Which Is Better, Top Belly Button Piercing Or Bottom Belly Piercing?

Last Updated on November 3, 2023

Both top or bottom belly button piercings appear really stylish and simple, yet they are among the slowest healing and most painful piercings.

With so many various types of jewelry alternatives available, belly piercing is a popular fashion trend.

When a person decides to have a belly button piercing, one of the first questions that come to mind is whether they should get a top or bottom belly piercing.

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When making this choice, there are a few things to take into account. Before making a final decision, you should ensure you are well informed of all the potential consequences of getting your belly punctured.

After reading this article, you will be able to confidently select whether to have a top or bottom belly button piercing.

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What is a belly button piercing?

A belly button piercing, often called a navel piercing, is a form of body modification where a small hole is created in the skin and soft tissue surrounding the navel, typically either through the upper rim of the navel or just below it.

This piercing is popular for self-expression and aesthetic enhancement, with various jewelry options, such as curved barbells, captive bead rings, and decorative charms.

A professional piercer should perform the procedure in a clean and sterile environment to minimize the risk of infection or complications.

After the piercing, proper aftercare is crucial, involving regular cleaning with a saline solution and avoiding activities that could disrupt the healing process.

With diligent care, a belly button piercing can be a striking and stylish addition to one’s body art repertoire.

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Which material is commonly used for a belly button piercing?

The jewelry material commonly used for a belly button piercing is typically surgical stainless steel, titanium, or biocompatible materials like niobium or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

These materials are preferred because they are less likely to cause allergic reactions or complications during healing. Here’s a brief overview of these materials:

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Surgical Stainless Steel

Surgical stainless steel is one of the best for body jewelry, including belly button piercings. It is known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties.

High-quality surgical stainless steel is often used for initial piercings.

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Titanium

Titanium is another best way for body jewelry due to its lightweight, hypoallergenic, and non-reactive properties. It is often recommended for people with metal sensitivities or allergies.

Niobium

 Niobium is a biocompatible metal that is highly resistant to corrosion. It is often used for body jewelry and is considered safe for those with metal allergies or sensitivities.

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)

PTFE is a flexible, non-metallic material sometimes used for initial piercings. It is known for its bio-compatibility and is particularly useful for people with metal allergies.

When getting a belly button piercing, discussing jewelry material options with a professional piercer is crucial. They can recommend the most suitable material based on your needs, allergies, and preferences.

Additionally, after the initial healing period, you may have the option to switch to different types of decorative jewelry, including materials like gold, silver, or gemstones, as long as they are body-safe and don’t irritate your piercing.

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Different Types Of Belly Button Piercing

It would be best if you were prepared for the commitment you’re making because there are many various types of belly button piercings, each of which has advantages and disadvantages of its own.

An Upper Belly Button Piercing

This is the most popular choice but not universally suitable. Around 50% of individuals benefit from this style. To ensure comfort, your navel should have a noticeable shelf and not collapse excessively when sitting or leaning over.

Keep in mind that this type may cause discomfort due to the movement of your navel during healing.

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Lower Belly Button Piercing

Ideal for those with broader navels, this style resembles the upper piercing but terminates lower on the body. However, it carries a slightly higher risk of healing complications.

Double Belly Button Piercing

If you’re ready to take on some extra maintenance, getting both a lower and upper belly button piercing at once is the best choice. This piercing is especially for those who want to go all out and glam up their belly button.

When you receive a double piercing, professionals advise you to expect a lengthier recovery period and more discomfort.

Dermal Belly Button Piercing

Dermal belly button piercing or microdermals are an option for persons with insufficient tissue gaps.

In my experience, these single-point surface piercings mimic traditional navel piercings, with a captivating gemstone emerging from the apex of petite studs strategically placed beneath the skin.

In contrast to the typical navel piercing, which heals quite quickly, they require a little more treatment and take a little longer to cure.

Floating Navel Piercing

Although a “floating navel” might resemble a dermal piercing, they are actually rather unlike. “People frequently pierce their navels for the first time using floating navels.

