Expert: Scott Fitzpatrick - 12/14/2006

Question
Hi my name is Michele i just got my belly button pirced. I just want to now how long does it take to heal?and how do I know if it is healing right.I cant feel it unless i move it.But if i don't keep lotion or Neosporne on it I can't twist it so easy as if i were to put Neosporn on it???

Answer
Hi Michele,
I am a firebreather, but I also have quite a few piercings, so I can probably answer that for you!

If memory serves me, then you should be looking at 3 months till it heals totally, but it should be painless between 1-2 months.
Expect to get some yellow-ish crust around the entrance and exit of the piercing, but keep it clean twice a day with either recommended solution from the piercing studio or... I always just used boiled water with plenty of salt, then let it cool a little and soak the piercing area in it. You could even just hold a jar of salt water and sealed it against your belly and swish the solution around.

My only other advice is to keep the piercing moving, twiddle the bar or spin the ring, but keep it moving - I mean about 6 times a day.
Try and have clean hands when you do this !

Remember - not everyone can accept piercings. There's always a slim chance your body will simply reject it even if you are very good at looking after it !

Take care, have fun and I hope it all goes well for you.

Scott
:)