Understanding Stretched Belly Button Piercings
Belly button piercings are a popular form of body art, but they can be susceptible to stretching, especially if you go through pregnancy. During pregnancy, the belly stretches, putting pressure on the navel and the surrounding skin. This stretching can cause the piercing to stretch, which can make the hole larger than it was initially. Stretching can also cause discomfort or pain. It might seem like a minor issue, but stretched piercing can cause the jewelry to become loose and fall out or cause infections. In this article, we will discuss how to fix stretched belly button piercing after pregnancy.
If you notice that your piercing is stretched, the first thing you need to do is stop wearing the jewelry. Taking out the jewelry can prevent further stretching and give the hole time to heal. However, before removing your jewelry, make sure that the hole is not in the process of healing. If the hole has already healed, it is essential to insert another piece of the jewelry within 24 hours. The jewelry helps to keep the hole in its original shape and prevents any more damage.
If you have stretched your piercing but still want to wear belly button jewelry, don’t worry. There are several ways to fix a stretched belly button piercing. One thing you can do is to opt for longer jewelry. In this way, the bar or ring will not put pressure on the piercing, making it less likely to stretch. Make sure to choose jewelry made from quality materials such as surgical steel or titanium to avoid irritation and infection.
You can also try using an insertion taper to slowly stretch the piercing back to its original size. This process involves inserting a smaller gauge jewelry and slowly increasing the size over time until it reaches the original size. However, it would be best if you were patient when using this method because it takes time to heal. Doing this in one sitting can cause the piercing to tear, making it even worse. Therefore, use this method slowly and gradually to prevent any damage.
Another way to fix a stretched belly button piercing is to opt for scar tissue revision surgery. This method involves removing the stretched area of the piercing and stitching together the remaining tissue. This process makes the piercing smaller and less noticeable. However, it is essential to discuss with your doctor this option, as it can be costly and may require a long recovery period.
In conclusion, if you have a stretched belly button piercing, it’s essential to take care of the issue to prevent further complications, such as infection or jewelry loss. As we have discussed, there are several ways to fix stretched belly button piercing after pregnancy. Whether it’s opting for longer jewelery, using insertion tapers or undertaking scar tissue revision surgery, it’s crucial to be patient and let the piercing heal over time, back to its original size.
Consulting with a Professional Piercer
If you have tried the home remedies and have not seen any significant results or if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about trying anything at home, schedule an appointment with a professional piercer. It is always best to seek professional help when it comes to fixing stretched belly button piercing after pregnancy. Expert piercers can give you clear guidance on how to handle your situation appropriately based on your unique needs.
During the consultation, the piercer will evaluate the degree of stretching and the condition of your piercing, determine if there are any infections, and recommend a suitable method of treatment for you. Some piercers may suggest gradually increasing the jewelry gauge or using a taper to widen the piercing gradually. Others may recommend a complete re-piercing.
While consulting with a piercer, it is essential to ensure that they are licensed and experienced in body piercing. Look for piercers who are certified by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). APP members follow strict health and safety guidelines and have extensive knowledge of different types of body piercings. They also use sterilized equipment and comply with all state health regulations.
It is essential to ask about the piercer’s experience in fixing stretched belly button piercings after pregnancy. Some piercers specialize in this area and are more knowledgeable and confident in performing this type of procedure. They will also be able to offer you valuable information on how to care for your piercing after the repair.
Before scheduling a consultation, it is important to research different piercers in your area and read reviews from previous clients. Look for recommendations from friends who may have had similar procedures. Take note of the piercer’s portfolio and ensure they have experience in piercing and repairing belly button piercings specifically.
During the consultation, be honest with the piercer about your experience with your piercing, any complications, and any concerns. They will consider this information when developing a personalized treatment plan for you.
While consulting with a piercer, take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have related to piercing care. Ask about the healing process, after-care instructions, and any potential complications that could arise.
