Ever since I was little I have been fascinated with piercings. They just looked so exotic and pretty to me. Unfortunately my mom and dad are totally against any type of piercing. I let it lie when I was younger but as soon as I got the internet I started researching any information I could get about piercings. Finally, when I turned thirteen my mom took me to get my earlobes pierced, but said she was never giving me permission for any other piercing.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When A month ago Artist not sure Studio Bodyworks Location Bloxwich I always liked the look of navel piercings but knew that there was no way that I was going to get parental consent, so I resigned myself to waiting until I turned 16. Anyway, a few things came up just before I turned 16 and a piercing was the furthest thing from my mind. However, I still really liked them and it was really just a matter of time until I got my next piercing.
I started doing some research about local piercers and found out that a local studio called Bodyworks had a good reputation. I was really nervous about going, especially as my mom and dad refused to come with me and all of my friends think I'm mad for liking piercings so much! I finally plucked up the courage and walked up into town until I was outside the shop. I was so nervous I actually walked past the shop SEVEN times before finally working up enough nerve to go inside.
I found out as soon as I went in that I had absolutely no reason to be nervous (unfortunately still was though). The lady behind the till was really friendly and went through the cost of the piercing. She told me I could have a ring if I wanted but after looking on here I realized that probably wasn't the best idea, even though it was a bit cheaper. I chose a plain stainless steel barbell (Jeweled barbells were more expensive) and then I was ready for the piercing.
So onto the actual piercing. First I had to sign a couple of forms confirming I was over 16 and a long form about my medical history. Then I had to wait a little while as the piercer was talking to a woman who wanted to get a tattoo. After that my piercer took me through to a small back room and went through the aftercare procedure with me and gave me a leaflet incase I forgot anything. This was a very good thing to be honest, as I was so nervous I didn't really take in much of what she was saying. She sterilized my navel with an alcohol wipe and then marked on my stomach the place where the piercing would go. I checked in the mirror and the dots looked level so I was ready to go!
I had to lie down on a cushioned table and my piercer clamped my navel. This didn't hurt at all to be honest, it just felt slightly strange. She didn't tell me before pushing the needle through but it honestly didn't hurt as much as I was expecting it to. It just felt like a sharp pinch. After that she put the jewelry in and then showed me my brand new piercing in the mirror. She then put a bandage over the piercing, I handed over £25 and it was done.
The walk home was a bit uncomfortable, not painful exactly but just very strange. With hindsight I should probably have got the bus as it was a 45 minute walk home but I finally made it and flopped down onto the sofa. I took the bandage off and read through the aftercare instructions. I've been cleaning it with sea salt soaks three times a day and so far the piercing looks great.
Most of the soreness wore off after a couple of days and now it's fine. It just twinges a bit if I catch the ball on my clothes. Also the crease line (from where you bend over) runs right through my bellybutton so I have to be careful. If you have a crease line like that I'd recommend thinking hard about whether you really want the piercing as my piercer said it makes it more likely to reject and also the soreness can last a bit longer. For me though, it was totally worth it.
It has only been a couple of weeks but I'm chuffed to bits with my new piercing. I'd definitely recommend Bodyworks in Bloxwich if you live anywhere close to Walsall/Birmingham. The studio was really clean and everyone inside was so friendly. Its definitely worth a visit.
To anyone who is interested in a navel piercing I say go for it, you won't regret it. Just make sure that you go to a shop that follows proper sterilization procedures and that you feel comfortable in, and make sure you know how to take care of it well.