learn another lesson about letting go. Good luck, mom!
posted by Space Kitty at 11:07 AM on June 3, 2010
Your daughter sounds mature and intelligent: she's thought this through, has her own money, is demonstrably good with caring for piercings, doesn't legally require your permission and - best of all - sounds like she really is doing this for herself.
I honestly think 16 year old girls in our society can't get enough object lessons about bodily autonomy; IMHO she should get to make this decision herself.
My daughter is ten years older than years and every day I learn another lesson about letting go. Good luck, mom!
posted by Space Kitty at 11:07 AM on June 3, 2010
stupid typo.
posted by Space Kitty at 11:08 AM on June 3, 2010
posted by Space Kitty at 11:08 AM on June 3, 2010
My cousin's daughter got one and it got infected. She wound up in the hospital.
Tell her to be careful.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 11:13 AM on June 3, 2010
Tell her to be careful.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 11:13 AM on June 3, 2010
Best answer: I had my belly button pierced when I was 15 or 16. It was the 90s and terribly cool at the time, now I'm inclined to think they're sort of silly looking. But I was a teenager, a good, smart kid, and I was looking for ways to explore my body and my identity that didn't have permanent consequences. I hardly ever showed it off. In fact, it felt kind of like my cool secret. I'm majorly needle phobic, so I was proud of myself for dealing with the pain. It made me so happy at the time, far out of proportion with what it actually way, so even though I wouldn't do it again, I don't regret it.
Mine healed extremely well at the time and didn't give me any trouble for years. When I was about 20, it started occasionally getting irritated/infected. This coincided with a period of increased allergies and major anxiety, so I'm inclined to think it was some kind of stress induced immune reaction. After it had given me guff for about a year, I took it out.
I've got a little scar that's probably a bit worse than normal because of the infection phase and because of weight gain. It's no big deal. I also had laparoscopic surgery when it was pierced and just took the ring out it out for the day. Also no big deal.
All in all, I'm inclined to agree with functionequalsform:
She's not asking for a tattoo, so she's not as "stupid-adorable-foolish-dumbass" as I was. She's not getting anything visible, so it's probably just "for her," which means she wants to grow up a little bit, and make a grown-up decision about her body and the responsibility of taking care of it.
Ten years from now, she'll probably roll her eyes at her former self, laugh a little bit and say, "Yeah, I got a navel ring when I was 16. I know, so dorky."
posted by mostlymartha at 11:23 AM on June 3, 2010
Mine healed extremely well at the time and didn't give me any trouble for years. When I was about 20, it started occasionally getting irritated/infected. This coincided with a period of increased allergies and major anxiety, so I'm inclined to think it was some kind of stress induced immune reaction. After it had given me guff for about a year, I took it out.
I've got a little scar that's probably a bit worse than normal because of the infection phase and because of weight gain. It's no big deal. I also had laparoscopic surgery when it was pierced and just took the ring out it out for the day. Also no big deal.
All in all, I'm inclined to agree with functionequalsform:
She's not asking for a tattoo, so she's not as "stupid-adorable-foolish-dumbass" as I was. She's not getting anything visible, so it's probably just "for her," which means she wants to grow up a little bit, and make a grown-up decision about her body and the responsibility of taking care of it.
Ten years from now, she'll probably roll her eyes at her former self, laugh a little bit and say, "Yeah, I got a navel ring when I was 16. I know, so dorky."
posted by mostlymartha at 11:23 AM on June 3, 2010
I think they're passe, but I also think a naval piercing done by a reputable professional is not a big deal. It's not permanent, after all, it's in a relatively hidden area of her body so there will be minimal day-to-day judgment by others, and she's proven she can take care of similar piercings. You should encourage her to think of why she's really getting it (to please herself, to show off, because someone else likes it, because it's trendy where you are?), but I don't really have a good reason for you to tell her no.
posted by asciident at 11:30 AM on June 3, 2010
posted by asciident at 11:30 AM on June 3, 2010
Obviously, experiences differ among individuals, and one's pain perception and proneness to infection should be considered. I had my navel piercing done at 20, and it was painless, but the healing was a little uncomfortable. It got infected a couple of times and I finally took it out after 3 years. I have a small scar that is less noticeable over time (it's now been 8 years and it just looks like a dimple).
The reason I would not recommend it is not because of aesthetics or possible health risks, but one of the things I didn't like about it was that I could no longer get a comfortable belly rub. I know that might not be something you want to think about in regards to your 16-year-old, but I hated that a partner couldn't run his hand up and down my belly without snagging it on the jewelry. Ultimately, that is why I took it out. And now I have all the belly rubs I want, without interference.
If she likes belly rubs as much as I do, then a navel piercing is not for her. If not, then I don't see any reason not to do it.
posted by Fuego at 11:57 AM on June 3, 2010
The reason I would not recommend it is not because of aesthetics or possible health risks, but one of the things I didn't like about it was that I could no longer get a comfortable belly rub. I know that might not be something you want to think about in regards to your 16-year-old, but I hated that a partner couldn't run his hand up and down my belly without snagging it on the jewelry. Ultimately, that is why I took it out. And now I have all the belly rubs I want, without interference.
If she likes belly rubs as much as I do, then a navel piercing is not for her. If not, then I don't see any reason not to do it.
posted by Fuego at 11:57 AM on June 3, 2010
I can't really help with ways to discourage her, and if she's good with looking after her other piercing then I don't really see the problem... I've snagged various pieces of jewellery on stuff and after a couple of times you learn to NOT DO THAT...
If she does get it done I will make sure it's done somewhere reputable, she gets quality jewellery and follows after-care.
It's (quite a few) years since I've had anything new pierced, but in Melbourne I preferred The Piercing Urge - they seemed cluey and serious about doing a good job rather than just sticking you and getting you out the door.
posted by russm at 5:53 PM on June 3, 2010
If she does get it done I will make sure it's done somewhere reputable, she gets quality jewellery and follows after-care.
It's (quite a few) years since I've had anything new pierced, but in Melbourne I preferred The Piercing Urge - they seemed cluey and serious about doing a good job rather than just sticking you and getting you out the door.
posted by russm at 5:53 PM on June 3, 2010
I got one and it took forever to heal. There's also weird pus that comes out during the healing process. I eventually got sick of it and removed it, but there's still a mark. I felt like it was a waste of money.
posted by autoclavicle at 7:15 PM on June 8, 2010
posted by autoclavicle at 7:15 PM on June 8, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
/conversation over.
posted by elroyel1327 at 4:58 AM on June 3, 2010 [7 favorites]