Overall, seeking advice from a professional piercer is the safest and most reliable option when it comes to fixing stretched belly button piercings after pregnancy. With their expertise, they can guide you on the best treatment plan and minimize any risks of complications.
Gradual Stretching Exercise and Jewelry Change
After becoming a mother, a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes, and one of the physical changes that most women go through is a stretched or loosened navel piercing. One of the significant challenges that they face is to get their belly button piercing back to its original shape. Fortunately, there is something that can be done to fix a stretched belly button piercing after pregnancy. With proper care and a gradual stretching exercise, you can easily restore your navel piercing to its pre-pregnancy state.
Gradual Stretching Exercise:
The first thing to do to get back the original shape of your navel piercing is gradual stretching exercise. You cannot rush the process; thus, patience is needed. Stretching exercise is essential, but it must be done carefully and gradually. For safe and healthy healing, you should begin by massaging the area around your navel piercing in gentle circular motions with a warm, moist compress for a few minutes before and after each stretching session. This would help to improve the blood flow and flexibility of the skin in and around the piercing site.
After the warm compress and massage, you can start to stretch your piercing gradually. You can start by inserting a piece of jewelry that is one gauge larger than your current piercing (i.e., If you have a 14 gauge, insert a 12 gauge). The new bar should be inserted gently and twisted carefully to allow the surrounding tissue to make room for the new jewelry. You can wear this for about two to three weeks before moving to the next gauge. You should repeat this process with larger gauges until you reach the appropriate size for your navel piercing. Do not force or hurry the stretch and make sure to take note of any pain. If you feel pain, then reduce the gauge number and stretch gradually again.
It is important to note that everyone’s body is different, so it is best to listen to your body and conduct the stretching exercise in a healthy way. This gradual stretching will allow the piercing to grow and adjust naturally without tearing or causing infections. Additionally, it is believed that a gradual stretching exercise is less painful and will provide a higher chance of success for a full recovery.
Jewelry Change:
The jewelry you wear can also make a significant difference in the healing process of your belly button piercing after pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes, so the jewelry you wore before getting pregnant might not suit you now. A comfortable piece of jewelry will help to reduce the pressure on the piercing site by fitting correctly and ensuring that it does not snag on clothing or bedding which could lead to irritation and damage to the piercing site.
Selecting a jewelry type for a navel piercing can be a challenging task because there are numerous options available in the market. In general, a curved barbell or circular barbell with a wider diameter is recommended for pregnancy piercings. Additionally, it is vital to select a high-quality material that is capable of reducing the risk of infection, such as titanium or surgical steel, gold, and platinum. These materials are known for their low reactivity, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance, which are essential properties that will help to accelerate the healing process and reduce the risk of infection.
After your navel piercing has fully healed and recovered, which can take between six months to a year, you can change your jewelry style back to your usual preferred style. It is important to keep in mind that after a pregnancy, you may find that your skin type has changed, which could affect the choice of jewelry for your navel piercing.
In conclusion, with patience and the gradual stretching exercise, your stretched or loosened navel piercing can be restored to its pre-pregnancy state. Remember to always select comfortable and high-quality jewelry during the healing process to reduce the risk of complications. If you experience any problems, consult a reputable piercer who is able to guide and support you through the process of resuming an active lifestyle with a beautiful, healthy navel piercing.
Maintaining Good Hygiene Practices
After getting your belly button pierced, cleaning the area regularly should be a standard routine. Keeping your piercing clean is essential to prevent infections. However, maintaining good hygiene practices is even more critical, especially if you have recently given birth. Your piercing is susceptible during the healing process, which can prolong if not correctly taken care of.
In this section, we will look at essential hygiene tips to keep your belly button piercing intact and avoid further stretching after pregnancy.