With current piercing methods becoming more mainstream, they are becoming trendy.

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People with deeper-set navels or those whose navels collapse when they sit down should get floating navels.

The jewelry is minor at the bottom, within the navel, usually a little bead or disc, and it can be just as simple at the top or have a really interesting adornment.

What Determines Whether You Should Have The Top Or Bottom Done?

Anyone can have a belly piercing, but it’s essential to consider a few factors before deciding between a top or bottom belly button piercing. 

There are several belly piercing styles, and each one creates a very trendy appearance. One of the primary factors to keep in mind is the amount of skin flap you have.

If you want to have a top belly piercing, it is recommended to go through the top if there is a healthy flap of skin on the top of your belly button.

This is crucial because it makes it simpler for piercing artists to use the right equipment to puncture the skin and speeds up the healing process.

A belly button piercing can take a very long time to heal, so it’s crucial that you take all the necessary aftercare measures to ensure that it heals properly and quickly.

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If you decide to get a belly ring on the top, another thing to think about is how much space there is still behind and below the flap so that the region doesn’t become contaminated or irritated during the healing process because of the likelihood of irritation is exceptionally high.

When considering whether to puncture the bottom of your belly button, consider how much skin flap you possess at the top.

When the top skin flap is insufficiently thick, many only think of getting their belly button pierced at the bottom.

If this is the case, you can alternatively choose the lower lip of the belly button.

The major factor determining whether you should get the piercing on top of your belly button or below it is if you have solid skin on either side of it.

Consult a skilled belly piercer or a person who may already possess one if you’re still unsure about the ideal location for the piercing. They can direct you and assist in the location selection.

How to Care for Your Belly Button Piercing?

If you stick to a few straightforward guidelines, maintaining your belly button piercing will be simple:

• When cleaning your piercing, especially while it is healing, use natural, skin-sensitive materials. A cotton ball or Q-tip dipped in a lukewarm saltwater solution works quite well.

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• Make sure to use a fresh paper towel to dry your piercing. Infection or irritation risks will be eliminated as a result.
• Keep your original jewelry in place while the piercing heals.
• Do not touch or play with your piercing excessively, especially if you have not entirely sanitized your hands before. Irritation or infection may result from this.

Is My Belly Button Correct For A Piercing?

There is no universal rule regarding the ideal belly button for receiving a piercing. It’s important to remember that everyone can choose to get one done, regardless of their belly button type.

However, there are a few crucial aspects to consider when undergoing the piercing procedure, such as the amount of skin surrounding your belly button.

It’s essential to have adequate skin to ensure the belly button piercing sits comfortably and facilitates a smooth piercing process.

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To reduce the risk of problems, it is better to have stronger abdominal muscles that are not too loose around the belly button.  

In my experience, issues are less likely when abdominal muscles are tighter and more defined.

It varies from person to person; however, some individuals find that having a belly button piercing too close to their core can make it rip since the piercing can’t sit correctly in this situation.

It’s essential to check that your skin is flexible enough to accommodate a belly button piercing while also being neither too tight nor too loose to prevent improper healing.

In all the excitement of obtaining a belly piercing, it is easy to become distracted by listing off the items you must consider.

This is one of the factors you should be sure to use a piercer who already has received professional training.

A skilled piercer can assess whether your belly button is large enough for a piercing and may recommend whether a top or bottom piercing is the best option.

This guidance can help eliminate the possibility of infection or a protracted recovery process.

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What Are The Potential Consequences Of Picking The Incorrect Area To Pierce?

Because you have the option of piercing your belly at the top or bottom, select the correct one. This is by looking for adequate skin to retain the piercing and ensure a thorough healing process.

You can end up regretting getting a belly button piercing in the first place if you fail to follow the instructions and pick the incorrect spot. The following are some potential adverse effects:

Belly Piercing Infection

You have a greater chance of developing an infection in the belly piercing. This can cause extreme discomfort, swelling, and redness.

