How Much Does a Belly Button Piercing Cost?

Thinking about getting a new belly button piercing? Let's walk through what to expect, from cost to pain levels and aftercare tips when you get a belly button piercing. With some basic knowledge, you can get ready to rock your new belly bling safely.

How Much Does a Belly Button Piercing Cost?

The average belly button piercing costs between $60 and $150+ (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) when you account for a new navel piercing with professional jewelry and proper aftercare. 

The total costs include:

• Piercing service fee - $30 to $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour)
• Initial jewelry - $20 to $80 (≈5.3 hours of your workday at a $15/hour wage)
• Aftercare spray - $10 to $15 (≈1 hour of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour)
• Tip for piercer - 15% to 20%

Belly Button Piercing Costs by Price Point

Belly button piercing prices can vary based on where you go and factors like:

Certified Tattoo Studios notes that the estimated range of belly button piercing costs is generally anywhere between $40 to $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) or more. The cost can be higher if more expensive jewelry is used.

AuthorityTattoo states that the cost of a belly button piercing can range from $30 to $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour). The website advises not to compromise on quality and to consider going with the best piercer to ensure a safe and sanitary piercing.

Byrdie on the other hand, says that the average cost of a belly button piercing is between $30 and $75 (≈5 hours of labor required at $15/hour).

FreshTrends has an article saying that the cost of a belly button piercing is reported to be between $30 and $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) for the piercing only, plus the cost of the piece of jewelry.

Anatomic Body Arts has an interesting approach, arguing that the cost of a belly button piercing is listed as $40 (≈2.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour) plus the cost of jewelry, which can range from $35 to $5000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) depending on the type of piercing jewelry.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Belly Button Piercing

• Shop's location and rents
• Piercer's skill level and experience
• Type of starter jewelry used
• Extra aftercare products provided
• Add-on services like express appointments

Higher-end shops and piercers in major cities charge more. Jewelry costs also cause pricing variation.

Additional Belly Button Piercing Costs

Beyond the initial piercing fees, other costs may include:

1. New jewelry after the swelling decreases - $20+ (≈1.3 hours of your life traded for $15/hour)
2. Medical bills if infection occurs - $100+ (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job)
3. Removal when you get bored of it - $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)

Not cleaning properly can lead to added expenses down the road.

Overview - Why Get Your Belly Button Pierced?

Belly button or "navel" piercings have become a popular form of body art and self-expression. A sparkly belly ring can be a cute addition for those who want to decorate their midriff. If done properly by a reputable piercer, it's relatively low risk and easy to care for during healing.

In this article, we'll overview the belly piercing process, what kind of jewelry is used, expected pain, healing time, aftercare, costs, and signs of trouble. Read on for a full guide so you can decide if a new navel piercing is right for your style.

What to Expect During the Belly Button Piercing Process

Getting your navel pierced involves a few simple steps:

1. The piercer marks the exact spot for placement with a pen. Stand normally to ensure proper positioning.
2. They sterilize the skin with an antibacterial solution to prepare the area.
3. Using a piercing needle, they quickly push the needle through the navel tissue. A straight pin can also sometimes be used.
4. The starter jewelry piece is inserted into the new hole. A curved barbell is most common for new piercings.
5. They review proper aftercare like cleaning techniques to prevent infection as it heals.

The process only takes a few minutes. Some pressure and very brief sharp pain are felt when the needle passes through the skin. But it's over quickly.

What Does a Belly Button Piercing Feel Like? Pain and Discomfort

Pain tolerance is somewhat personal, but most people describe the piercing sensation as:

• A quick, hot sting and pinch when the needle goes through.
• Moderate soreness like a bruise for a few days after.
• Mild lingering sensitivity when bumped or snagged over the first month.

Proper piercing technique from an expert minimizes discomfort. Follow their aftercare advice to reduce irritation. Within a week or two the new piercing should stop being sore.

You should also read our articles about the cost of nose piercing, body piercing, and elf ears surgery.

How Long Does It Take a Belly Button Piercing to Heal?

With proper cleaning and care, expect it to take:

• 6 to 8 weeks for initial healing of the wound.
• 3 to 6 months for complete maturation of the piercing channel.

Avoid changing jewelry or excessive handling during the first 2 months. After 6 months, the piercing should be fully stabilized allowing jewelry swaps.

Signs of normal healing include some crusting and discharge around the site as it mends itself. Redness and irritation beyond the first week may indicate problems.

Belly Piercing Aftercare and Cleaning

To prevent infection and encourage quick healing:

• Clean hands before touching the piercing. Avoid handling it unnecessarily.
• Use a saline spray or saltwater solution 2-3 times per day to clean the area.
• Aim shower water away from the piercing at first. Avoid pools, tubs, and hot tubs before it is fully healed.
• Let hot water run over soaked gauze then gently clean off crusting. Don't pick at it.
• Only twist or move the belly button piercing jewelry during cleaning at first. Otherwise, leave it alone while healing.

Proper navel piercing aftercare reduces risks and helps you get back to normal activities quicker after those first critical weeks.

Jewelry Used When You Get a Belly Button Piercing

Reputable piercers use medical-grade metals like:

• Surgical steel
• Titanium
• 14 karat gold
• Niobium

Avoid cheap jewelry that can irritate or infect the skin. Curved barbells are common for new piercings. After healing, you can go for:

• Captive bead rings
• Banana bell bars
• Dangles
• Gemstones and birthstones

Discuss jewelry options with your piercer to match your style. Quality metals prevent reactions.

Signs of a Belly Button Piercing Infection

Consult your piercer immediately if you notice:

• Severe redness and swelling
• Hot skin around the piercing
• Excessive yellow/green discharge
• Foul odor
• Itchy rash around the site

Mild sensitivity is normal during healing, but excess irritation could indicate a bacterial or fungal infection. Have it checked promptly to avoid complications.

Tips for an Easy, Hassle-Free Belly Button Piercing Experience

To make your piercing go smoothly:

• Verify that the studio scans IDs and uses sterile needles.
• Request an experienced piercer who focuses on navel piercings.
• Have a hearty meal beforehand to avoid getting lightheaded.
• Opt for a basic steel or titanium starter jewel to be safest.
• Set phone reminders for cleaning twice daily.
• Avoid tight clothing rubbing on the new piercing.
• Make your follow-up checkup 4-6 weeks later.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Belly Button Piercing

To get an affordable navel cartilage piercing:

• Check for studios running promotions or discounts
• Use a basic steel or titanium starter jewel
• Provide your own simple jewelry if allowed
• Use the cheapest effective aftercare spray or saline solution
• Take advantage of any student, military, or first-timer deals
• Consider getting two piercings at once for potential bundled pricing