1. Keep the Affected Area Clean and Dry
After getting your belly button piercing, ensure to clean the area with mild soap and warm water at least twice a day. When taking a shower, avoid using harsh soaps or body washes that may irritate the piercing. Use a clean and soft towel to pat the area dry gently. Avoid rubbing the area vigorously to prevent the jewelry from catching. If you notice any drainage or discharge from the piercing, it may be a sign of an infection. Contact your piercer or a medical professional immediately for assistance.
2. Avoid Touching the Piercing
Your hands carry lots of bacteria, and touching your piercing increases the risk of infection. Avoid touching your belly-button piercing unless when cleaning it. When cleaning, ensure your hands are clean before touching the area. If you have to touch it, do so with clean hands and avoid rotating or moving the jewelry around. Rotating the jewelry may cause trauma to the piercing, making it take a more extended time to heal.
3. Be Mindful of Clothes you Wear
The type of clothes you wear can affect the healing process. Tight-fitting clothes can irritate the piercing by rubbing against it, causing discomfort and prolonging the process. Wear clothes made of soft and breathable fabrics that do not cling too tight to the belly button area. Additionally, avoid wearing waistbands that sit on or touch the piercing area to prevent further stretching and discomfort.
4. Be Careful When Exercising and Resuming Normal Activities
After pregnancy, it is vital to start slowly when resuming normal activities, especially exercising. Over-stretching or sudden movements can cause the piercing to stretch and may lead to complications. Avoid exercises that strain the belly-button area like sit-ups, crunches, or any movement that puts pressure on the piercing. Remember to shower and clean the area after exercising or any activity that causes sweating to keep the piercing clean and dry.
By following these good hygiene practices, not only will your piercing heal faster, but it will also reduce the risk of infection, migration, and stretching. Remember, your piercing is a delicate process that requires a lot of care and attention.
Embracing the Healing Process and Patience
Healing after pregnancy is a gradual process, and one needs to embrace it for effective results. Achieving substantial healing of the stretched belly button piercing requires patience, and it’s not an overnight task. The reason behind this notion is due to the nature of the human body. Healing is a process that requires time to restore damaged tissues or wounds. In the case of stretched belly button piercing, the body needs time to heal and adjust to the new changes after pregnancy.
It is essential to give the belly button piercing some time to heal before attempting any corrective measure. During the healing process, strict hygiene measures should be put in place to avoid any infection or complications. Avoid exposing the belly button to water, rubbing or even sleeping on your stomach. Engage in minimal physical activity to avoid any body movements that may affect the piercing site.
It’s natural for individuals to want to speed up the healing process to restore the previous look. However, rushing the healing process can only lead to more damage and complications. One should avoid exercises, such as swimming or engaging in water sports activities, that may harm the healing piercing site. Be patient as you wait for the healing process to complete, as this guarantees effective results.
Patience is also crucial in achieving success when dealing with a stretched belly button piercing. In most cases, it takes more than six months for the healing process to complete. However, this may vary depending on the individual’s body’s healing process. Some may take longer to heal while others may have a shorter healing period.
Ensure you give your body ample time to heal before contemplating corrective measures. It may take up to six weeks after delivery for the belly button piercing site to heal fully. Once the belly button has healed, one should assess the extent of the damage that the piercing site has undergone. If the stretching is minimal, the individual may wait for the piercing site to recover on its own gradually. Avoid using any corrective measures during this time.
But if the stretching is severe, one may have to consider taking corrective measures to reverse the stretched belly button piercing. One should consult with a professional piercer to explore the available options. These may include getting a bigger gauge barbell, or reducing the size of the piercing hole. However, all these measures should only be taken when the belly button site is fully healed to avoid any complications.
In conclusion, it’s essential to embrace the healing process and be patient for effective results. During the healing process, one should maintain high hygiene standards and avoid any physical activities that may cause harm. The healing period may vary from one individual to another and may take up to six months to complete. To safeguard against any complications, corrective measures should only be taken when the belly button site is fully healed. Remember, patience is the key to achieving success in restoring your stretched belly button piercing.
