Are you dealing with a stretched belly button piercing? It’s not the end of the world, and there are ways to fix it. With a little bit of care and patience, you can get your piercing back to normal. Here’s what you need to know about how to fix a stretched belly button piercing. If your belly button piercing is stretched, you can do a few things to fix it.
First, try using a smaller gauge bead or ring. If that doesn’t work, you may need to get the piercing repierced with a smaller gauge needle. You can also try taping the piercing closed overnight to see if that helps shrink the hole. If none of these methods work, you may need to see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for help. Keep reading to learn more!
Summary: Stretched belly button piercings can be easily fixed and helped with some simple home remedies. To begin, soak the piercing regularly in a mixture of warm water and sea salt or Epsom salt for 10 minutes several times a day. After soaking, try massaging the area to help realign the skin with the piercing.
If needed, apply local anesthetic cream to reduce pain during massage. Additionally, keep the piercing area clean by washing it twice daily with a mild soap. Finally, avoid tight clothing over the area and use gentle pressure to push out any excess fluid from the piercing if possible.
14 Steps on How to Fix a Stretched Belly Button Piercing
Step 1: Assess the Severity of the Stretched Piercing
Begin by examining your belly button piercing to determine the extent of the stretching. Take note of any signs of damage, such as tearing, inflammation, or infection. This assessment will help you decide on the most appropriate course of action to fix the stretched piercing.
Step 2: Remove the Jewelry
If your piercing is stretched, it’s essential to remove the jewelry to prevent further damage and irritation. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing, then gently remove the jewelry, taking care not to pull or tug on the stretched skin.
Step 3: Clean the Piercing
With the jewelry removed, it’s crucial to keep the piercing clean to avoid infection. Use a saline solution or a mild, fragrance-free soap to clean the area gently. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can be too harsh and delay the healing process. Make sure to clean the piercing at least twice a day.
Step 4: Monitor the Healing Process
Once the jewelry is removed and the piercing is clean, it’s essential to monitor the healing process closely. Look for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or increased pain. If any of these symptoms are present, consult a professional piercer or a healthcare provider for further guidance.
Step 5: Allow Time for the Piercing to Close
If the stretching is minimal, you may be able to allow the piercing to close on its own over time. This process can take several weeks to several months, depending on your body’s healing capabilities and the size of the stretched hole. During this time, continue to clean the area and avoid inserting any jewelry.
Step 6: Consider Repiercing
If the stretched hole has closed or reduced in size, you may consider repiercing the area. However, it’s essential to wait until the area is fully healed and free of any signs of infection or inflammation. Consult a professional piercer for their advice on whether repiercing is appropriate in your specific case.
Step 7: Choose Appropriate Jewelry
When selecting jewelry for your new piercing, opt for high-quality, hypoallergenic materials, such as implant-grade titanium, surgical steel, or niobium. Additionally, consider choosing a piece of jewelry with a thicker gauge to help reduce the risk of stretching in the future.
Step 8: Follow Proper Aftercare
After getting your belly button repierced, it’s crucial to follow proper aftercare guidelines to promote healing and prevent future stretching. These guidelines typically include:
- Cleaning the piercing with a saline solution or mild soap daily
- Avoiding swimming pools, hot tubs, or other bodies of water that may introduce bacteria
- Refraining from touching the piercing with unwashed hands
- Avoiding tight or restrictive clothing that may irritate the piercing
- Not changing the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, typically 6-12 months
Step 9: Avoid Activities That May Cause Stretching
To prevent your belly button piercing from stretching again, avoid activities that put excessive pressure on the area or that may catch on the jewelry. This can include wearing tight or high-waisted clothing, engaging in high-impact sports, or participating in activities that involve frequent bending or stretching of the abdomen.
Step 10: Consult a Professional
If you are unsure about the best course of action to fix your stretched belly button piercing, consult a professional piercer or a healthcare provider for advice. They can assess the severity of the stretching and recommend the most appropriate steps to take for your specific situation.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can effectively address a stretched belly button piercing and enjoy a healthy, attractive piercing for years to come. Remember that patience and proper care are critical during the healing process, as rushing or neglecting aftercare can lead to complications or further stretching.
Step 11: Consider Alternatives to Traditional Belly Button Piercings
If you find that your piercing continues to stretch even after taking the necessary precautions, you may want to explore alternative options, such as dermal anchors or surface piercings. These types of piercings may be less prone to stretching, depending on their placement and your individual anatomy. Consult a professional piercer to discuss the most suitable options for your specific needs and preferences.
Step 12: Stay Informed on Piercing Best Practices
To ensure the long-term health of your belly button piercing, stay informed on best practices for piercing care and maintenance. Regularly consult reputable sources, such as professional piercers, piercing organizations, or healthcare providers, for the latest information on proper care and the prevention of complications.
Step 13: Maintain Overall Skin Health
Taking care of your skin can contribute to the health and longevity of your belly button piercing. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay well-hydrated, and nourish your skin with a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, using gentle, fragrance-free skincare products and avoiding harsh chemicals or irritants can help keep your skin healthy and reduce the risk of complications related to your piercing.
Step 14: Be Patient and Realistic
It’s essential to be patient and have realistic expectations when dealing with a stretched belly button piercing. Understand that the healing process can take time and that the outcome may not always be perfect. Focus on taking the necessary steps to address the issue and care for your piercing properly, and remember that there may be limitations to what can be achieved based on your individual circumstances.
By following these steps and keeping a patient, diligent approach to caring for your stretched belly button piercing, you can work towards a successful resolution and enjoy a healthy, attractive piercing for years to come. Remember that consulting a professional piercer or healthcare provider when necessary is key to ensuring the best possible outcome for your piercing.
Tips to Prevent Stretched Belly Button Piercing
- Clean your piercing regularly with saline solution or a mild soap.
- Gently rotate the jewelry in your piercing to help keep it stretched evenly.
- Apply a topical ointment or cream to help keep the skin around your piercing healthy.
- Avoid playing with or touching your piercing excessively.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent friction against the piercing.
- Take care when removing clothing to avoid snagging the piercing.
- Seek professional help if you cannot fix the stretched piercing on your own.
Safety Precautions and Advice
1. Before attempting to fix a stretched belly button piercing, take some safety precautions. Make sure your hands are clean and that you are wearing gloves.
2. If the skin around your piercing is swollen or inflamed, do not attempt to fix it yourself. See a doctor instead.
3. If the hole in your navel is larger than 1/4 inch, do not attempt to fix it yourself. See a doctor instead.
4. If you have any other health concerns, consult with a doctor before attempting to fix your stretched belly button piercing.
5. If you are pregnant, do not attempt to fix your stretched belly button piercing.
6. If you are under the age of 18, do not attempt to fix your stretched belly button piercing without parental supervision.
What to Do if Your Piercing is Stretched?
If your piercing is stretched, you can do a few things to help it heal. One option is to use a retainer or jewelry designed specifically for stretched piercings. Another option is to use a piece of tape to help reduce the size of the hole. You can also use a topical ointment like Neosporin to help keep the area clean and free of infection.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, you may also want to consider taking ibuprofen or another pain reliever. It is also important to keep the area clean and dry, so regularly rinse it with warm water and soap. Finally, if your piercing does not seem to be healing correctly, or if you experience any signs of infection, be sure to see a doctor.
Why Should You Fix a Stretched Belly Button Piercing?
A stretched belly button piercing can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment. It may also lead to infection if not treated properly. Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix a stretched belly button piercing. One method is to use a belly button ring retainer. This is a small, flexible piece of plastic that slips over the top of the ring post and holds it in place. The retainer can be worn during activities such as swimming and working out and helps to keep the piercing from stretching further.
Another method is to use a belly button ring with a smaller diameter. If the original ring is too large, it can cause the piercing to stretch. A smaller ring will help to keep the piercing in its original size. Finally, if the stretched belly button piercing is causing pain or discomfort, it may need to be surgically corrected. This is a more invasive option, but it may be necessary if severely stretched piercing.
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What Causes Stretched Belly Button Piercing?
One of the most common causes of a stretched belly button piercing is over-stretching. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally. When a piercing is over-stretched, the jewelry can no longer fit comfortably, and the piercing becomes elongated. Another cause of a stretched belly button piercing is wearing too large jewelry for the piercing.
This can also happen unintentionally if you change your jewelry size without properly gauging your piercing first. Wearing tight clothes around the waist can also cause a stretched belly button piercing. This is because of the pressure from the clothes against the piercing.
What Is Belly Button Reshaping Surgery?
Belly button reshaping surgery, also known as umbilicoplasty, is a procedure that is used to correct a stretched belly button piercing. This surgery is a more invasive option and is typically only used if the piercing is severely stretched.
The surgeon will incise the belly button and remove excess skin. They may also tighten the surrounding muscles. This surgery is typically performed on adults who have had their belly button pierced for a long time and have not been able to fix the piercing on their own.
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Final Words
Stretched belly button piercings are a type of body modification growing in popularity. However, they can also be difficult to fix and often require surgery. The first step in fixing a stretched belly button piercing is understanding the stretching cause.
There are many reasons why people stretch their belly button piercings, but the most common reasons are to change the appearance or because it has become too comfortable to wear a ring or other jewelry in the piercing. Once you understand the cause of the stretching, you can begin to take steps to fix it.
If your stretched piercing was caused by wearing too much jewelry, you will need to stop wearing jewelry until it heals. We hope this blog post has given you some clarity on how to fix a stretched belly button piercing. If you have any questions or want to know more, then feel free to comment below!