This might worsen if you don’t follow the aftercare guidelines provided by your piercer.

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Rashes

If your belly button piercing is done poorly or there is not enough skin to support the piercing location, you may develop rashes.

Rashes frequently appear when discomfort begins, and they may also be brought on by the substance of the jewelry.

As a result, you must be certain that the jewelry you choose for your piercing is of high quality. Also, make sure that you are not allergic to it.

Piercing Discharge

After getting a belly piercing, white fluid discharge is a typical reaction and a necessary part of the healing process. However, when anything is wrong, the color of the discharge frequently turns yellow.

The discharge signifies that you might want expert assistance or should get your piercing removed.

Cleaning up after the discharge may sometimes be difficult. The last thing you want to do is continually touch the piercing site.

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Can I Have A Double Belly Button Punctured In One Session?

If you want both the lower and upper belly buttons punctured, the apex and two sides, or another arrangement, you can potentially have a quadruple, triple, or double punctured navel in one session – if you are able to tolerate it.

Multiple piercings will go more smoothly if your piercer works rapidly and completes them all while your energy still flows.

If you’re getting several piercings at once, you might also want to request that a topical anesthetic be given to the belly button region before.

Despite the fact that you can receive a double-pierced belly button in a single session, it can be advisable to start with one piercing.

See how it heals, and then think about adding to your collection later. It would be preferable to lose only one piercing if your body rejects the one there. Otherwise, you could get unsightly scars all over your belly button area.

Guidance on changing your piercing

Changing a piercing requires a delicate and hygienic approach to minimize the risk of infection or injury.

Before attempting to change your jewelry, it’s essential to ensure that your piercing is fully healed, which typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the type of piercing.

Prepare a clean workspace and wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap to prevent contamination.

Soak the piercing in a sterile saline solution for a few minutes to soften any crust or debris, making it easier to remove the existing jewelry.

You can wear disposable gloves to reduce contact with the piercing if needed. Gently unscrew or unclasp the old jewelry, not forcing it.

Please insert the new jewelry carefully, following the direction of the piercing, and ensure it’s securely fastened. Afterward, clean the area around the piercing with saline solution and observe it for any signs of infection.

Please continue your regular aftercare routine, which may include cleaning the piercing and avoiding touching it with dirty hands.

Continuously monitor the healing process and seek professional advice if you encounter complications or unusual symptoms.

If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, consider consulting a professional piercer for assistance to ensure a safe and comfortable jewelry change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Use Titanium And Surgical Steel As Belly Button Piercing Jewelry?

As an expert, I advise using titanium or surgical steel for your initial belly button piercing jewelry. After 3 to 6 months, if it’s safe for your piercing, you can consider switching to other materials like PTFE.

When changing jewelry, it’s best to consult your piercer for assistance, as it can be challenging to do independently, especially the first time. This ensures proper care and avoids complications in the healing process.

What are Reverse Belly Button Rings?

Reverse belly button rings, also called top-down belly button rings, are designed for traditional belly piercings.

Unlike regular belly button rings that go through the bottom navel hole, these piercings are inserted through the top lip.

They feature a decorative top or threaded end instead of the usual ball above your belly button. You can also use them for lower belly button piercings, offering a unique and stylish alternative to the conventional style.

If you’re considering them, consult your piercer for expert guidance on the transition.

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Is Belly Piercing Safe?

In my experience, the safety of belly piercing varies from person to person, and it’s essential to consider some critical factors.

Due to the belly button’s unique structure, many people are concerned about its safety.

It’s important to remember that this piercing is more susceptible to infection than piercings in other body areas. Bacteria can easily hide inside it, posing a potential risk.

To ensure safety, the piercing procedure must use a sterile needle to avoid contracting life-threatening illnesses like hepatitis or tetanus.

If you plan to get a belly piercing, it’s best to consult a professional piercer who follows strict hygiene practices to minimize any risks associated with the procedure.