Belly Button Piercing FAQ - By APP Certified Piercers in NYC

Close-up of a belly button piercing showing a top and bottom diamond stud. Both studs feature sparkling gemstones set in a gold bar, visible above a pair of blue denim jeans.

Clementine Piercing offers belly button piercings in NYC. Johnny Pearce, one of the worlds top rated and most trusted piercing professionals, holds tenure at Clementine Piercing in NYC—making it an excellent option for trusted piercing services.

Look for professional, APP-certified piercing studios with:

  • Experienced piercers familiar with technical piercings
  • Strict hygiene and sterilization protocols
  • Positive client reviews and portfolio examples

Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Belly button piercings require 9-12 months to fully heal. Consistent aftercare, high-quality jewelry, and avoiding irritation can support optimal healing.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

A healed belly button piercing should be free of redness, swelling, discharge, or tenderness. If the jewelry moves freely without discomfort and the skin around it appears smooth and settled, it may be healed. However, internal healing continues beyond external appearance.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Healing follows a general pattern:

  • Initial Stage (0-3 months): Redness, sensitivity, occasional crusting.
  • Mid-Healing (3-6 months): Reduced irritation, less discharge, minor itchiness.
  • Late Healing (6-12 months): Tissue stabilizes, no discomfort, jewelry moves freely.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

  • Avoid any touching, twisting, or playing with the piercing site or jewelry.
  • Gently rinse with water while you shower. Use sterile saline solution/wound wash spray as needed.
  • Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptics.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

If a belly button piercing shows signs of infection, avoid removing the jewelry and continue regular aftercare. Use a sterile saline wound wash and avoid harsh chemicals. Seek professional help if symptoms worsen or persist.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Common infection signs include redness, excessive swelling, heat, yellow or green discharge, and persistent pain. If symptoms intensify or spread, consult a professional.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Infected belly button piercings may be experiencing over swelling, growing redness, increased pain, or warmth with pus or unusual discharge. You may experience fever or flu-like symptoms like nausea.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

If your piercing seems infected, please visit a medical practitioner for antibiotics. Continue using a natural healing method, gently rinsing with water in the shower, use sterile saline wound wash if needed, avoid unnecessary handling, and let a professional evaluate worsening symptoms.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Bleeding can occur during the initial days of having your belly button piercing. It can also bleed from accidental trauma, irritation, or jewelry issues. Persistent bleeding may indicate an issue requiring professional assessment.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Mild redness is expected initially. Ongoing or worsening redness could indicate irritation or infection.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Signs include thinning skin, jewelry moving closer to the surface, prolonged healing, or chronic irritation. If rejection occurs, professional advice is recommended.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Jewelry changes should be delayed until fully healed (9-12 months). Premature changes can cause irritation or complications.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Floating belly button piercings typically require shorter, fitted curved barbells with small or flat tops to accommodate anatomy and healing needs.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Don’t remove your piercing jewelry unless it’s completely healed. Gently unscrew the top and slide the jewelry out. If difficult, seek professional help to avoid irritation.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Pain is person dependent but generally considered to be mild, described as a quick pinch or pressure. Discomfort may last a few days post-piercing.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

The cost of a belly button piercing ranges from $40-$100 for the piercing service fees before adding on the cost of your jewelry. All of which will vary, depending on the studio, jewelry material (e.g. solid gold, implant-grade titanium) as well as piercer expertise.

For more information on piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare