How long before changing belly button ring

Check to see if your navel is swollen or not. Swelling is very common when you get a piercing. If you only see a small portion of belly jewelry on either end, it could mean your navel is still swollen and not fully healed.

When your piercing has completely healed, the skin will appear the same color as the area around your stomach. If the piercing slides up and down easily, this is a very good indication the area has healed. They may use equipment to take out the belly ring for the first time. After that, you should be able to do it yourself very easily.

Always start by washing your hands with a good antibacterial soap. Several weeks after piercing the belly button , the skin around the ring will be swollen, reddish, and sensitive to touch. Mild bleeding or discharge may also occur. Remember that proper hygiene and patience are crucial for your recovery.

The process of skin healing itself goes through different stages. After a couple of weeks, the piercing may look like everything is fine. However, the swelling may reappear over the next month, and you will see the liquid in the navel and crust around the ring.

Most piercers recommend waiting at least three months before changing your belly ring for the first time. However, it can take much longer, depending on your skin type, aftercare, and hygiene. Changing jewelry will be quick and painless if you give the skin time to recover.

The first sign that you are ready to change your ring is the look of your skin. If the skin around the jewelry has the same color as the rest of the belly and there are no changes for the next two weeks, you can try to remove the ring.

Next, take a tissue and lightly press the piercing. If there is pus, lymph, or any discharge, it is necessary to endure for a few more weeks. If the secretion around the ring has an unpleasant odor or an unusual color, you need to see a doctor because these are the common symptoms of an infection. The final sign that recovery is complete is a lack of pain when you touch or move the belly ring. Gently grab the piercing with your fingers and check if you can slide it up and down for a millimeter or two.

If you feel the ring sticks on the skin inside, you need to wait with the jewelry change. Once you are ready to change the belly ring, you need to disinfect the new jewelry. Soak it in the rubbing alcohol for 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, clean your hands well with antibacterial soap and dry them with a paper towel. Clean your navel and piercing with saline before removing the ring. You need to unscrew the ball on top to the left or remove it by sliding, depending on the jewelry type.

Carefully take off the ring and rinse the skin again with saline. Rough removal of jewelry can tear the skin, irritate it, and cause complications. If you feel any pain or discomfort, it is best to wait one more week.

Another option is to take the new jewelry to a piercing studio so that a professional can replace it. Replace the ball on the top of the ring and screw it tightly into place. Work the new belly button ring gently in an up and down motion to ensure it is properly secured. Immediately contact a professional body piercer if you cannot change your belly button ring or if the area becomes red or a discharge forms.

Do not use a cloth towel to dry your hands before handling your piercing, because it could have bacteria on it, which could spread to the piercing.

Allison Boelcke graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's in English and a minor in psychology. She worked in print journalism for three years before deciding to pursue Internet writing. She is now a contributing web writer for Demand Studios and Conjecture Corporation.