How long does a navel piercing take to heal?

6 to 12 months. It is a slower heal than most people expect because the area moves with your body and clothing. High-waisted waistbands and gym belts can irritate it, so plan accordingly.

Does my navel anatomy work for a piercing?

Usually, and your piercer checks the rim depth in person before anything is pierced. If a standard navel piercing will sit under pressure, we will tell you and suggest a placement that will hold better.

Can I go swimming after a navel piercing?

Not while it is healing. Pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean all carry bacteria that a fresh piercing cannot handle. Wait until your piercer confirms it is fully healed.

How much does a navel piercing cost?

Piercings start at $40, with jewelry priced separately. Decorative dangles cost more than a plain titanium barbell, and you will see the exact price before we pierce.

Body piercing

Navel Piercing in Riverside, CA

A navel piercing passes through the rim of skin above the navel, not through the navel itself, and takes a curved barbell or a decorative dangle. It is one of the most requested placements we do, and anatomy plays a real part: whether the rim has enough depth to hold the jewelry without pressure. At Arcane Ink in Riverside, your piercer checks the rim first, then pierces with a single-use needle and fits implant-grade titanium. Healing takes 6 to 12 months.

Quick facts

Price from: $40 + jewelry
Healing time: 6–12 months
Pain level: Medium
Piercer: Brandon Medina

Healing & aftercare

What healing looks like

A navel piercing typically takes 6–12 months to heal. Keep it clean with sterile saline spray twice a day, do not touch or twist it, keep it dry after showers, and avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean until it is fully settled.

Full aftercare for navel piercings

Come back for a free downsize check once the swelling drops. Changing jewelry early is the most common cause of irritation, so let your piercer do it.

Jewelry