Piercing Piercing Experiences Body & Surface Navel Piercing

The Bellybutton Diaries (and Freehand Studio Piercing)

I've wanted by bellybutton done for ages, but I really couldn't decide what I wanted, or if I was committed enough to take care of the damned thing. Finally, July came around, and after much asking around, I decided that I wanted a standard, 14 ga. ring, and I wanted it done at a studio in Calgary, Alberta, entitled "Bee Cool".

I really wish I could say that I went there because it was obviously the best choice. Though I now feel that it was, at the time, I just went because it was the one closest to my house, and the only one that could fit me in on a Friday evening.
July 20th, 2001.

So, after booking appointments, myself and a couple of friends piled on the train. We arrived at a small, clean-looking studio, and took a seat on the couches. I browsed through the books from the two artists, and immediately preferred Rob's style. Besides, he'd done plenty of piercing on my friends, and came highly recommended.

Out of the three girls, I was up first, and I was quite relieved when I was taken into the back room, and introduced to my piercer-- Rob. I had my choice of rings and beads, and I chose a stainless steel captive bead ring, with a small purple bead.

Rob cleaned my bellybutton and marked it with a little dot, all the while making jovial conversation.

I told him that I was a wuss, and he mentioned a ninja philosophy that comforted me-- "Pain is weakness leaving the body".

He asked me if the dot was all right, and I thought the placing was perfect. He laid me down, and explained that he wasn't going to use a clamp. Rob does freehand piercing, basically meaning that he uses no tools other than a needle. This reassured me, seeing as everyone else said that the clamp hurt the most.

So, he told me to take a deep breath, and that I'd feel a pinch-and that was all I felt. Granted, I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but personally, it didn't hurt at all. He popped the ring in, and explained that I should clean twice daily with organic lavender soap, and saline (salt water).

He suggested only using natural soaps on it (such as the lavender bar), wearing clean clothes, no swimming, and sleeping on clean bed sheets. He also advised that I stay away from boys, "Because they're dirty,". Makes sense to me.

I was off, and fine for the rest of the night. Both of my friends had other piercings done-- their tragus and eyebrow respectively-- and had equally flawless experiences.

Granted, I couldn't sleep on my stomach, but it really wasn't that bad.

July 21st, 2001.

My bellybutton is a bit sensitive today; it hurts when my pants bump it, so I have to wear low-rise jeans. Cleaning is easy and painless. Thankfully, it's not red at all. I consistently make everyone at work bend down & lift things for me, but I probably could do it myself... Suckers.

July 23rd, 2001.

Unfortunately, my bellybutton was caught on my pants today, and started to bleed. It doesn't hurt at all, but it was a bit of a mess. I cleaned it really well, and it was fine.

July 25th, 2001.

I rode my horse for the first time today, and I had to tape gauze over my ring to avoid irritation. It's rather red nowadays, but not horribly so.

July 26th, 2001.

Okay, so I can apparently do everything I a normally do-- everything except fool around. It's a bit of a mood wrecker when, while heatedly making out with my boyfriend, I start squealing "Ohmigod watch the bellybutton!" I don't think he was impressed.

August 1st, 2001.

My bellybutton doesn't hurt at all anymore; it's still red, and I still clean it twice daily. I can now even sleep on my stomach.

August 12th, 2001.

Oops. I wasn't supposed to go swimming, but I did. I was careful to clean it really well afterwards.
September 19th, 2001.

It's been two months and I keep forgetting to update this, mainly because there are no problems. I've had no infections this far (even after swimming), and although the area is still slightly red, it looks quite healed. I still clean it twice, daily. It doesn't hurt at all, ever-- and I don't regret it. I love it, and my boyfriend is even thrilled with the way it looks--and yes, we can make out again, so if that's a priority in your life, don't be concerned. I'd recommend navel piercing to anyone, and I'd especially recommend Bee Cool, Rob, and his freehand piercing.

Next month, I'm going to get a second piercing, this time below my navel. So, look for more Bellybutton Diaries to come. Good luck to all.